North Baltimore Journal

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses and can be treated by a sinus inflammation specialist, otherwise known as an otolaryngologist.

The sinuses are hollow air spaces in the head's bone cavities. The sinuses create fluids, called mucus, that eliminate bacteria through the air humans breathe. The hollow spaces are inside the skull and around the nose. 

In healthy human anatomy, every sinus has an opening into the nose to let air pass. There is also a continuous mucous membrane lining that coats all the sinuses. Anything that causes swelling or infection in the nose also can cause inflammation of the sinuses.

Sinus inflammation specialist Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers has further insight into the problem. 

"It usually starts with a virus, which almost everyone gets, and then it can evolve into bacterial secondary recurrent infections, as well as chronic infections, which have specific criteria that you have to meet," Oberman told the North Baltimore Journal. 

Oberman believes patients should seek treatment if they experience symptoms. "Early intervention is key," he said. 

Even though sinusitis only directly impacts the sinus lining, the symptoms of sinusitis can alter the functioning of your whole body and can cause a good deal of pain without the intervention of a sinus inflammation specialist. Some of the most likely symptoms of sinusitis or inflammation of the sinus are: nasal congestion, a runny nose, a sore throat, pain or swelling around the face, a headache in the morning, loss of smell, fever or pain in the eyes. 

The ethmoid sinuses are located close to the tear ducts in the corner of the eyes. Inflammation of these cavities often creates swelling of the eyelids and tissues close to the eyes. Pain between your eyes, reduced sense of smell or taste, a cough, tooth pain, bad breath and fatigue are also possible symptoms of a sinus infection.

The most likely root causes of sinusitis are viral, bacterial or fungal infections in the upper respiratory tract, such as viruses that cause common colds. When an infection causes inflammation of the sinuses, the swollen membranes block the sinus openings and prevent the mucus from draining normally. 

This blockage is also important. When drainage is blocked, the blockage helps bacteria and viruses grow in the sinuses. Sinus infections are usually most often caused by viruses and are less likely to be caused by bacteria. Secondary bacterial infections can also occur.

If you think you might be suffering from inflammation of the sinuses and considering seeing a sinus specialist, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to evaluate your symptoms.