Do you also often get colds, have a stuffy nose, and runny nose? Do you sometimes feel a slight pain or pressure on either side of your nose, between your eyes? Although many of us think this is just a common cold, the cause of this may be a problem with a system of small cavities inside our face. One of those cavities is the Ethmoid Sinus that we are talking about today.
Simply put, what is this Ethmoid Sinus?
Imagine that inside the bones of our face there are small, air-filled cavities. We call these the paranasal sinuses. These are like a system of interconnected rooms. This system includes four main types of cavities.
- Frontal sinuses on both sides of the forehead
- Ethmoid sinuses, located between the eyes and at the base of the nose
- The maxillary sinuses are located inside the cheeks.
- Sphenoid sinuses (sphenoid sinuses)
All of these work together like a drainage system inside our nose. That is, the main function of this system is to catch the mucus that forms inside these cavities, as well as the germs, dust, and allergens in the air we breathe, and expel them out of the nose. So, this `Ethmoid sinus` is also a part of that important system.
What service do these sinus cavities provide to our body?
Many of us think of "phlegm" as a disease or a nuisance, right? But in fact, mucus is an ally of our body's defense system.
Simply put, mucus is what helps keep the tissues inside our nose healthy and moist. When we breathe in, things like dust and germs get stuck in this mucus and are expelled out of our nose. This means that mucus is a great way for our body to get rid of germs before they make us sick.
The ethmoid sinus and other sinus cavities perform several other important functions.
- Reducing the weight of the skull: These hollow heads significantly reduce the weight of our head.
- Protecting the brain: If the head hits something, these air-filled cavities help to absorb the damage that may be done to the brain and provide protection.
- Giving resonance to the voice: These sinus cavities also contribute to the deep, sweet nature of our voice (resonance).
So where exactly is this Ethmoid Sinus?
If you look in front of a mirror, you'll see that these ethmoid sinuses are located between your eyes, behind the bridge of your nose. There's one on the left side and one on the right side.
But these are not two large hollow cavities. Inside each `ethmoid sinus` there are many other small air chambers `(air cells`). Like the chambers in a beehive. An adult can have from 3 to 18 such chambers on one side. When all these chambers are combined, they can hold about 2-3 milliliters of air (half a teaspoon).
What are the common conditions that cause problems with this sinus?
Common problems include colds, allergies, and ethmoid sinusitis. The passages through which mucus drains from these sinus cavities are very narrow. So when you have a cold, these passages become swollen, causing mucus to build up inside and become trapped. Germs can grow inside and cause infections.
These conditions are usually not dangerous and resolve on their own within a few days. However, very rarely, non-cancerous and cancerous tumors can develop within these sinus cavities.
| Symptoms that suggest a problem with the Ethmoid Sinus | |
|---|---|
| Eye pain | Swelling around the eyes or pain coming from inside the eyes. |
| Headache | Headaches that are accompanied by pressure, especially in the forehead, between the eyes, and around the cheeks. |
| Loss of smell | We medically call this condition anosmia . |
| Pain at the base of the nose | Pain or pressure when pressing with a finger on the bridge of the nose. |
| Nasal congestion and mucus | Frequent nasal congestion and thick, yellow or green mucus. |
| A feature that deserves special attention! | |
| Two-sided vision | If you suddenly start seeing double (diplopia) without any warning, it could be a sign of a condition such as a sinus tumor. See a doctor immediately. |
How do we keep these sinus cavities healthy?
The best way to keep them healthy is to stay away from allergens and take steps to protect yourself from illness. That means simple things like washing your hands often, getting enough sleep, and eating a nutritious diet .
If you suddenly develop the symptoms mentioned above, there are several things you can do at home to find relief.
- Steam inhalation: Inhaling the steam by placing a bowl of hot water over your head and covering it with a towel can help relieve nasal congestion. You can also use a humidifier if you have one.
- Nasal irrigation: Rinsing the nose with saline solution, available at the pharmacy, or homemade salt water can help remove mucus that is trapped inside.
- Taking painkillers as prescribed by your doctor: To control headaches and facial pain, you can ask your doctor for an appropriate painkiller, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Nasal sprays: Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid spray, such as one containing fluticasone, to reduce swelling.
The most important thing is to definitely see your doctor for advice if these symptoms last more than two weeks, or if they get worse day by day .
We don't usually have to think much about our `Ethmoid sinuses.` But the discomfort that comes with a cold shows how important this small part of our body is. Although these can often be cured with home remedies, it's never too late to see a doctor if the problem persists.
Take-Home Message
- The ethmoid sinuses are air-filled cavities located between your eyes and at the base of your nose. They help filter the air we breathe.
- "Phlegm" is not a nuisance, it's a natural way to protect our body from germs and dust.
- Nasal congestion, pain between the eyes, and headaches are symptoms of sinus congestion, usually caused by a cold or allergies.
- Simple treatments like steam inhalation may provide relief, but if symptoms persist for more than two weeks or become severe, you should definitely see a doctor.
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