Maxillary Sinus Mucosal Disease

The maxillary sinuses are located below the eyes and on either side of the nose. Maxillary sinus mucosal disease (MSMD) occurs when sinus mucosa--the mucus membrane in the sinuses--absorbs air faster than it can move through sinus openings, pulling fluid from the sinus-lining tissues, leading to infection.

Contributing Factors

• Allergies or anatomical factors such as septum deviation and old facial fractures can inhibit airflow through the sinuses and cause infection. Poor oral health can cause bacteria growth that spreads into the sinus cavity, according to the Affiliated Otolaryngologists website.

Symptoms

• Congestion, pain in the jaws and cheeks, facial swelling, and pain in the upper or back teeth that increases upon bending down are all classic symptoms of MSMD, reports Mesothelioma-Asbestosis.info.

Side Effects

• MSMD can cause significant illness, including headaches, post-nasal drainage and nasal polyps. According to Affiliated Otolaryngologists, it may lead to “face, eye, and brain abscesses, nerve injury to any of the cranial nerves (nerves to the face and head) near the sinuses, local bone destruction, spinal fluid leaks and sometimes even death.”

Treatment

• Anti-inflammatory drugs and decongestants, as well as nasal irrigation, treat MSMD. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Cautions

• Jaw pain or other symptoms of MSMD shouldn’t be ignored. A dental examination can eliminate the possibility of oral infection.