Sinus Infections

Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. It can be due to infection, allergy, or autoimmune problems. Most cases are due to a viral infection and resolve over the course of 10 days.

Symptoms

See also :

• Nasopharyngitis
• Rhinorrhea
• Rhinitis
• Post Nasal Drip
• Respiratory Diseases
• Sinus Headache
  
  

Causes

Sinusitis is mainly caused by allergens such as dust, dust mites or pollens. It may be caused by fungal, bacterial and viral infection, as well as climate and temperature changes. The use of some medications can also trigger sinusitis as one of its side-effects. One of the best ways to avoid the condition is to know what can trigger the symptoms of sinusitis. For example if you’re well aware that dust or smoke can activate your sinusitis, then make sure that your home and office spaces are clean. At the same time avoid smoking areas. Also, carry a handkerchief to cover your nose if you’re outdoors and there’s a constant bombardment of air pollutants in your surroundings.

• Excessive dairy consumption (cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt)
• Environmental allergies
• Tobacco and pollution irritation
• Food allergies
• Dental infection
• Fungal infection in the sinus cavity
• Systemic Candida albicans (overgrowth of yeast)
• Colds and flu symptoms

Home remedies

• Diet: During infection eat in moderation, with an emphasis on whole grains, beans, lentils, lightly cooked vegetables, soups, and cold-pressed oils. Avoid mucus-forming foods such as, flour products, eggs, chocolate, fried and processed foods, sugar and dairy products. Drink plenty of pure quality water.
• Garlic and Onion have medicinal properties to overcome sinusitis problems. You can take fresh cloves of garlic smash them and mix it to a glass of water and drink it. Take raw onion and cut it into two pieces. Now inhale the aroma of it. It will help heal infections inside your sinuses and nasal passage.
• Breathe in Moist Air : To ease your nasal passages from sinus pain and congestion, it is best to breathe and revel in moist and warm air.
• Eucalyptus, because of its strong antiseptic properties, has been used for sinusitis treatment. One can drink eucalyptus tea or inhale its steam. For inhalation, boil eucalyptus leaves in water and inhale the steam. Inhalation of eucalyptus helps in clearing the nasal passages and also in getting rid of the infection.Or bring some water to boil in a pan and add 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
• Mustard Seed: Take one tablespoon of mustard seed powder and boil in water. Boil until the water is reduced to half. Cool it down to warm temperature and put 1-2 drops in the nostrils with the help of a dropper. This will be helpful in clearing the nasal passages.
• Ginger: Ginger is used for headaches and to get relief from nasal problems. It has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Mostly, ginger extract is used for curing sinus infections. Prepare extract of ginger by grinding raw ginger and take 1-2 teaspoons daily until you get rid of sinusitis. In addition, one can also take ginger tea regularly.
• Cinnamon and Peppermint: Cinnamon and peppermint are other important home remedies. Cinnamon paste can be applied to the head and nose for pain relief. Since peppermint is anti-inflammatory, one can drink tea or inhale steam of peppermint for easy breathing and curing sinus infection.
• Licorice: The root part of this plant is used to fight sinus infections. It reduces inflammation and stimulates the immune system, which altogether helps in getting rid of sinus infection. Since, licorice is a powerful expectorant, it helps in thinning of the sputum in the nasal cavities, thereby allowing it to be expelled easily. Care should be taken while choosing this herbal remedy, as there are also licorice capsules available for treatment of stomach ulcers.
• Cumin seeds are good for treating sinusitis. Get a perforated cloth and a teaspoon of cumin and then breathe in its aroma or fragrance.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine has the unique ability to detoxify and dissolve unhealthy, embedded mucus in your sinuses
• Oregano tea is good for sinus congestion that is very common during winter.
• steam bath is an effective cure for sinus infection. It stimulates the immune system that aids in early recovery from the infection. Also, the causal organisms are weakened or get killed at an elevated temperature. However people with fever, high blood pressure, heart diseases and pregnant women should not take steam bath.
• Hot and cold water application is another natural cure for sinus. You can take a pan of hot water and wash your face with the hotness you can bear and immediately wash your face with cold water. This improves your body resistivity to sinus infections.
• Cayenne works to boost energy by improving circulation. It is also effective to help ward off cold, sinus infections, and Sore Throat. It even helps reduce pain and inflammation.
• Diet: During infection eat in moderation, with an emphasis on whole grains, beans, lentils, lightly cooked vegetables, soups, and cold-pressed oils. Avoid mucus-forming foods such as, flour products, eggs, chocolate, fried and processed foods, sugar and dairy products. Drink plenty of pure quality water.
• Herbs: include cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, and horseradish in your soups and meals, to help dissolve and eliminate excess mucus. According to the self-care guide, Prescription for Natural Cures, a powerful drainage remedy is to eat a small spoonful of crushed horseradish mixed with lemon juice, but make sure to be near a sink when your nose starts running. Japanese horseradish in the form of Wasabi paste taken with meals can also provide a quick release to the nasal passages.
• Luffa is taken by mouth for treating and preventing colds. It is also used for nasal swelling and sinus problems.
• Neti pot: dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in 2 cups of warm water. Standing over a sink fill the neti pot with one cup of water and place the tip of the spout into one nostril. Tilt your head to the side and allow the water to run out through the opposite nostril. Careful not to tilt your head back and up or the water will reroute down your throat. Refill the neti pot and repeat with the other nostril.
• Apple cider vinegar: At the first sign of infection combine 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 6 ounces of water, a teaspoon of raw honey or stevia to sweeten and drink 3 times a day for 5 days. The apple cider vinegar helps to thin congested mucus, so it can be easily eliminated.
• Grapefruit seed extract (GSE): this citrus extract is a powerful natural antibiotic and is used to inhibit microbes, parasites, bacteria, viruses and 30 types of fungi including Candida yeast. For sinus infections you can purchase GSE as a nasal spray and use it as an adjunct to your treatment protocol.
• Quercetin with bromelain helps improve the body’s response to histamine and other allergens to help support a healthier sinus.
• The most commonly indicated homeopathic medicine for the first stage of colds with watery nasal discharge is Allium cepa. Children often respond well to homeopathic Pulsatilla, especially if the nasal discharge is becoming a little thicker.
• Bromelain has been suggested as a complementary treatment for sinusitis. Preliminary studies suggest that it may help reduce congestion, improve breathing and suppress coughing.
• drink sufficient amounts of water. Hydration is important. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day since it will help thin your mucus and relieve the symptoms of the condition.
• Fruits and veggies are known to cure sinusitis especially oranges that are rich in Vitamin C. Mangoes are a good choice in relieving your sinusitis as well as fresh orange and sweet grape juice.
• Andrographis (andrographis paniculata) is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat upper respiratory infections and sinusitis.
• Horseradish is a potent herb for the sinuses and lungs. It opens up the sinus passages and increases the circulation there, where most doctors agree, the common cold and influenza often start.
• Bi Yan Pian is a Chinese herbal formula used for sinus congestion from wind cold or wind heat. Bi Yan Pian is for head colds, sinusitis, rhinitis, hay fever, allergies, and sinus infections.
• Xanthium is associated with the Lung meridian, and is considered to have sweet, bitter and warm properties. It is used to dispel wind and damp, and is one of the most important herbs used for sinus congestion,

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.