Health Information

The sinuses have many functions:
* make the front of the skull lighter
* warm and moisten the inhaled air before it reaches the lungs
* serve as echo chambers so your voice will resonate better
* give the face an added protection

The channels that connect the sinuses with the nose cavity can be easily blocked by allergic reactions or the swelling of the mucous membrane when you catch a cold. When the channels are blocked, the mucous membrane of the sinuses, causing inflammation. This condition is called sinusitis.

Sinusitis can be caused by
* a bacterial infection and inflammation in the nose
* an infection in the throat, for example tonsilitis
* a spreading infection from an inflammed tooth
* the water that goes into the sinuses when you’re swimming
* damage to the sinuses, for example when you get your tooth pulled out, or when you get hit on the nose

Can sinusitis be prevented? Even though in some cases it’s impossible to stop the infection once it settles in, there are some preventive measure to make sure that the condition doesn’t get worse.
- If you know that the sinusitis sets in because of allergic reaction, avoid the cause of the allergy, whether it’s dust, pollen, or certain foods. Do an allergy test if necessary.
- In some people sinusitis can be triggered by air pressure. A change of air pressure can send them into sneezing fits and makes their nose runny or blocked and the areas around their nose and eyes ache. If you have this kind of condition, it’s advisable to use a nasal decongestant drop before flying on an airplane.
- Avoid getting water in your nose when you swim
- Don’t drink alcoholic beverages
- Don’t smoke or stay too long in places where the air is very polluted and Printed Pens

Healthy related to What are Sinuses and Sinusitis?