Each year, more than 37 million Americans suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of 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.
Once the cilia function becomes impaired, viruses are allowed longer access in the nasal cavities which then become an ideal home 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 infection takes place.
By maintaining healthy cilia function, we can avoid unnecessary suffering from sickness 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. There are people who are borned with a deviated septum. The nasal septum is the wall dividing the nasal cavity into two halves. A deviated septum causes obstruction to normal airflow through one side of the nasal passage.
3. Sinus polyps. Sinus polyps are teardrop-shaped, non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages. As such, nasal obstruction then leads to a sinus infection.
4. Overly 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 congestion or blocked nose. This is caused by inflammation of the mucosa.
2. Sinus headache. 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. Mucus from a chronic sinus infection may not be colored but its texture would still be thick and glue-like.
How to maintain good cilia function?
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. Cilia damage is worsened with each sinus infection.
3. Perform nasal irrigation on a daily basis. Nasal irrigation should be adopted as early as possible so that nasal cleansing becomes a part of your routine.
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.