Final answer:
Growths causing obstruction in the sinus cavity, known as nasal polyps, can lead to airway blockage and respiratory issues. The paranasal sinuses help in various physiological functions but can become infected, leading to conditions like bacterial rhinosinusitis. These should not be confused with conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, which involves airway obstruction due to different causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Growths in the sinus cavity that lead to airway obstruction are typically known as nasal polyps or enlarged tissue within the sinuses. These growths can impede airflow and cause various respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, sinus pressure, and increased risk of infections.
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces within the skull bones, contributing to warming and humidifying inhaled air, producing mucus, and helping to lighten the skull's weight. They are lined with mucosa that can become inflamed due to respiratory infections, allergies, or other factors, leading to increased mucus production and blockage of the narrow passageways between sinuses and the nasal cavity. This can cause swelling and the potential development of sinus infections like bacterial rhinosinusitis, where bacteria such as S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis may infect the sinus cavities.
Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, often involve different mechanisms, including excessive relaxation of throat muscles or obesity-related tissue buildup restricting the airway.