Sinuses are connected tissues found in the skull. The biggest sinus cavities are approximately an inch. The largest sinus is the maxillary sinuses that are held by the cheekbones. Frontal sinuses are located at a low level of the forehead, ethmoid sinuses are found between the eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses are found behind the nose (Hoffman, 2014) . The sinuses are usually lined with mucosa which is a soft and pink tissue. In a normal situation, the sinuses are clear with a thin layer of mucus. The role of the mucus is to trap dust and to moisturize the air as it goes to the respiratory system.
Sinus infection begins like a cold with sneezing and coughing. When these symptoms persist with nasal congestion, headache, and fatigue, it can be considered to be a sinus infection. Sinus infection is sometimes referred to as rhinosinusitis and involves the inflammation of the mucosa. There is a short-term and a long-term acute sinus infection. Short term sinus infection lasts few days or weeks while the long-term infection may last longer than 12 weeks (Warner, 2016) . The chronic sinusitis (chronic rhinosinusitis) is the persistent process of inflammation of the sinuses. It causes sinuses headaches as the infection continues to persist. Chronic sinusitis makes it difficult for a person to breath, and it may cause swelling of the face and the area around the eyes.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Sinus infections affect 37 million people in the United States annually (Warner, 2016) . Here are some of the causes of the sinus infections that will be discussed in this paper.
1. Viruses
Majority of the sinus infections begin like a cold which is normally caused by a virus. This virus causes the nasal tissues to swell and block the passage of mucus and air and overwork the sinuses (Florin, Ludwig, & Netter, 2011) . Since the sinus infection is caused by a virus , antibiotics do not help in curing it. Antibiotics only kill and treat bacterial infections. Most of the patients suffering from the sinus infection use a decongestant which makes the patient dependent on it if used for more than five days.
2. Allergies
Allergies are mainly associated with sinus infections and headaches. Allergic reactions cause inflammation and blocking of nasal passages (Rosin, 2001) . Studies show that individuals who have allergy reactions tend to have a long-term sinusitis that non-allergic individuals. Things that cause allergic reactions include dust mites, cockroaches, mold, and pet dander among other allergens. People who are vulnerable to sinus infections are encouraged to stay away from the allergens.
3. Bacteria
A persistent that lasts more than two weeks is an indication of a bacterial attack. Bacterial infections usually make the sinus infection more complicated and serious . It could lead to other flu infections that come along with the sinus infection and could as well lead to a long-term sinus infection. Bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics while the sinuses can be treated with a decongestant.
4. Polyps
Polyps are small nasal growths that develop in the nose or in the sinus tissue which blocks the sinus cavities (Rosin, 2001) . This prevents mucus from flowing out hence cause the sinus infection. These polyps also restrict the flow of air in and out of the nose making it difficult to breathe comfortably. As the condition persists, it causes sinus headaches. These polyps can also be triggered by the long-term exposure to allergies. Nasal steroids can be used to eradicate the polyps if they persist, surgery will be highly recommendable.
5. Irritating Pollutants
These pollutants include dust, air pollution and strong odors like perfume that irritate the nose. Exposure to these pollutants may cause inflammation which could lead to sinusitis (Hoffman, 2014) . Studies show that individuals who are easily irritated by pollutants are at high risk of getting sinusitis although it is not obvious to every individual. The most vulnerable individuals are those with asthma or allergic reactions.
6. Swimming and Diving
Chlorine that is added as a disinfectant in pools has the potential of irritating the sinuses and the nasal lining. When swimming or diving in chlorinated pools, the pressure pushes some amount of water through the sinuses. As a person continues to spend more hours in the pool, the chlorinated water will irritate the nasal lining and cause the sinuses. People who have asthma and are vulnerable to sinusitis infections should avoid diving and swimming for long hours in chlorinated pools.
7. Flying
A lot of flying could stimulate the sinuses infection. During the flight, air pressure is usually reduced and causes more pressure to build up in the head. As this continues, it could block the air passages and sinuses or even cause the cold infections. The pressure issue is a cause of sinuses infection during landing and taking off (Jones, 2010) .
8. Fungi
Fungi are an unusual cause of sinus infections. However, individuals with the weak immune system can trigger sinusitis with the exposure of fungi . According to research, the fungus that is associated with sinuses infection is called Aspergillus (Warner, 2016) . This fungus grows well in dark and damp surroundings. If they get a way to the sinuses, they survive well because the environment is wet and dark. As they continue to grow, they blocked the air passage and irritated the sinuses. Studies show that the allergic reaction to fungus can cause chronic sinusitis.
9. Overdependence on Nasal Products
Nasal products are important because they help in decongesting the nasal cavity and the sinuses. However, prolonged use of these products should be avoided because they make the sinus infections worsen (Rosin, 2001) . Long-term use of these products can make the nose to become insensitive and can cause a chronic sinusitis may making the nose to swell. It also causes severe headaches that can last for long before the person can get any better. Nasal products are medicine as well as causes of the sinusitis infections.
10. Smoking
Smoke from cigarettes can irritate the nose and cause the sinuses inflammation. Both passive and active smoking can cause the sinuses infections. Research shows that individuals who smoke are at a higher risk of getting the sinus infections because the cigarette smoke clears the mucosa lining which traps dust and smoke particles. Once the mucosa lining traps the dust and smoke particles, it drains them out as mucus hence keeping the nasal cavity clean. Cigarette smoke affects the mucosa lining, and the particles accumulate and clog the free passage of air. This condition can lead to sinusitis infection.
11. Lack of dry air or moisture
Sometimes mucus can be trapped in the nasal cavity for a very long time and lose its water, hence thicken. The accumulation of dry mucus can clog the nasal cavity hence causing the sinusitis. However, this is a rare factor. But it highly affects individuals who are susceptible to sinusitis.
12. Genetics
Some people are born with polyps of sinuses abnormalities that eventually become sinus infections. If there has been a family history of individuals suffering from asthma and sinusitis infection, there is a likelihood for a person to have the infection (Rosin, 2001) . The polyps can block the sinus which prevents mucus from draining. The mucus accumulates and can get affected by bacteria or viruses which could lead to the infection. Once the polyps or growths are detected at the early stages, they can be removed through surgery.
13. Some Medical Conditions
Chronic condition medication can weaken the individual’s immune system making one vulnerable to sinus infections. The mucus can get thicker and clog the nasal cavity which can be attacked by virus or bacteria that could lead to sinusitis infection. This is common to people who have HIV and diabetes .
Sinus infections are directly connected to headaches. This is because the nasal cavity is straining to allow passage of air in and out. The clogging of the nasal cavity affects the free flow of air and strain the nasal system which can cause headaches.
References
Florin, T. A., Ludwig, S., & Netter, F. H. (2011). Netter's pediatrics. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders.
Hoffman, M. (2014, September 14). Picture of the Sinuses . WebMD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/picture-of-the-sinuses#1
Jones, L. (2010). No more allergies, asthma or sinus infections: the revolutionary diet approach to eliminating upper respiratory problems--including children's middle ear infections. Topanga, CA: Freedom Press.
Rosin, D. (2001). The sinus sourcebook: everything you need to know about sinus trouble. New York: Barnes & Noble Books.
Warner, J. (2016, April 2). Migraine or a sinus headache? WebMD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/migraine-or-sinus-headache#1
