Medical News Today: What to know about ethmoid sinusitis

Ethmoid sinusitis is the inflammation of a specific group of sinuses — the ethmoid sinuses — which sit between the nose and eyes.The ethmoid sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones around the nose. They have a lining of mucus to help prevent the nose from drying out. Inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses can lead to pressure and pain around the nose and between the eyes.In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of ethmoid sinusitis and when to see a doctor. We also discuss how to treat and prevent ethmoid sinusitis.CausesShare on PinterestThe mucous lining of the sinuses traps dust, germs, and pollutants. When the sinuses become inflamed, the mucus cannot flow normally. Tissue swelling traps mucus in the sinuses, which can allow germs to grow.In ethmoid sinusitis, this inflammation affects the ethmoid sinuses. People have four groups of sinuses, each of which can become inflamed:frontalmaxillarysphenoidethmoidThe causes of ethmoid sinusitis will typically be similar to those of other forms of sinusitis. They may include:a viral infection, including the common coldseasonal allergiessmoking or secondhand smokea weakened immune systemthe narrowing of the nasal passages due to nasal polypsSymptomsA person with ethmoid sinusitis may experience many symptoms common to all sinus infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these can include:a runny nosea blocked nosepain around the facea feeling of pressure around the faceheadachesmucus dripping down into the throat from the nosea sore throata coughbad breathIn addition, they may experience symptoms specific to ethmoid sinusitis because of the position of these sinuses near the eyes. These symptoms include a swollen, red, or painful eye.Sinusitis can either be acute, meaning that a person has it for only a short time, or chronic, where it lasts for more than 12 weeks, even with treatment.When to see a doctorAs with other types of sinusitis, the most common cause of ethmoid sinusitis is a virus, such as the common cold. In these cases, it will often resolve without a person needing to see a doctor.According to the CDC, a person should speak to a doctor if:they have very intense symptoms, such as severe pain in the face or a severe headachetheir symptoms get better but then get worsetheir symptoms do not get better over more than 10 daysthey have a fever for more than 3–4 days»Online Care:For $29, get personalized, expert care and prescriptions for COVID-19 in minutes. Available 24/7 on Optum Perks.Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.DiagnosisWhen diagnosing ethmoid sinusitis, a doctor will ask the person how they have been feeling and carry out a physical examination to look for the characteristic signs and symptoms of sinusitis.