Mucous membrane and sinusitis

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Mucous membrane and sinusitis

The nose and the sinuses are lined with a membrane that produces mucus.

When air enters the nose, it is warmed, moistened, and filtered before passing into the lungs.
Dust, smoke, bacteria, and other irritants often become trapped in the mucus that lines the nasal passages.
This mucus is pushed to the back of the throat by tiny hairs (cilia) that line the inside of the sinuses and nose, and the mucus is eventually swallowed.

If the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, it may swell, blocking the openings that drain the sinuses. Mucus inside the sinuses then becomes trapped. Both the inflammation and the pressure of trapped mucus cause pain. Also, bacteria trapped in the mucus can grow, causing a bacterial sinus infection.

Credits

Author	Amy Fackler, MA
Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Updated	August 22, 2006

Last updated:	August 22, 2006
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail

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