Sinusitis

Description

Sinuses are cavities in the bone around the nose. There are four pairs of sinuses in the head, located in the forehead, between the eyes, deep in the head behind the eyes, and in the cheekbones. Each pair is connected to the nasal cavities by small openings that allow air to pass from the nasal passage through the sinuses and permit mucus to flow into the nose.

Should the tissue that lines one or more of these sinuses become inflamed and infected, the membranes of the nose itself also may swell, causing nasal stuffiness and blocking the drainage of mucus. This is called sinusitis, and it can be triggered by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection or by severe irritation (perhaps by inhaling an irritating substance). In some cases, a person may experience sinusitis repeatedly, most often as the result of an untreated infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Thick nasal discharge; runny nose
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Pain around eyes and/or cheeks
Fever
Toothache (in rare cases)

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you choose to see your physician, a physical exam, and in some cases, X-rays and/or a CAT scan may be used to diagnose your condition. Treatment depends on what is causing the condition. Your physician may recommend that you try over-the-counter decongestant sprays, drops, or tablets to open the nasal passages and encourage drainage of the sinuses. In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics also may be prescribed.

In the case of recurring sinusitis, your physician may want to create a small opening in the bone between the nose and troublesome sinus, then clear the sinus by flushing it out with sterile water.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

To relieve congestion and sinus pressure, drink plenty of distilled water and fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Fresh pineapple juice is especially beneficial because it contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps fight infection. Soups and hot herbal teas also help. Add cayenne pepper and raw onion to bring on even faster relief. Ask your health care provider to check for a fungal or yeast overgrowth in your sinus cavity.

Your diet should should not contain sugar or high amounts of salt. Dairy products increase mucus formation, so eliminate them.

The following daily supplements aid in preventing/treating sinusitis:

vitamin C (500 mg every 2 hours)-decreases mucus and fights infection
quercetin (as directed on label)-protects against allergies
zinc (1 Is-mg lozenge every 2 to 4 waking hours for one week; do not exceed this amount)-boosts the immune system
coenzyme (60 mg)-stimulates the immune system
flaxseed oil (as directed on label)-reduces pain and inflammation
vitamin A (10,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU if you are pregnant)-protects against infection; maintains the health of the mucous membranes
mixed carotenoid formula (up to 50,000 IU 3 times)-precursor of vitamin A
N-acetyl cysteine (600 mg)

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

To relieve thick congestion in your sinuses, add 3 or 4 drops essential oil of lavender, eucalyptus, red thyme, or peppermint to steam inhalations.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda considers sinusitis to be an excess kapha problem, and practitioners say these natural remedies may help clear sinus congestion and prevent recurrences: Wash the nasal passages with a simple saline solution, which you can make at home or purchase. Place a little warm ghee or sesame oil in each nostril daily to keep passages moist.

Bodywork and Somatic Practices

For an all-systems approach, CranioSacral Therapy eases physical symptoms, partIcularly In the cranium, while SomatOEmotional Release addresses the underlying emotional and/or spiritual components. The same physical/emotional/mental!spiritual focus is true of polarity therapy, all Onental bodywork therapies, and reflexology. Both Therapeutic Touch and Reiki can calm the central nervous system, relieve symptoms, and boost vitality for the healing process.

Alexander, Trager, Aston-Patterning, and Feldenkrais address the habitual stress(Simple Ways to Relieve Stress) patterns that may regularly irritate the condition. nigger point myotherapy, Rolfing, and Hellerwork address musculoskeletal tensions in the soft tissue and postural misalignments which lower vitality and wellbeing. Massage provides relaxation, improves the internal balance of bodily systems, and helps flush lymph and blood in head, neck, and shoulders.

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