Description

Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull that connect to the nose. They produce mucus that cleans the air you breathe. When sinuses become inflamed or swollen, it's called sinusitis, or a sinus infection. What are sinuses? Sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull behind the forehead, cheeks, nasal bones, and eyes They produce mucus that cleans the air you breathe Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other germs What causes sinusitis? Colds and allergies can cause too much mucus to be produced or block the sinus openings A deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps can block the sinus openings Small hairs (cilia) in the sinuses may not move mucus out properly What are the symptoms of sinusitis? Throbbing head pain Facial pain Difficulty moving your head or bending over Snoring at night Sounding nasal when you speak Irritability in young children Difficulty feeding in young children Breathing through the mouth in young children How is sinusitis treated? Most sinus infections clear up within a week or 10 days You can try over-the-counter medications If the infection is bacterial, you may need antibiotics A healthcare provider can recommend special medication or at-home remedies