Conditions

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Most cases of sinusitis affect the frontal and/or maxillary sinuses, but any or all of the sinuses may be involved. Sinusitis can be either acute or chronic.

Acute sinusitis is frequently caused by bacterial or viral infections of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, such as the common cold. Air travel also can lead to acute inflammation of the sinuses, because of changes in air pressure.

Chronic sinusitis problems may be caused by small growths in the nose, injury of the nasal bones, air pollution, dental complications, emotional stress, smoking, and exposure to irritant fumes and smells.

Allergic sinusitis (a form of chronic sinusitis) may be caused by hay fever or food allergies, especially allergies to milk and dairy products.

People with compromised immune systems are susceptible to fungal sinusitis, a potentially dangerous condition that requires aggressive treatment.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Earache
• Toothache
• Facial pain
• Cranial pressure
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Tenderness over the forehead and cheekbones
• Facial swelling (sometimes)
• Sore throat caused by postnasal dripNausea
• Bad breath
• Snoring and loss of sleep

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is normally accomplished through a physical examination. However, chronic sinusitis may require one or more of the following diagnostic procedures:

• Culture and biopsy for chronic and fungal sinusitis.
• Microscopic examination shows sheets of polymorphonuclear neutrophils as well as bacteria
• Skin test to determine underlying allergy
• Blood test to reveal immunoglobulin serum levels and antibody response to specific antigens (i.e., allergies)
• Nasopharyngeal culture
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Conventional sinus radiograph
• Flexible fiberoptic rhinoscopy

Treatment Options:

Nonsurgical treatment includes antibiotics, decongestants, avoiding allergens, steam or mist inhalation for drainage and symptom relief, and hydration to thin secretions.

Surgical treatment for restoration of ventilation and mucociliary functioning is attempted when nonsurgical measures have failed.

Traditional Treatments:

• For a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Amoxicillin and sulfamethoxazole plus trimethorprim are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for this condition.
• Decongestants may be suggested to help drain the sinuses. Topical decongestants such as Afrin and Neo-Synephrine are probably more effective than the oral variety, but decongestant nasal sprays or drops should not be used for longer than three days in a row as a physical dependency can occur.
• Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and others can be used to ease discomfort and to bring down a fever.
  Warning: In excessive amounts, acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
• A severe case of sinusitis that does not respond to antibiotics may have to be treated by a surgical procedure to open the sinuses and allow them to drain adequately.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

A combination of physical medicine and herbal or homeopathic treatment is often effective for treating both acute and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory. Take 500 mg three times daily, between meals.
• Beta-carotene helps to heal mucus membranes. Take 10,000 IU twice a day for four or five days.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids help reduce inflammation and fight infection. Take 500 to 1,000 mg of each three to four times a day for four or five days.
• Zinc boosts the immune system and aids tissue healing. Take 15 to 25 mg two or three times a day for up to one week.
• Acidophilus replaces good bacteria in the colon and is very important if antibiotics are prescribed.
• Bee pollen increases immunity and speeds healing. Start with _ tsp. daily and increase slowly to 1tbsp daily, in juice.
  Warning: Bee pollen may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Discontinue use if at any time a rash, wheezing, discomfort, or other symptoms occur.
• Flaxseed oil reduces pain and inflammation. Follow the label directions.
• Quercetin plus bromelain protects against allergens and increases immunity. Follow the label directions.
• Raw thymus glandular protects immune function and health of the mucous membrane cells.
• Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids enhances the immune system and protects against inflammations.
  Warning: If you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.
• Vitamin B complex can help to maintain healthy nerves and reduce stress. Take 75mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily, with meals.
• Vitamin E improves circulation and speeds healing. Take 400 ­ 1,000 IU daily. If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.

Alternative Therapies:

• Anise, fenugreek, marshmallow, and red clover help to loosen phlegm and clear congestion.
• Bayberry is a decongestant and astringent.
• Bitter orange oil can be used to swab nasal passages for local relief.
• Cat's Claw Defense Complex from Source Naturals contains a combination of herbs designed to strengthen the body and help the body deal with outside elements.
  Warning: Do not use cat's claw during pregnancy.
• Ginger root can be applied as a poultice to the forehead and nose to stimulate circulation and drainage.
• Goldenseal is effective in combating sinusitis. Its benefits can be enhanced by combining it with 250 to 500 mg of bromelain.
  Warning: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Garlic has antibacterial properties and helps to clear infection. Select an odorless capsule variety and take 500 mg four times a day for up to ten.
• A warm, moist compress of water and ginger root placed over the sinuses helps to drain the area and relieve congestion.
• Grapefruit-seed extract is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.
• Menthol lozenges help to clear respiratory passages.
• Oregano has antibacterial properties and helps to fight infection.
• Shiitake mushrooms have an immune-stimulating effect. Take 500 to 800 mg three times daily for one week after the acute infection is over.

General Recommendations:

• Use nasal saline flushes to cleanse the sinuses and thin mucus.
• Use of a cool mist vaporizer may be helpful.

Warnings:

Avoid using antihistamines if you have a sinus infection. These dry the mucous membranes and may thicken secretions so much that they will not drain, which can lead to them becoming impacted.