Sinusitis: Causes Symptoms & Treatment

Paranasal sinuses are vital air spaces which are present around the nose and play an integral part in breathing and humidification of air. They also produce mucus which helps to trap various particles (including harmful microorganisms) and thereby serve a protective function.

- DR. ISHAN SARDESAI

There are 4 main groups of paranasal sinuses. The frontal sinus located just above the nose, the ethmoid sinus located in the upper part of the nose, the sphenoid sinus in the region behind the nose and the maxillary sinus located in the cheek region. These sinuses are named based on the bone in which they are present.

Mucus drains through these sinuses in a particular pattern which helps to keep the nasal cavity and surrounding region healthy.

A blockage in the mucus drainage pathway can result in stagnation of secretions in the sinus cavity. This can then lead to infection and result in inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. Inflammation of the sinuses is known as sinusitis. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic in nature.