Common Signs & Symptoms, Possible Causes and various Holistic Remedies for Sinusitis.

Make sure to avoid any ingredient or tips etc., you are allergic or intolerant to – discussed in this article!

Sinuses are hollow, air-filled sacs or cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead.

There are 4 pairs of sinuses in total.

Sinusitis is a painful inflammation or mucus congestion of the sinus cavities.

This condition can be viral, fungal, or bacterial.

Types of Sinusitis

1. Acute and subacute sinusitis: It is Short-lived type with symptoms lasting for about 2 and 12 weeks.
2. Chronic Sinusitis with polyps, allergies or deviated septum lasts 12 weeks or longer.
3. Recurrent acute sinusitis: If sinusitis tends to flare up several times a year, it is referred to as recurrent sinusitis.

Common signs & symptoms of Sinusitis may include.

Many sinus infection symptoms are almost same in its various types – such as.

• Pain and tenderness on face specially behind the eyes, nose, cheeks or forehead
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Nasal stuffiness or congestion
• Fever and a sore throat
• Dull aches in the forehead and bridge or sides of the nose, or between/above the eyes specially when leaning forward.
• Increased sensitivity
• Cough that may be worse at night
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Thick, yellow or green, foul-smelling discharge from your nose
• Blockage in your nose
• Common cold that doesn’t go away or gets even worse.
• Earaches or toothaches
• Pus in the nasal cavity
• Runny nose or discoloured postnasal drainage.
• Feeling tired and fatigue very often
• And Halitosis or bad breath etc

Possible Causes & Risk Factors of Sinusitis

• Acute sinusitis is normally triggered by a common cold or flu.
• Obstructions in the nasal or sinus cavities due to anatomic variations including nasal polyps, deviated septum, nasal bone spur or cleft palate etc.
• Changes in air temperature or air pressure such as from swimming, diving, or flying high attitudes etc.
• Hormonal changes such as during pregnancy
• Immune deficiency or compromised immune system.
• Overuse of nasal decongestants
• Sensitivity to aspirin
• Genetic disorders that impair the cilia such as cystic fibrosis
• Asthma and other lung disorders etc.
• Hay fever or exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dry air and pollutants
• Non-allergic rhinitis
• Infections resulting from dental problems.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Physical injury to the sinuses
• A tube inserted into your nose to stomach for feeding.
• Or any other health condition that blocks off the vital drainage channels of your sinuses

Further complications if left untreated

As sinuses situate deep in the head, close to the brain, in severe cases, infection can spread into the meninges – membrane covering the brain and spinal cord and can cause meningitis – or abscess, which can be fatal.

Vision problems: If the infection spreads to your eye socket it may cause troubled vision and even permanent blindness.

If the nasal obstruction and inflammation continue, the olfactory or smell nerve can be compressed, leading to a temporary or permanent loss of smell etc.

Herbal and Home remedies for sinusitis

Increase your fluid intake to help keep your body hydrated and sinuses moist.

Stinging nettle works as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent.

It is effective for seasonal allergies, including allergic rhinitis and can provide quick relief from symptoms like nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing and itching.

• Add 1 tablespoon of dried stinging nettle leaves to a cup of hot water.
• Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
• Strain and add a little honey.
• Drink it 2 or 3 times daily until your symptoms disappear.

Nasal irrigation with saline solution is highly beneficial for sinus infections as it helps clear out mucus and other debris from your sinuses.

• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of non-iodised salt and a pinch of baking soda in 2 cups of distilled water.
• Use this solution for nasal irrigation using a bulb syringe or other irrigation device.
• While standing over a sink, place the tip of the spout into one nostril, tilt your head to the side and allow the water to run out through the other nostril.
• Refill the neti pot and repeat the process with the other nostril.
• Repeat this remedy once or twice daily for a few days.

 Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy massage and inhalations are exceptionally effective to help relieve sinusitis.

Some essential oils also help treat the infection in the membranes, as well as have an analgesic effect.

To naturally clear the sinuses, using eucalyptus and peppermint oils can be highly effective.

These essential oils can naturally open the sinuses, clear mucus and eliminate infections.

Facial massage can help – especially using techniques that work on the sinus points either side of the nose and at the tip of the eyebrows on the brow-bone.

Feet Reflexology can also be an effective complimentary treatment for sinus problems, by stimulating the sinus points located behind the toes.

Alternatively, you may simply vaporise by using 4 drops each of Pine, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree.

Make your own Simple Massage Oil Recipes to Ease Congestion

Ingredients:

• 4 drops eucalyptus
• 4 drops pine or rosemary
• 4 drops peppermint
• Mix well and apply around your nose bridge, forehead and chest before sleep.

Oregano oil Can be used as a Healing Tonic. A potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant plant that can help eliminate the underlying cause of acute sinusitis.

• Also effective in relieving the inflammation in the nasal cavities.
• Mix 2 or 3 drops of oregano oil in 1 glass of water or juice.
• Drink this juice once or twice daily.

Take a steam inhalation.

Hot water vapor can help loosen mucus, moisten the sinuses, can also help lubricate the irritated respiratory tract.

• Boil two cups of water and while the water is still steaming, add few drops of essential oils of your choice such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree or eucalyptus.
• Cover bowl and head with towel and inhale for at least 5 – 10 minutes and blow your nose thoroughly.
• Be sure to keep your eyes closed.
• Repeat few times a day until you recover completely.

Homeopathic approach for chronic Sinusitis

Homeopathy is one of the most popular, safe and natural holistic systems of medicines – a very personalised approach!

Consult a qualified homeopath for your detailed assessment and take tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, modalities and peculiar signs and symptoms etc.

Here are Top 7 suggested homeopathic remedies for chronic sinusitis.

1. Lemna Minor is effective for Sinus Infections Complicated With Nasal Polyps
2. Natrum Muriaticum is prescribed For Sinus Infections and Nasal Allergy
3. Silicea is useful For Sinus Infections accompanied with Chronic Colds
4. Kali Bichrome For Sinusitis With Postnasal Discharge
5. Belladonna is a Top-Grade Medicine For Sinus Headaches
6. Sanguinaria Canadensis – Sinusitis due to recurrent nasal polyps with shortness of breath
7. Hepar sulph – Sinusitis with severe cold

Precautions and additional Tips

• Get plenty of rest to help your body fight infection and speedy recovery.
• Sleep with your head elevated to promote mucus flow and avoid congestion.
• Apply warm compresses to your face – around forehead and sides of your nose to help keep the nasal passages moist and ease congestion.
• Use a humidifier in rooms that will keep the air moist.
• Exercise can help stimulate positive drainage.
• Avoid mucus-forming foods like refined flour products, eggs, chocolate, fried foods, processed foods, citrus foods, wheat, glutted, sugar and dairy products etc.
• Control dust and dust mites as well as indoor molds specially during the allergy season.
• Wear a mask when going out to avoid exposure to dust.
• Cover your pillows and mattress with dust mite covers.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom.
• Take a bath or shower after coming inside from outdoors.
• Change your clothes often after being outside to avoid being exposed to allergens.

For your particular health problem(s), or to change your medications it is strongly suggested to avoid self-medication and consult your GP / health provider or Mind & Body Holistic Health Clinic.

You may also book your one-to-one consultation with one of our practitioners for your tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, peculiar signs & symptoms etc.  

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