One of the major tasks of your nose is to clean and humidify, in
other words 'condition', the inhaled air for the lungs. Each day, it has to
process around 500 cubic feet of air, for which, it produces a liter
of moisture a day? Most of this is sticky mucus produced by the
spongy, red membrane that lines the nasal passage, and of course,
the membranes in the sinuses. While the rough cleaning job is done
by the hair in the nostrils, the mucus does the all important work
of trapping bacteria, fungi and other particles that get past the
hair. The contaminated mucus is replaced by a new mucus blanket
every 20 minutes with the help of ‘microscopic brooms’ - cilia. These
minute hair rapidly whip the film back to the throat for
swallowing. This activity is being carried out in your nasal area 24
hours a day without a single break.
Now, strictly speaking, a sinus is a hollow air space anywhere in
your body but the word is usually, and in effect, exclusively used
for the four sets of air spaces grouped around the nose, called the paranasal sinuses.
The four pairs are known as maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal
and sphenoidal. Each of these sinuses opens into the nose
and shares a continuous membrane with it and help in circulating
moist air throughout the nasal passages. Because of their close
proximity to the nose, these sinuses are highly susceptible to, and
usually attract, a viral or bacterial infection in the nose. They
are also prone to a lot other infections due to different disorders
unrelated to the nasal area but generally it is a cold that clogs
the sinus openings or an allergen that swells the sinus linings or
something that impedes the cilia.
Normally, the mucus produced by the membrane in the sinuses drains
into the nasal cavity along narrow passages, however when an
infection afflicts the sinuses, it results in inflammation of the
sinus mucus membrane, causing sinusitis. The swelled membrane lining
blocks the passages which then prevents the mucus from draining.
Then the air gets trapped, pressure builds, the mucus stagnates and
the bacteria breeds. The mucus therefore becomes infected, resulting
in a stuffed up feeling and an aching face. This is acute sinusitis
that lasts for anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. If you get clogged too
many times, you may end up with permanent thickening of the sinus
membranes and chronic stuffiness. This is chronic sinusitis and its
symptoms are usually milder and slightly different.
Every year, at some point of time or other, millions of people get
sinusitis (more than 30 million in America alone). So, if you have
any of the symptoms mentioned below, and more specifically if you
have a family history indicating your vulnerability, visit your
doctor at the earliest as s/he only can determine the exact cause of
your sinusitis (if you have it) and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Obstruction or nasal discharge (yellow or green) from
the affected passage
·
Eventually, as the time progresses, the passages between
the nose and the sinuses may get completely blocked.
This may reduce the discharge but makes the nose feel
even more stuffed up, and breathing has to be through
the mouth
·
Pain on the affected side when you lean forward or after
you press on the affected sinuses.
·
Postnasal drip (a sensation of fluid dripping down the
back of your throat, particularly at night or when lying
down)
·
Generalized headache, often described as a pressure-like
pain which mostly gets worse in the mornings
Loss of sense of smell (and because of it, to some
extent, taste also)
Chronic
sinusitis differs slightly, in that symptoms can be milder and may
only include postnasal drip, bad breath, and an irritating dry
cough. Chronic sinusitis is most common in people who have
allergies.
When you visit your doctor, s/he will generally make the diagnosis
of your sinusitis from your history and by examining you, focusing
on the sinuses and your upper respiratory system. Usually it is done
by tapping or pressing over the sinuses (of the forehead and
cheekbones). If those areas are tender, there is likely to be
inflammation and a corresponding infection. Trans-illumination
(shining a light through the sinuses) is another convenient method
that the doctor may choose to test for sinus inflammation; if the
light does not shine through, it will indicate congestion.
In chronic cases and where the diagnosis is not clear, some
additional tests performed include an X-ray, CT scan and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). Sometimes, a rhinoscopy, or nasal endoscopy,
using a fiber optic scope is performed by looking at your sinuses or
a sinus puncture to test for different organisms that may be causing
your sinusitis.
The usual suspects are upper respiratory infections and allergies,
but there are many other reasons for sinusitis also. A comprehensive
list of possible causes for your trouble are:
·
Upper respiratory infections (common cold,
tonsillitis,
influenza). The very young and the very old are the most
susceptible to them
Changes in atmospheric pressure (as in swimming or while
climbing high altitudes)
·
Infections from dental problems (the infection from the
infected tooth reaches up to the sinuses in no time)
·
Disease or an abnormal structure in the sinus area
(Nasal polyps-swellings in the nasal passage; nasal bone
spurs-projections of bone in the nose; nasal or facial
tumors; or other structural abnormalities such as a
deviated septum or cleft palate)
Conditions that compromise your immune system such as
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS or taking
immunosuppressive medications (for example, after an
organ transplant), or cancer (chemotherapy)
Hospitalization, especially if the reason you are in the
hospital is related to a head injury or you needed a
tube inserted into the nose (for example, a naso-gastric
tube from your nose to your stomach)
·
Food allergies like that from dairy products, Soya
products and cereals. They cause the mucus membranes to
swell (usually chronic sinusitis)
Usually,
your sinusitis will require the use of antibiotics (see Medications)
to get rid of bacteria and other organisms. If a sinusitis flare-up
occurs, over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen can help
for pain and a saline solution to rinse your sinus passages.
Your health practitioner may prescribe antibiotics or a decongestant
– it is very important take the full course of antibiotics
administered and not to use the decongestant for more than three
days as this may worsen the swelling in your sinuses.
Natural and holistic
treatments have also been used for centuries to reduce the symptoms
of sinusitis. Very often, conventional medications have harsh
side effects and using more natural alternatives like herbal and
homeopathic remedies are much safer and gentler for the body.
Herbal remedies are
there to alleviate the symptoms by reducing inflammation and, if you
still take prescription medications, also
help them in curing the
infection. Of course, some of them like Echinacea, help tremendously
in not only giving a fillip to your immune system but also help
prevent colds and shorten the duration of your cold or flu.
A highly effective herb is Quercitin which contains anti-oxidants
and helps to promote healthy circulation and boosts immunity.
Another carefully selected herb is Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright)
which is beneficial for good eye health. In addition, homeopathic
ingredients such as Arsen alb, Nat. mur. and Kali mur. help to
maintain the skin and nervous system as well as liver health.
For
Adults
·
Quercitin is a well known flavonoid, usually found
in onions and apples and is considered to be a
'building block' for other flavonoids. Dietary
flavonoids are important and powerful anti-oxidants
found in fruits, vegetables and herbs and can also
support immunity, healthy blood vessels and circulation.
Quercitin is known for its ability to maintain healthy
histamine levels. Other benefits include healthy
circulation and the maintenance of stable blood sugar
levels.
·
Arsen alb. (15C) is a remedy with a wide variety of
uses. Arsen alb. Has proved beneficial in maintaining
skin and nervous system health, as well as in the
maintenance of a healthy, clear respiratory system.
·
Nat. mur. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt which has an
excellent effect in supporting healthy fluid levels in
the body, including the eyes, nose, sinuses, chest,
mucous
·
Chamomile oil has been used for thousands of years and
is particularly useful for promoting healthy, deep and
restful sleep. This essential oil also has extraordinary
calming properties, especially during times of ill
health and stress.
·
Lavender oil is a commonly-used essential oil, renowned
for its ability to promote relaxation and relieve
irritability and moodiness. The beneficial effects of
lavender on quality of sleep are also well known.
Lavender oil has excellent healing properties.
For
Children (in addition to above)
·
Influenzinum (C30) is an oral homeopathic remedy. Due to
the method of manufacture, this remedy is very safe, is
not associated with any side effects, and contains no
molecular evidence of live virus.
·
Baccillum (C30) is a homeopathic remedy for maintaining
easy breathing and promoting a healthy respiratory
system.
·
Nat. Mur. (6C) is a biochemic tissue salt that helps to
maintain healthy water balance in the body. According to
the principles of biochemistry, imbalances in this area
can lead to a variety of complaints including
congestion, dripping noses, sinus problems, and wet
chests.
·
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) is a tonic herb which will
promote healthy circulation. A healthy circulation
system ensures the flow of oxygen and nutrients
throughout the body, which can be of tremendous benefit
in the healing process. Yarrow also has known
antibacterial properties, preventing secondary
infection.
·
Mentha piperita is an herb from the mint family with a
wide range of uses. Laboratory research studies have
found this herb to have antiviral, antifungal, and
antibacterial activity. Mentha piperita is cooling and
soothing and perfect for little ones who are feeling
hot, flustered, and miserable!
·
Ginger oil is a stimulating oil which will promote
circulation and keep chests clear and free of mucus. It
is also wonderful for overall health and has been used
in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years,
as one of the more important and highly respected herbs.
Ginger oil has warming properties and will encourage
sweating to maintain a normal temperature.
As
sinusitis is usually due to an infection, your body basically needs a
very strong defense system to ward off such infections as well as
recuperate from them faster. Therefore, a diet that supplies plenty
of vitamins and minerals, coupled with natural immune boosting
products like certain herbal preparations, is very important for
you. Still, some of the most important vitamins and minerals
required by your body to fight against sinusitis are:
·
Pineapple – This fruit contains two important
substances; vitamin C which is a very good immune
booster, fighter against colds and an antioxidant, and
an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is supposed to
combat sinus congestion by clearing nasal mucus and is
usually prescribed in the form of concentrated enteric
coated tablets as a supplement. Ask your doctor if
supplement is necessary in your case or whether you can
take fresh pineapple which is rich in bromelain but
could be allergic to some people.
·
Vitamin C - Vitamin C is often touted as a help to
prevent colds although no research has proved it till
now. Still, vitamin C is considered to bring down
histamine levels in your body (histamine is associated
with increased nasal and sinus congestion). Diet
containing fresh fruits and vegetables should provide
you with enough vitamin C in a day although emphasis
must be given on citrus fruits (fresh fruits in totality
and not their juice only) like grapes and blackberries,
as they also contain bioflavonoids, which together with
vitamin C keep the blood capillaries healthy and also
possess anti-inflammatory property.
·
Vitamin A – According to some researches, a diet rich in
vitamin A is considered best against cold and sinus
trouble. Vitamin A is supposed to be the 'membrane
conditioner' as it helps build healthy mucous membranes
in the nose and throat. It contributes towards formation
of healthy epithelium, thereby preventing frequent
attacks of common infections like sinusitis. Usual
sources of vitamin A are whole milk, curds, egg yolk,
pumpkin, carrots, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mangoes,
and papaya.
·
B vitamins – B vitamins help to maintain a healthy
immune system and are easily found in whole grains,
pulses and nuts.
·
Vitamin E – This vitamin also helps in boosting the
immune system. Its sources include avocados, nuts, seed
oils and sunflower seeds.
·
Zinc - Zinc enhances immune system activity and protects
against a range of infections including colds and upper
respiratory infections. Zinc shortens the duration of a
cold and lessens the likelihood of developing sinusitis.
Shellfish and nuts are rich sources of zinc.
·
Natural decongestants – As nasal decongestants are not
to be used regularly, natural decongestants like raw or
cooked onion and garlic, and spices and herbs like
ginger, cloves, cinnamon, thyme and elder flower are of
immense help.
·
Lactobacillus species (probiotics, or "friendly"
bacteria) are a useful species in treating respiratory
infections such as sinusitis and for reducing the
chances of developing allergies.
·
Beware of food allergies – Although rare, it is not
impossible to find people with sinusitis due to food
allergies. The main culprits are dairy products. People
are reported to have chronic or allergic sinusitis due
to milk, yoghurt, butter, cheese etc. You should also
avoid fried and starchy foods, white sugar, white flour,
rice, macaroni products, pies, cakes, and candies.
Some most effective home remedies in sinusitis
are:
·
Lemon – Take juice of two lemons and a teaspoon of honey
and mix in ½ a liter of boiling water. Drink it at bed
time. It helps in alleviating almost all the cold
symptoms like fever, increases body resistance (lemon
juice is vitamin C-rich), decreases toxicity and reduces
the duration of the cold.
·
Vegetable juices - Carrot juice has been found
beneficial in the treatment of sinus trouble. 300ml of
carrot juice can, and should, be taken in combination
with 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices, or 200 ml
of spinach juice to make 500 ml or half a liter of the
mixed juice. The mixed juices have been found to be more
effective.
·
Ginger – Prepare ginger tea by cutting a midsize ginger
into two pieces and boiling in a cup of water. You
should give a minimum of 10-12 boils. Add ½ teaspoon of
sugar to the strained solution and drink it hot.
·
For cold with phlegm and cough – Take 10 properly washed
basil leaves, 2 cloves of garlic, a small piece of
ginger and 5 crushed peppercorns in a cup of water and
boil. Simmer till it reduces to ¼ th of a cup. Cool
slightly, strain and add a teaspoon of honey. Drink this
each morning.
·
For nasal congestion – You may put a teaspoon of
cardamom seeds on burning coal and inhale the smoke
produced. You may also thereafter, take a handful of
crushed carom seeds tied up in a napkin, and inhale and
then place it near your pillow while sleeping.
·
For severe nasal blockage – Make a fine powder of equal
quantities of green cardamom seeds, black pepper,
cinnamon and cumin and tie it up in a napkin. Sniffing
it will induce sneezing which will in turn help relieve
congestion.
·
For running nose – You may rub a nutmeg on a smooth
grinding stone along with some cow’s milk and apply the
paste on your forehead and nose
Neti lota (neti pot) - A warm salt-water solution poured
through the nose provides great relief in sinusitis. A
ceramic pot (a plastic one may also be used, it is far
easier to carry) known as a “neti lota”, makes this
procedure very easy. Fill the pot with warm water and
add enough salt so the solution tastes like tears. Stand
over a sink and tilt your head far to one side so that
your ear is parallel to the floor, and pour the solution
into the upper nostril, allowing it to drain through the
lower nostril. You have to breathe through your mouth
while doing this. Gently blow your nose using your gut
muscles without applying pressure on your lungs as this
may throw the mucus along with the bacteria back into
your throat and the Eustachian tubes. Repeat on the
other side. This procedure may be performed two or three
times a day. It is a part of the yogic therapy and
is
extremely beneficial in sinusitis.
·
Steam inhalation – Inhale steam to relieve a stuffed
nose. Fill a bowl with hot water, put a towel over your
head and tilt your head over the bowl in such a way that
the steam is trapped. Inhale deeply for 10 minutes. You
should add some eucalyptus oil (3 drops of essential
oil) for making the steam an even better decongestant.
·
If stuffiness hits you during the day at work, get a cup
of hot coffee, soup or tea, cup your hands over the top
of the mug, and sniff. It isn’t as effective as steam
inhalation but a good alternative at your disposal under
the given conditions.
·
Go heavy on fluids – Drink extra liquids - both hot and
cold - throughout the day. This helps in thinning out the
mucus and its subsequent free flow. Hot herbal teas made
up of fenugreek, anise, sage, or fennel will be even
more effective.
·
Use a vaporizer or humidifier – Humidifiers increase and
maintain the water vapor in the room and thus help
prevent drying in the nasal passages and throat of the
occupants, but humidifiers may cause humidifier fever,
an ailment caused by bacteria that breed in the
improperly cleaned reservoirs of such devices.
Vaporizers are safer as infection-causing microorganisms
can’t tolerate the steam heat it generates.
·
Take a walk – When you feel slightly OK, take a walk and
get as much fresh air as possible. A brisk half-hour
walk will improve the circulation, helping the immune
system in circulating infection-fighting antibodies.
Stay away from strenuous exercises though.
·
Bundle up – Keep yourself warm as this helps your immune
system in focusing on fighting out the infection rather
than spending energy on protecting you from cold.
·
Don’t smoke – Smoking increases the irritation,
inflammation and infection build up in the already
infected sinuses. It also interferes with the
infection-fighting activity of cilia, the microscopic
projections that sweep bacteria out of the nasal
passages. So, please quit it for the moment at least
otherwise all the medications you take might be
ineffective. It is otherwise known that smokers and
non-smokers are both equally susceptible to cold and
sinusitis.
·
Try to generally control the quality of air around you.
Avoid smoky or dusty atmosphere.
·
Take a steam bath – A steamy shower has the same effect
on your cold as steam inhalation besides relaxing your
body.
·
Rubbing your sore sinuses brings a fresh blood supply to
the area and soothing relief. You should press your
thumb firmly on both sides of your nose and hold for ½ a
minute. Repeat several times, thrice a day.
·
Apply moist heat over tender sinuses in case you have
pain in them. For this, you may apply a warm washcloth
over your eyes and cheek bones and leave it there until
the pain reduces. It should normally take just a few
minutes.
·
Some practitioners may treat sinus problems using
various manipulation techniques. A single case study
described treatment of chronic sinusitis and sinus
headaches with spinal manipulation, massage, and a
technique called: “bilateral nasal specific” (BNS). The
BNS procedure involves inflating small balloons within
the nasal passages, creating a change of pressure and,
theoretically, a realignment of nasal bones
·
De-stress – Try and be positive about your sinusitis as
the disease may bring frustration and depression due to
the utter restlessness it brings with itself. Your work
and life in general suffers. But, remember, it is
something, millions of people have and you also have to
learn to live with it. On a regular basis, some
meditation will definitely be of great help.Yoga
is one
wonderful technique to stay fit, physically as well as
mentally.
·
Acupuncture –
Acupuncture
has seen a lot of success in
treating sinusitis. Acupuncturists see sinusitis as
"dampness" which creates swelling and congestion in the
mucus membranes. This dampness is removed by
strengthening the spleen meridian and by working with
the stomach meridian. Practitioners often perform
needling therapy and/or moxibustion (a technique in
which the herb mugwort is burned over specific
acupuncture points) for this condition. Your
acupuncturist may also recommend herbal therapy.
Helps maintain easy breathing, clear
noses and open chests in children.
Read What A Chronic
Sinusitis Sufferer Wants To Share That You Always Wanted...
How He Has Treated
Himself For Sinus Pain, Headaches, Bad Breath, Facial Pain And
Sore Throat Without Any Nasal Spray...The Real Truth Is
Something Which Your Eyes Have Not Seen, Your Ears Have Not
Heard
