Sinus Infection - Causes and Symptoms
Annually, approximately 37 million Americans suffer from the common ailment known as sinus infection. Sinuses are air cavities within the facial bones of the skull, covered by mucous membranes similar to those in other parts of the airways.
In these membranes, there are microscopic hair-like protrusions, called Cilia, which sweep back and forth every 10 seconds on average. This sweeping motion clears the mucus that is produced by the sinuses into the back of the nose and swallowed unconsciously by us.
Mucus is produced naturally by the sinuses to trap foreign particles, viruses, bacteria and other allergens from the air we breathe in before they enter the lungs. Normal mucus is thin, a little sticky and with a slippery feel.
If cilia function is impaired, viruses are allowed to stay longer in the nasal areas which then become an ideal home for them to multiply and proliferate. This results in the mucous membranes becoming inflamed and they produce thicker, sticky mucus.
The cilia are unable to perform its function to clear the sticky and heavy mucus. Nasal congestion takes place and the lack of natural ventilation in the sinus cavities allow bacteria to multiply rapidly. A bacterial sinus infection takes place.
The benefit of maintaining healthy cilia function is that we could avoid unecessary suffering from illnesses such as the common cold, viral influenza and sinus infection.
Causes of sinus infection
1. As explained above, poor cilia function is a major cause of sinus infection
2. Abnormal anatomy of the nose. Some people are born with a deviated septum. The nasal septum is the wall dividing the nasal cavity into two halves. A deviated septum results in obstruction to normal airflow through the affected side of the nasal passage.
3. Nasal polyps. Sinus polyps are teardrop-shaped, non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages. The resultant nasal congestion can lead to a sinus infection.
4. Abnormally large inferior turbinates. Unfortunately, some people have large inferior turbinates. These can cause chronic nasal congestion especially when there is an allergy.
Sinus infection symptoms
1. Nasal obstruction or clogged nose. This is caused by inflammation of the mucosa.
2. Sinus pain. Pain and discomfort in the areas of the affected sinuses. For example, pain in the areas around the cheek points to a maxillary sinus infection.
3. Sinus infection mucus. With an acute bacterial sinus infection, the mucus would be yellow to green color. A chronic sinus infection produces mucus which may not be colored but its texture would be thick and glue-like.
How to maintain the healthy state of our cilia?
1. Do not smoke. Smoking causes the cilia to become paralyzed and dysfunctional
2. Avoid getting the common cold and viral influenza. Sinus infections usually come after these illnesses. Each subsequent sinus infection causes more cilia to become damaged.
3. Perform nasal irrigation on a daily basis. Nasal irrigation should be performed at a young age so that it becomes a habit.
For a mild sinus infection, adopting proven sinus infection home remedies should eradicate the problem without the need to visit a doctor. Learn more about sinus infection treatment by doctors.
Sinus Infections: Fungus May be to Blame
Sinus Infections also known as Sinusitis affect millions of people each and every year. A sinus infection is literally an infection of your sinuses, which are hollow passages or cavities inside of your head. These sinus cavities can become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses or fungus. In 1999, The Mayo Clinic released its findings that fungus is likely the cause of nearly all cases of chronic sinusitis. Sinus infection symptoms can include Facial pains, tenderness of the sinus areas, headaches, nasal drainage that is thick and colored, sore throat and many other symptoms. Antibiotics do not work against fungus. Colloidal silver kills both fungus and bacteria. Therefore, treating a sinus infection with antibiotics is not always an effective method. Colloidal silver is also a very safe and natural solution with no know side effects other that a rare occurrence of Argyria. Silver Sinus colloidal silver solution is pure colloidal silver in a fine mist nasal spray bottle. If you think that you might be suffering from a sinus infection, you should visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Because your nose can get stuffy when you have a condition like the common cold, you may confuse simple nasal congestion with sinusitis. A cold, however, usually lasts about 7 to 14 days and disappears without treatment. Acute sinusitis often lasts longer and typically causes more symptoms than just a cold. Your doctor can diagnose sinusitis by listening to your symptoms, doing a physical examination, taking X-rays, and if necessary, an MRI or CT scan (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography). For more information about sinus infections, sinus infection symptoms, what are sinuses and other sinus resources please visit Colloidal Silver Sinus Infection Treatment.
The author works in an immigration agent and has a successful career in baby clothing business and contact lens ecommerce.
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