Ethmoid Sinusitis

Sinuses are small, air filled cavities that can be found inside the human skull. There are four sets of sinuses or paranasal sinuses inside the human skull and they are known as, ethmoid sinuses, maxillary sinuses, frontal sinuses and sphenoid sinuses. Sinusitis or sinus infection occurs when any of these paranasal sinuses become inflamed. When the ethmoid sinuses get inflamed, it is known as ethmoid sinusitis. Ethmoid sinus is the name for the ethmoidal air cells, that lie between the upper parts of the nasal cavities and the eye sockets. It can be acute or chronic. Acute ethmoid sinusitis develops quickly and lasts for a week or so, while chronic sinusitis can last for more than 8 weeks.

Ethmoid Sinus Infection Causes

Ethmoid sinus infection is usually caused by viral infection, especially cold and infection of the upper respiratory tract. Occasionally, bacterial infection can also cause sinusitis. Sinusitis caused by fungal infection or fungal sinusitis is however, quite rare. Several factors have been observed to increase the risk for developing ethmoid sinus infection in children and adults. Such factors are, allergies, hay fever or allergic rhinitis, asthma, inhalation of smoke, dust, mold, pollen and animal dander, gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstruction of the nasal passageway due to nasal polyps and tumors.

Ethmoid Sinus Infection Symptoms

If it is acute sinusitis, then the symptoms generally last for one or two weeks. But in case of chronic sinusitis, the symptoms can persist for a much longer period. The most common symptoms are:

• Nasal congestion and discharge
• Post nasal drip
• Pain and pressure around the inner corner of the eye
• Headache in the temples or around the eye
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Halitosis or bad breath
• Drooping and swollen eyelids
• Loss of sense of smell

Ethmoid Sinus Infection Treatment

Conventional treatment for ethmoid sinus infection involves the use of nasal sprays and decongestants. Decongestant spray can open up the airways and thus, alleviate the sinus pain and pressure associated with this condition. Sometimes, corticosteroids can also be required for reducing the inflammation caused by sinusitis. If the infection is caused by bacteria and is severe in nature, then antibiotics are employed for sinus infection treatment. Sinusitis caused by viral infection on the other hand, resolves on its own without medical treatment.

It can also be treated at home with some simple remedies. Drinking plenty of fluid can help to accelerate the healing process. Increasing fluid intake can also help to thin the mucus and promote its drainage. Similarly, steam inhalation and nasal irrigation with saline water can clear up the congestion, and relieve the pain. Rarely, surgery is required for treating sinusitis, especially if it is severe and persists for a considerable period of time.

Though this infection is usually not a serious condition, it can lead to certain complications at times. Such complications include, blood clots on both the sides of the face and eye socket infection. Eye socket infection, if left untreated can cause swollen and droopy eyelids. Sometimes, blindness can also result from an infection of the eye socket. Therefore, if the symptoms of ethmoid sinus infection last for a long time, the condition should be properly evaluated and treated with the help of a physician. Sometimes, chronic infection of the sinus can also spread to the Eustachian tube and block it. This in turn, can cause ear infection, which if left untreated can put pressure on the inner ear and cause dizziness. This is how ethmoid sinusitis and dizziness are related.

In the future, this condition can be prevented by taking a few precautionary and preventive measures. Avoiding the potential allergens and irritants, staying well hydrated, using humidifier and strengthening the immune system by following a nutritious diet are some of the steps that can help to avoid frequent sinus infections.