Nasal Sinuses: 5 Interesting Facts

The sinuses are responsible for humidifying and heating the breathing air and producing mucus to prevent bacteria.

The lateral cavities of the nose are inflatable cavities located inside the bones of the skull. They have many functions: they help with breathing, smelling, and even regulating body temperature.

It’s interesting how we almost never notice certain parts of the body until they show some problem, illness, or change. For example, anyone who has experienced sinusitis knows for sure where the sinuses are located.

The side cavities of the nose produce a kind of fluid to hold inside and thus protect us from certain bacteria. Often that excessive mucus clogs the cavities and causes inflammation.

Inflammation of the sinuses is a common and irritating disorder that affects millions of people. It is one of the many ailments that can affect these sensitive structures of the body. Today we will tell you more about them.

In this article, we will look at 5 facts that are good to know about the sinuses of the nose.

1. How many nasal sinuses does a person have?

Humans have a total of 8 sinuses, 4 on each side of the nose.

Cheek cavities

The buccal cavity is the largest of all the lateral cavities of the nose.
It is pyramid-shaped and has a volume of about 15 ml.
When we are born, it is very small, and it is not until we are 8-9 years old that it expands to extend from the top of the nose to the bottom.

Forehead cavities

The forehead cavities are approximately 3 x 2.5 cm in size and are separated by a septum.
They are connected to the trigeminal nerve, which is why inflammation of the forehead cavities is one of the most painful.

Cavernous cavities

These are, in fact, a set of compartments, like small labyrinths next to tears.

Cavity in the palate

This cavity is not fully developed until the age of 14-15 years.
Its volume is about 7.5 ml.

2. What is inside the sinuses?

the sinuses of the nose can become inflamed

At the beginning, we said that there is only air inside these cavities. And this is largely the case with healthy and non-inflamed sinuses. But these cavities inside the face are not completely empty.

The nasal cavities and sinuses are lined with mucosa.
This mucosa is formed by a kind of epithelial tissue.
It is a very thin layer of mucosal cells attached to the bone or adjacent cartilage.

It has many functions: it moisturizes and warms the breathing air before it enters the body.

These cells also produce “mucus,” which protects against potential bacteria and foreign substances and prevents them from entering the body.

3. Why do the sinuses of the nose become inflamed?

When a cold or allergy occurs, there is excessive microbial growth in the sinuses of the nose, causing a bacterial or viral infection.

Most infections of the sinuses are viral and go away on their own quickly.

Sometimes, however, the infection gets worse, causing three types of problems:

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a very common flu-related ailment.

If it is caused by a virus, it heals on its own in a few days, but in the case of a bacterial infection, acute sinusitis can last up to four weeks.

Subacute sinusitis

In this case, the problem is more difficult and annoying. It is closely related to allergies and can last for 2-3 months.

It usually involves:

Continuous mucus
Headaches
Dizziness
Sensitivity to light

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a very disabling affliction for the person suffering from it. It can last for more than 3 months and may often require surgical treatment.

4. Why are some more prone to sinusitis than others?

Anyone can get sinusitis at any time. But certain diseases or risk factors can increase its likelihood.

They are:

Deformation of the nasal septum

Nasal polyps
Working in an environment with unclean air
Living in a city with too much pollution
Living in a moldy or damp house
Dental infections can lead to inflammation of the sinuses in the nose
Also watch out for a weak immune system
Smokers also usually suffer from inflammation of these cavities

5. How can sinusitis be treated?

If sinusitis lasts for more than two weeks, it is best to see a doctor.

Once you have been diagnosed and your doctor has prescribed certain treatments and medications, in addition to these, you can try some simple home remedies.

Here are some easy options:

Vapor inhalation with brine
Eucalyptus baths and steam
Rosemary stews and steam
Baths of radish and chopped onion
Ginger-honey stew

In addition, adequate rest helps to strengthen the immune system so that it is able to fight inflammation properly.