Maxillary Sinusitis

Maxillary sinus is the largest gland amongst all the paranasal sinuses. The sinus is present in the body of maxilla having three recesses known as alveolar, zygomatic and infraorbital recess. Inflammation of these regions is known as maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinus is also known as antrum of Highmore. The infection is quite common due to its closeness with the frontal sinus, maxillary teeth and anterior ethmoidal air sinus. The details of maxillary sinusitis infection are elaborated in the following paragraphs.

Complications

Maxillary sinus is vulnerable to infection as its drainage orifice, called ostium lies very close to the roof of the sinus leading to improper drainage. Thus, infections easily develop in this region. They are located in an area of the upper jaw below the eye sockets and behind the cheekbone. The location of maxillary sinus makes it more prone to infection. Obstruction in mucus flow from the orifice can cause sinus infection. The condition worsens if it's caused by dental or gum infection. Sometimes, acute sinus infections are not completely cured, which might lead to maxillary sinus infection. Excessive dryness inside homes and working inside an air-conditioned room at a stretch are also responsible for maxillary sinusitis.

Enlarged Turbinates: The spongy bones of the nasal passages are known as turbinates. If these turbinates are abnormally large, they create obstruction in the passage for draining sinuses. Improper ventilation is one of the most common causes of maxillary sinusitis.

Deviated Septum: The nostrils are separated by a nasal septum. The septum is normally located centrally for accurate division. Persons suffering from a deviated septum have the ridge, either leaning towards the right or left. This also affects the pathway for mucus flow and poor ventilation.

Oral Health: Oral infections, cavities, bleeding gums cause maxillary sinusitis. Bacterial infection in teeth invades the sinus glands that causes this problem. People having such disorders suffer from frequent sinus infections. Such infections become severe if associated with toothache in molar jaws and emission of yellowish green mucus.

Fungal Infection: Infections associated with the fungus Aspergillus occur in the maxillary cavities that becomes severe if not detected at early stages. Fungal infections also spread in gums causing tremendous discomfort.

Symptoms

The symptoms become severe if not detected at the initial stage. A person suffers from a runny rose due to cold attack and then he is gripped with fever and body pain. Sinus pain is felt more in people suffering from migraine. Chronic headache is felt in case of acute maxillary sinusitis. The conditions worsen if not diagnosed or treated early. Sometimes, if a severe sinus infection remains untreated, then it might also cause maxillary sinusitis. The symptoms will be classified according to the nature of infection.

Early Symptoms

• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Puffy eyes
• Fatigue
• Irritation
• Continuous throat clearing
• Stuffy ears
• Chronic cold
• Asthma
• Fever

Acute Symptoms

• Dull pain deep inside eyes
• Intermittent headaches everyday
• Nasal congestion
• Post nasal drip
• Obstruction of nasal passage
• Raspy voice
• Pus like basal discharge
• Facial pain, especially around the forehead that increases on bending.

The infection needs early medication to reduce fever and sinus headache. On observing conditions like runny nose or nasal drip, antibiotics are administered by doctors. The prescribed composition is usually based on a broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for minimum 10 days. Any kind of sinus infection should never be neglected because, if the symptoms persist they can make you confined for some considerable period of time. Try to maintain the humidity inside your house or your working zone in order to prevent excessive dry nose or any kind of nasal infection.