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Article: Why do sinuses hurt so much and what causes sinus infections? My sinuses are hurting.(Ask Doctor Cory.)
- Article from:
- Child Life
- Article date:
- December 1, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Benjamin Franklin Literary & Medical Society, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Dear Aubrey:
Sinuses are large air spaces found in the bones around your nose and eyes. We have eight in all -- four on each side. They are connected to the nose by small openings and drain through the nose.
The sinuses are lined with mucous membranes that contain tiny hairs called cilia. The membrane makes a cleansing fluid called mucus. The mucus and the cilia help to wash away bacteria, dust, and other particles that you might inhale. The mucus also helps to moisten the air that we breathe.
The main purpose of the sinuses is to lighten the weight of the bones in your skull. Sinuses also act as vibrating chambers when you speak. If you place ...