Before we go to alternative forms of treatment like Yoga, homeopathy medicines for treating sinusitis, it is important to examine the various facets of this common medical condition in proper light
Sinusitis: Important things to know
The reason for increasing incidence of sinus problems is due to increasing pollution and drug resistant bacteria. The common symptoms are headache, pressure, congestion and post nasal drip. The typical discomforts are continuous cough (especially at night) because of the thick post nasal drip continuously running down the back of your throat, hoarseness in throat, throbbing earache due to trapped fluid, pounding headaches. Many individuals also have fever with sinus infection. Sinusitis can also prove to be a expensive illness, considering the downtime at work due to leave and repeat visit to doctors (treatment cost includes medical bills, cost of medications, not to forget missed days at work or school)
- Even a infected upper tooth can sometimes lead to serious sinus infection. People go for months thinking they have a bad tooth, or tension or migraine headaches when in reality they are suffering from signs of chronic sinusitis.
- Sinusitis can lead to all out asthma attack. 50% of all asthmatics in US also suffer from chronic sinusitis at some time which can make asthma symptoms flare up & worsen
- Left untreated sinusitis may lead to meningitis an infection of the brain that can lead to brain damage. In rare cases , blood clots forms in veins around sinuses and can affect brain like a stroke
- It is also a cause of stress – the anxiety and worry about whether you will ever feel better from the miserable situation. The inability to enjoy life and exercise can lead to feelings of malaise or depression that can lead to lethargic behavior
- There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to managing your sinusitis. Keeping infections at bay and finding the remedy that works for you is important
- Most ENT doctors will tell you that the common causes of sinus problems are crooked or deviated septum, nasal allergies, and chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by a combination of infection and allergic reaction
- A typical Physical examination by which a ENT doctor makes diagnosis: using a scope with special lenses to check sinusis, evaluate glands in your neck, assessing temporomandibular joint (TMJ), peering into ears to see if there is associated problems causing congestion or headache.
- The-not-so-helpful prescription or over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines (make mucus thick and hard to drain), nasal decongestants (cause dependency when the body rebounds with increased inflammation or swelling after the medication wears off), Oral decongestants (may cause increase blood pressure and jitters).
SINUSITIS IN BRIEF – EXPLAINED |
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| What is Sinusitis | Sinuses are the cavities of certain facial bones and sinusitis is the inflammation of those cavities. The swelling of the air cavities within the passage of the nose is called sinusitis. It can last from 10 days to 3 weeks. It is different from a bad cold even though symptoms are the same. |
| Why is it caused | Sinusitis most often occurs after a cold and could be the result of a viral infection. In some cases sinusitis is the result of bacterial infection |
| Symptoms (Physical characteristics) | Sinusitis is accompanied by pain in the forehead and under the eye, runny nose, hazy or colored mucous, loss of smell, nose block, fever, dental pain etc . It can lead to facial swelling in extreme cases. |
| Treatment | Steam inhalation, saline nose drops is usually the common treatment followed by decongestant nasal drops and antibiotics for acute infections. |
| How to prevent it? | Immune deficiencies that increases the risk of infections has a direct correlation to Sinusitis. Also avoid smoking and polluted air and exposure to cold or humid weather conditions |
Sinusitis – Post Nasal Drip – Asthma: How are they linked?
Post-nasal drip, the feeling of mucus dripping at the back of the throat is a symptom of another medical condition that causes excessive mucus production causing. This congestion could be caused by sinusitis with a buildup of mucus and bacteria and a sensation of thick phlegm in the throat,
Asthma which is a sinus disease causing restricted airway symptoms may be exacerbated by constant dripping of infective and inflammatory secretions from the back of the nose to the back of the throat
When sinusitis pairs up with lower respiratory tract symptoms such as bronchitis or asthma it leads to Sinobronchial syndrome.
Patients suffering from primary sinusitis also end up have secondary complications of asthma and pulmonary complications because of this linkage
How good is Nasal Sinus Irrigator?
A nasal irrigator is a drug free device designed to cleanse and clear your sinuses by removing pus, thinning secretion and washing away dirt, allergens, toxins and pollutants. Research indicates simple saline irrigation is effective at unclogging nasal passages, and reducing facial pain and head pressure. Examples are Bulb syringe, Neti pot, Hydro pulse, squeeze pot etc. What you do is to pour a mixture of salt and water into the nostril allowing the fluid flow through the nasal cavity and into the other nostril. A study by American College of Allergy however points that this method is counter productive in the long term; People who stopped saline irrigation after a year of use had a had a 62% lower incidence of sinusitis in the year they stopped.
What if doctor says sinus surgery?
Remember surgery is the final alternative because most patients with chronic sinus infections don’t need surgery. A deviated septum or nasal abnormalities are quite common and most don’t require surgery, You can improve your condition or control symptoms with lifestyle changes and medical treatment. ENT Doctors who avoid surgeries go for maximal medical treatment which is a combination of prolonged antibiotic treatment, oral steroids, sinus rinses and nasal steroid sprays
However if your doctor feels that the chronic sinus infection needs a scalpel removal, he is most commonly referring to a surgical method called functional endoscopic sinus surgery or (FESS). Before going for a surgery it is better to take a second opinion to find the severity of your symptoms, CT scan reassessment and the state of your general health. Special considerations have to be borne in mind if the patient undergoing surgery is a child or a elder person
Yoga & Sinusitis
Yoga teachers recommend the following asanas or poses to help you clear the sinuses
- Adho Mukha Svanasana or downward facing Dog is widely recognized as a helpful in relieving sinus congestion.
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend): This pose (resembling a ‘r’) energizes the head and respiratory area and helps clear sinus congestion.
- Salamba Setu Bandhasana (Supported Bridge Pose): This pose opens up the chest and increases circulation to the upper body or torso
- Salamba Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose ): This pose opens the abdomen, chest and groin while it relaxes the nervous system.
How does Homeopathy treat Sinusitis?
Homeopathy is a non invasive form of natural treatment that has excellent anti inflammatory action for relief from Sinusitis. It is fast acting too.Homeopathy increases the body’s resistance capacity (immunity) and prevents infections that lead to Sinusitis. Homeopathy is a natural remedy that has bacteriostatic and decongestant action without any side effects. It also addresses headaches caused by chronic sinusitis and relieves sinus pressure by acting on mucous membranes of the respiratory system to ease breathing difficulties. We have listed Top Homeopathic medicines for Sinusitis, shop here at Homeomart – India’s No.1 online homeopathy medicine store
