An Inside Look at Sinus Infections

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"The Healthy Geezer" answers about health and aging in his weekly column

Question: Can a sinus infection cause a toothache?

The sinuses are four pairs of cavities. There are the frontal sinuses over the eyes; the maxillary sinuses inside each cheekbone; the ethmoid sinuses just behind the bridge of the nose; and the sphenoid sinuses, which are behind the ethmoids. Each sinus is connected to the nose.

Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a cold or allergy attack, which inflames the mucous membranes of the sinuses. Swelling traps air and mucus in the sinuses and, as a result, they can't drain properly. The trapped mucus creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow.

Most people with sinusitis have pain or tenderness. Other symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, nasal congestion, cough and sore throat.

If you have acute sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe decongestants, antibiotics and pain relievers. However, many cases of acute sinusitis will clear up without antibiotics.

 If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of  "How to be a Healthy Geezer" at http://www.healthygeezer.com.

All rights reserved © 2012 by Fred Cicetti

Fred Cicetti
Fred Cicetti is a contributing writer for Live Science who specializes in health. He has been writing professionally since 1963. Before he began freelancing, he was a reporter, rewriteman and columnist for three daily newspapers in New Jersey: The Newark News, Newark Star-Ledger and Morristown Record. He has written two published novels:" Saltwater Taffy—A Summer at the Jersey Shore," and "Local Angles—Big News in Small Towns."