Paranasal Sinuses: 5 Facts To Know
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities located between the bones of the skull and whose function is multiple: they facilitate breathing, speech, smell and regulation of the internal temperature.
It is curious that we hardly ever notice certain structures in our body until, at a given moment, a problem, a disease, an alteration appears. Anyone who has suffered from sinusitis, for example, will certainly know where the sinuses are.
These structures produce a thick liquid in order to contain certain bacteria and protect us from them ; if this mucus is in excess it ends up filling the cavities and causing inflammation.
It is a troublesome process common to millions of people, one of the numerous medical conditions affecting these delicate and curious structures of our anatomy that we wish to describe today. Below we present 5 data on sinuses that we hope will be of interest to you.
5 data on the paranasal sinuses
1. How many sinuses are there?
We have a total of 8 sinuses, 4 on each side of the nose. Let’s see some interesting information about them.
Maxillary sinuses
- The maxillary sinus is the largest of all paranasal sinuses.
- It has a pyramidal shape and an approximate capacity of 15ml.
- When we are born, these breasts are very small and widen at age 8 or 9, running down from the top to the bottom of the nose.
Frontal sinuses
- They measure approximately 3 cm in height and 2.5 cm in width. They are two cavities separated by the interfrontal septum.
- They are connected to the trigeminal nerve, so they cause more pain when inflamed.
Ethmoidal sinuses
- These sinuses are actually a collection of ethmoidal cells, like small labyrinths formed in turn by the lacrimal bones.
Sphenoid sinuses
- These breasts form fully when we turn 14 or 15.
- They have a capacity of approximately 7.5ml.
What do the sinuses contain?
At the beginning of the article we said that inside these cavities there is only air. It must be said, however, that although they are largely filled with air, these spaces within our face are not entirely empty.
The nasal and paranasal sinuses are lined with a respiratory mucosa. This mucosa is made up of an epithelium, which is a thin layer of mucous cells that are well attached to the adjacent bone or cartilage.
Its function is multiple. On the one hand, it aims to improve humidification and heating of the air before it enters our interior. On the other hand, these cells also produce “mucus” to protect us from possible bacteria and foreign elements, preventing them from entering the body.
3. Why are the sinuses inflamed?
When we catch a cold or when we suffer from allergies, an overgrowth of bacteria and germs occurs in the paranasal cavity, which produces a bacterial or viral infection.
Most sinus infections are viral in nature and go away on their own in a short time. However, sometimes the infection escalates, causing 3 ailments :
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is a very common condition associated with the simple cold. If the source is viral, it heals in a few days, but if it is a bacterial infection, it could last up to four weeks.
Subacute sinusitis
In this case, the problem is more serious and, above all, annoying. It is closely related to allergies and can last two to three months. It usually causes:
- Constant mucus
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Photosensitivity.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is very debilitating. It lasts more than 3 months and surgery is often required.
4. Why do some people suffer from sinus infections more than others?
All of us, at any time, can suffer from sinusitis. However, some medical conditions and risk factors can increase this possibility. Let’s see them:
- Deviated nasal septum
- Nasal polyps
- Work in an environment where there are pollutants
- Living in a heavily polluted city
- Living in a house where there is a lot of mold or humidity
- Dental infections can lead to inflammation of the sinuses
- Weak immune system
- Being a smoker
5. How can we fight sinus infections?
In case the paranasal inflammation lasts more than two weeks, it is advisable to go to the doctor. After having received a correct diagnosis and a specific medical and pharmacological treatment, it is possible to implement simple strategies at home to promote healing. Some examples:
- Steaming with water and salt
- Infusions and vapors with mint and eucalyptus
- Infusions and vapors of rosemary
- Poultice of radish and chopped onion
- Infusion of ginger and honey
Last but not least, naps and breaks will help us strengthen our immune system so that, on its own, it can cope with the infection.
