Definition

Ethmoiditis is an infection or inflammation of the ethmoidal cells in the sinuses. These are the air-filled spaces behind the nose and between the eyes.

Ethmoiditis is a type of sinusitis.

Causes

Bacteria cause most ethmoid sinus infections. Some types of fungus and viruses can also be involved.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually include:

• Headache between the eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of sense of smell

Symptoms of more serious infections can include:

• Vision loss
• Double vision
• Redness or bulging of the eyes

References

Benninger MS, Roxbury CR, Stokken JK. Acute rhinosinusitis: pathogenesis, treatment, and complications. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 40.

DeMuri GP, Wald ER. Sinusitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 62.