HOME REMEDIES FOR SINUSITIS

Inflammation of the tissues in sinuses is known as Sinusitis. Viral infection, bacterial infection and allergens can irritate the tissue lining the sinuses which cause them to get filled with fluid and get blocked. The blockage of sinuses exert extra pressure which causes facial pain , nasal congestion and other symptoms.

TYPES OF SINUSITIS :

• Acute Sinusitis : This type is usually caused by viruses and the symptoms last less than 4 weeks.
• Sub-acute Sinusitis : The symptoms usually last for 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic Sinusitis : The main cause is bacterial infection and this condition last at least for 12 weeks.
• Recurrent Acute Sinusitis : The symptoms tends to come back 4 or more times in a year and usually last less than 2 weeks every time.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SINUSITIS?

Bacteria, fungi , virus and certain allergens can cause sinusitis in individual. Some specific triggers for sinusitis includes :

• Influenza
• Haemophilus influenza bacteria
• Common cold
• Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
• Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria
• Nasal and seasonal allergies

RISK FACTORS FOR SINUSITIS :

Some factors that increase the risk of development of sinusitis includes :

• Asthma
• Smoking
• Nasal allergies
• Deviated septum
• Weak immune system
• Nasal polyps

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS?

Some common symptoms experienced by individual includes :

• Stuffy nose
• Pressure or pain in teeth
• Fever
• Postnasal drip
• Bad breath
• Headache
• Runny nose with thick green or yellow mucus
• Facial pressure around eyes, nose and forehead
• Ear pressure or pain
• Cough
• Tiredness

AYURVED APPROACH

It can be correlated with Dushta Pratishyaya  in ayurved. Due to nidan sevan like excessive consumption of oily, heavy to digest food, day time sleeping, leading sedentary life etc leads to aggravation of the kapha dosha . Aggravated Kapha leads to viation of Prana Vayu. Aggravated kapha along with vitiated Prana vayu causes obstruction of the channels in head region and leads to development of the Dushta Pratishyaya.

HOME REMEDIES :

• Nasal Irrigation : Using a saltwater solution to force out plugged-up mucus and germs in the sinus passages. It is very effective to relieve nasal irritation and congestion. Nasal irrigation can be done with special squeeze bottle, neti pot or bulb syringes.
• Humidifier : Humidifier helps to add moisture to air as dryness can cause aggravation of the symptoms of sinusitis. Thus helps to clear the nasal congestion.
• Ginger Tea : Ginger is rich in anti-oxidant thus makes it amazing remedy for treatment of sinusitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties helps to reduce irritation and inflammation in nasal passage and also helps to clear out sinus infection. In one cup of water add few pieces of ginger and boil it for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and let it cold down a little then consume it. Drink this tea thrice a day for instant relief from sinus.
• Honey : Honey has anti-microbial properties thus work best against fungus, bacteria and viruses that causes sinus infections. It also helps to sooth irritated throat and also helps to clear excessive mucus. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and drink this mix twice daily for relief from sinus.
• Steam : Steam is quite effective to loosen the mucus in nasal cavity and provide relief from congestion. Steam inhalation added with few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil helps to relieve symptoms of sinusitis.
• Warm Compresses : Using warm compress on face helps to lessen some pain due to pressure in sinuses. Take a washcloth or towel and damp it with warm water. Put the damped cloth on face to get relieve from sinus pain and pressure.
• Stay Hydrated : Drinking adequate water helps to thin out the mucus and makes it easier to drain. But avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as it tends cause dehydration in the body and can lead to aggravation of the sinusitis symptoms.