Which Paranasal Sinus Is Present at Birth

The maxillary sinus is the largest paranasal sinus and lies inferior to the eyes in the maxillary bone. It is the first sinus to develop and is filled with fluid at birth. It grows according to a biphasic pattern, in which the first phase occurs during years 0-3 and the second during years 6-12.

Which of the paranasal sinuses are present in newborns?

The maxillary sinuses are the first of the paranasal sinuses to develop. In the neonate, the maxillary sinuses are quite small and may be partially or completely opacified. The maxillary sinuses grow progressively until the end of puberty.

Do babies have paranasal sinuses?

Consistent with other studies, all the paranasal sinuses were present at birth, but most were undeveloped. At birth, the sinuses—from largest to smallest—are ethmoid, maxillary, sphenoid, and frontal.