sphenoidbihålorna

The sphenoid sinuses, known in Swedish as sphenoidbihålorna, are a pair of air-filled cavities located within the sphenoid bone of the skull. This bone is situated at the base of the skull, posterior to the nasal cavity and inferior to the cranial cavity. The sphenoid sinuses are the most posterior of the paranasal sinuses.

These sinuses are lined with mucous membrane and are responsible for producing mucus, which helps to moisten the nasal passages and trap airborne particles. They play a role in lightening the skull and potentially in voice resonance. Anatomically, the sphenoid sinuses are closely related to several important structures, including the optic nerves, the pituitary gland, and the cavernous sinuses, making them susceptible to complications if infected or inflamed.

Inflammation of the sphenoid sinuses is called sphenoiditis. This condition can cause symptoms such as deep headache, typically felt at the crown of the head or behind the eyes, facial pain, nasal congestion, and a postnasal drip. Sphenoiditis can sometimes be difficult to diagnose due to the deep location of the sinuses and the often vague nature of the symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies like CT scans. Treatment usually involves antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present, and sometimes nasal decongestants or saline rinses. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the sinuses.