Nose Facts

• Sinus and Nasal problems affect an estimated 30 to 40 million Americans - making them one of the most common complaints of patients seeking medical attention.
• · There are four pairs of sinuses in the head that control the temperature and humidity of the air reaching the lungs no matter how hot, cold, or dry the weather.
• · Sinuses begin as pea-sized pouches in the newborn, extending outward from the inside of the nose into the bones of the face and skull. They expand and grow through childhood into young adulthood. They are air pockets: cavities that are lined with the same kind of membranes lining the nose, and are connected to the inside of the nose through small openings about the size of a pencil lead.
• · Normally, the nose and sinuses produce between a pint and a quart of mucus secretions per day (YUK!). This passes into and through the nose, picking up dust particles, bacteria and other air pollutants along the way. The mucus is swept to the back of the throat by millions of tiny hairlike structures (cilia), which line the nasal cavity; and is swallowed. In the stomach acids destroy any dangerous bacteria. Most people do not notice this mucus flow because it is just a normal bodily function.

• Causes of Sinus Infections

  When the openings into the sinuses become plugged up sinus pressure develops the nose may feel blocked. These blockages may be caused by infections, irritants, anatomic (physical) problems, and allergies. Sinus disease can be common among family members, and stress may play a role in chronic sinus diseases.

  Most adults get colds and upper respiratory infections about three times per year. Children get them more frequently. Bacterial infections often follow the common cold. When the mucus changes from clear to yellow or green, it usually means a bacterial infection has developed. Bacterial and bacterial infections cause swelling of the tissues inside the nose and thickening of the normal mucous. This slows down or even stops proper sinus drainage.

  In some people, the cartilage and bone in the center of the nose (called the septum) can be shifted to one side through injury while others may be born that way. If this shift is severe, sinus drainage on that side of the nose can he affected. This can lead to complete closure of one or several of the sinus channels. Mucus then builds up behind these obstructions and causes sinus infection. If the swelling becomes severe, the lining of the sinuses can grow excessively. These growths are called polyps, which can cause further blockage of the sinus channels. Trapped or stagnant mucus provides a breeding ground for bacteria.

  Allergies can cause inflammation inside the nose. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include; nasal stuffiness, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Chronic sinusitis is sometimes associated with asthma. Allergies are responsible for asthma in some patients and may also cause nasal stuffiness, resulting in a strain on the lungs that makes the asthma worse .

• If you should have any questions, the please feel free to contact me for more information contact: Nosedrop@aol.com or 1-877-667-3376