Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue around and between the sinuses. The sinuses consist of empty cavities which are located in the area of the nose, behind the cheekbones, between the eyes and in the forehead. When these cavities are healthy, they are filled with air.
The role of sinuses is to create mucus. Healthy sinuses create thin mucus that slowly drains throughout the nose channels in order to keep them moist and to filter out the harmful particles of polluted air, dust or allergens that could get into your nose and even reach the blood and they also keep nose away from bacteria.
Healthy sinuses, normally, are filled with air. But they can get blocked and liquid filled. This is a situation that could lead to bacterial sinusitis, as the sinuses become a very attractive place for bacterial development.
Anyone can suffer from sinusitis. Those who suffer from nasal allergies, polyps, asthma and abnormal nose structures are prone to get affected by sinusitis. Smoking is another factor that can increase one’s chances to develop sinusitis.
Also, sinusitis can occur as a result of an infection, due to a virus, bacteria or fungus. Such infections can create the perfect environment for sinusitis to occur, as the sinuses become inflamed and the nasal channels get blocked. Therefore, the drainage flow of mucus is considerably affected.