What Is a Sinus Infection?

By james

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

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It is quite common for us to develop a runny and stuffy nose. When we do, we will often just put it down to a cold and, in most cases, that will be exactly what it is. This is not always the case, however, and in some instances, it might be down to a sinus infection, although sinus infections are often caused by colds.

Sinus infections can be quite unpleasant, but not terribly so and they are not usually dangerous. Most of the time, the condition will clear up within 2-4 weeks with no permanent damage done. It is also a common condition, with approximately 35 million people getting a sinus infection every year in the US alone.

1. Sinuses

Sinuses are cavities that are located in the skull. They are located in the cheekbones and in the foreheads. There are 4 types of sinus, which are the maxillary sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, a frontal sinus, and sphenoid sinuses. There is still some debate over what exactly they are for, but we do know that they produce a mucus (snot) that that helps to protect us against pathogens and dirt particles from being inhaled into the lungs.

Other likely uses are that they help to make our skulls lighter that than they otherwise would be, while it is also thought that they can help to enhance our voices.