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“Achoo!”
“Have you got a cold?”
“No, it’s just my sinuses playing up?”
More than likely, you’ve been involved in a conversation similar to this at some stage. You probably nodded knowingly. But, do you really know what the person was talking about? What are sinuses anyway, and how do they ‘play up’?
A sinus is simply a recess, cavity or hollow place. There are many sinuses in our body, but the most noticeable are the four pairs of sinuses located nearby or connected to the nasal cavity. These are the paranasal sinuses and these are the one’s that the sneezer is having problems with.
The largest of the paranasal sinuses are the two pyramid shaped ones found on each side of the nose, in the upper jawbone. They reach from just above the roots of the upper teeth to the eye sockets. The frontal sinuses can be found in the forehead above the eyes. The ethnoid sinuses are located behind and slightly down from the frontal sinuses. Lower still, on the base of the skull can be found yet another pair of sinuses.
The purpose of all of these cavities is a question of debate. Some experts claim that they serve not purpose whatever. Others, though, have identified the following as reasons why we have sinus cavities:
(1) They lighten the weight of the skull
(2) They improve the resonance of our voices
(3) They help to moisten as well as warm the air we breathe
(4) They help the body to rid itself of waste matter, such as mucous and phlegm
Sinusitis is the name given to sinus difficulties. Sinusitis has no symptom list peculiar to itself. In fact, the condition is usually secondary to some other illness such as a cold. It is difficult to know, then, if that headache, dizziness and loss of sense of smell is caused by sinusitis or by the cold. Problems with our sinuses , though, are caused by excessive discharge from them, their inflammation which leads to a closing of their ducts or inflammation of the nose.
What causes such inflammation of the sinuses? The following factors have been isolated by medical experts:
(1) a tendency to inflammation of the sinus membrane may be inherited.
(2) Prenatal nasal obstruction may have predisposed a person to sinusitis.
(3) Excessive worry, tension or friction.
(4) Extremes in humidity or temperature.
(5) Allergies, infections and improper eating habits.
To reduce the likelihood of sinus problems ensure that you get regular exercise and fresh air. Try not to make the eating of ‘junk’ food a regular habit. Try not to spend time in rooms that are either too warm or too cool. Don’t smoke! And ensure that your use of alcohol is moderate.
To control sinusitis take in plenty of cool liquids – water or fruit-juice. Hot compresses, saunas or steam rooms are beneficial. You could also inhale hot water vapor. Your medical practitioner may also prescribe decongestants or antihistamines. There are many other suggestions to help regulate sinus problems. The bottom line, however, is regular body maintenance. Here’s how one medical expert put it, “First in importance here is the general health of the person, since the normal activity of all mucous tissues depends largely upon the well-being of the body as a whole.”
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