Symptoms

  • Feeling of fullness in the face.
  • Pressure behind the eyes.
  • Nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose.
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Foul smell in the nose.
  • Fever (possibly).
  • Toothache (possibly).

Call your Doctor if:

  • sinusitis develops into an inflammation around the eye (orbital cellulitis), which could cause damage to the eye and facial nerves.
  • the condition does not improve within seven days; you may need a prescription for antibiotics.
  • sinusitis recurs more than three times in a year, and periods between bouts grow shorter; you may have a chronic infection that could become serious.

Treatment Options

Many alternative therapies attempt to relieve the pain of sinusitis and open the sinuses for drainage. Others aim to fight infection by boosting the immune system. If the sinuses are infected with bacteria, you may need antibiotics to kill the disease organisms before they cause further damage or spread to other sinuses.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of sinusitis. An acupuncturist may apply medium stimulation to various ear points— adrenal, forehead, internal nose, lung, and near the sinuses—to help drain the sinuses. Points on the stomach, bladder, and large intestine meridians can also help; consult a licensed practitioner.

Herbal Beauty

Aromatherapy

Inhalants of eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus), pine, or thyme (Thymus vulgaris) may help break up your clogged sinuses. You may also alleviate the symptoms by holding menthol or eucalyptus packs over your sinuses.

Herbal Therapies

Bromelain tablets have been shown in controlled studies to reduce inflammation, nasal discharge, headache, and breathing difficulties. You can boost your immune system with echinacea (Echinacea spp.), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), or garlic (Album sativum), preferably raw. Breathing the steam of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) tea or ginger (Zingiber officinale) tea also provides some relief. To combat excessive mucus production, herbalists suggest elder (Sambucus nigra) flower, eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis), or goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea).

The exact makeup of a prescribed Chinese herbal mixture depends on whether the sinusitis is “hot” (acute or infectious) or “cold” (chronic or allergic). Either way, the preparation may include the Chinese herb ephedra (Ephedra sinica), a decongestant. (WARNING: Do not use ephedra if you have hypertension or heart disease.) A number of other Chinese herbs, among them honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), fritillary bulb (Fritillaria cirrhosa), tan‑gerine peel (Citrus reticulata), xanthium fruit (Xan‑thium sibiricum), and magnolia flower (Magnolia liliflora), can also help relieve sinusitis symptoms.

Homeopathy

For acute sinusitis with thick, stringy mucus and pain in the cheeks or the bridge of the nose, use Kali bichromicum (30c) once or twice a day. For sinusitis with intense facial pain, alternating chills and sweat, and yellow-green discharge from the nose and mouth, use Mercurius vivus (30c) twice a day. For acute sinusitis with a clear, thin discharge, sneezing, headache, and a stopped-up nose at night, use Nux vomica (30c) twice a day. For sinusitis with light yellow or green nasal discharge accompanied by low spirits and lack of thirst, use Pulsatilla (30c) twice a day. If symptoms linger for more than two days, seek the advice of a professional homeopath.

Nutrition and Diet

A good, healthful diet including fruits and raw green leafy vegetables can help stimulate secretions and break up sinusitis. Nutritionists also suggest the following supplements to the diet: vitamin C, 500 mg every two hours; bioflavonoids, 1 gram per day; beta carotene (vitamin A), 25,000 IU per day; and zinc lozenges (consult a nutritionist for dosages). Stay away from foods that you suspect may trigger an allergic reaction.

Home Remedies

  • Inhale steam from a vaporizer, a humidifier, a mixture of hot water and vinegar, or even a cup of tea or coffee. Steam is one of the best remedies for unclogging sinuses.
  • Use warm compresses on your nose to help open your sinuses.
  • Drink plenty of liquids.

Prevention

It’s difficult to prevent sinusitis, but you can reduce your chances of having your sinuses become infected. First, avoid allergenic substances, which for some people include the dust in their beds and certain foods, such as dairy products and wheat. Whenever possible, avoid cigarette smoke. Note: People with diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and certain other diseases may be prone to sinusitis.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Health Tips for Sinusitis