SINUS PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES

I used to suffer quite badly from painful sinuses.  It took me a while to recognise what it was, but now I know how to deal with it.  As soon as there is a change in temperature, the sinuses will quite often let you know, but there are many reasons for discomfort and pain.   

What are they? 

The sinuses are cavities in the skull: the maxillary, situated either side of the nose; the ethmoid, between and behind the eyes; the frontal, in the forehead; the sphenoid, much further back in the head.  They are lined with cilia, fine hairs, whose job it is to collect any mucous from the sinuses and direct it towards a tiny hole called the ostium to be drained away. 

What is sinusitis? 

When the mucous is not sufficiently drained away, sinusitis occurs.  The ostium is a tiny hole and not ideally situated for drainage.  It can become obstructed due to swelling from a cold or allergy or blocked due to dry mucous, which means that air cannot get in and mucous cannot be drained away.  When the mucous is not drained away, it is a perfect medium for bacteria and infection.  Some 30% of the population will suffer at some time or another and there has been a steady rise over the past couple of decades owing to the increasing levels of pollution. 

Neti is a very good natural remedy

What are the symptoms? 

The most common symptoms are 

• A feeling of pressure in the face, especially when leaning forward
• Headaches
• Toothache
• Nasal suffiness 

How is it treated? 

If an infection is suspected, then antibiotics will be prescribed.  If it is viral, over-the-counter decongestants are very effective so long as you finish the course and don’t have to resort to them frequently.  In the case of allergy, a steroid spray will help reduce the swelling and avoid resorting to constant use of antihistamines. 

Are there any natural remedies?

• Keep yourself fit and healthy, eat well, drink plenty of water, thereby boosting the immune system to avoid colds and keep hydrated. 
• Saline irrigation has been shown to prevent infection and keep the nasal passages healthy.  I use a neti pot on a regular basis and it does seem to have helped. 
• Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, breaks down mucus, fights infections, reduces swelling and relieves the symptoms of sinusitis.  The recommended dosage is 1,500mg of bromelain a day. 
• Cut out mucus-forming foods and common allergic foods, such as dairy products, eggs, wheat, fried and fatty foods, pastries, sugar, chocolate, beer and anything containing food additives.
• Steam inhalations work well: try adding tea tree oil or eucalyptus.  Try a sauna or spend some time in a steam room.
• Sleep in a propped up position and use a humidifier to prevent the sinuses from drying out.

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