There are estimated to be over 32 million sufferers of sinusitis in the US alone, many with chronic sinusitis that can have a serious affect on their quality of life. Sinus infection and chronic sinusitis can cause a variety of symptoms including pain and pressure behind the eyes, headache which is often made worse by bending forwards, fatigue. Acute sinusitis, caused by bacterial or viral infection is usually accompanied by fever. Sinus remedies include medications prescribed by your doctor and a variety of natural remedies that can be of particular benefit if you suffer from chronic sinusitis.
The hollow cavities above and behind the eyes and the cheeks connect with the nose and are covered with microscopic hairs, called cilia which move mucous through the cavities and out occurs through the nose and throat. When swelling of the lining of the sinuses, from an infection or reaction to an allergen, the cilia are less efficient at moving the mucous. This then builds up to cause the familiar pressure and pain associated with sinus problems.
Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection and may last up to two weeks. Chronic sinusitis may last twelve weeks or more and recurs, sometimes frequently and may be caused by an Upper Respiratory Tract infection, an anatomical condition such as a deviated septum, or by allergies or molds. Not all the symptoms may be present but sinusitis is always accompanied by fatigue so if you have a headache but no tiredness you probably don't have sinusitis.
Sinus Remedies
For acute sinusitis you should always consult a doctor or other health care practitioner who will be able to diagnose the and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. This may include antibiotics for a bacterial infection and pain relief and decongestants. For chronic sinusitis there are a number of sinus remedies that you can try. Natural remedies for congested sinuses include the use of vapourisers, nasal washouts and using and inhaling the vapour from eucalyptus oil, rosemary or lemon grass. As a long time sufferer of chronic sinusitis the best sinus remedies I have found have been inhalation of eucalyptus oil or short term, quick relief and sinus washout using a neti pot for longer lasting relief and to prevent recurrence.
Food is believed to play a part in the occurrence of chronic sinusitis by some alternative therapists who advise cutting out 'mucous producing' foods such as dairy, sugar, wheat and oranges. Most conventional doctors believe that this will have no effect.
Sinus Remedies You Can Try at Home
Over the counter decongestants will decrease the swelling of the sinus lining and decrease the mucous produced so relieving the congestion. You can also try decongestant sprays. These are both best used for acute sinusitis and should not be used for more than three days for the sprays and a week for tablets. Steroid sprays can be prescribed by your doctor and can help in some cases. Again long term use should be avoided.
A vaporiser can keep the nasal passages moist as dry air can be irritating. A inhalation of eucalyptus vapour three times a day can give temporary relief. Irrigate the nasal passages with a warm salt solution. You can use a bulb syringe or a neti pot. I have found using a neti pot easy and very effective. Avoid irritants as much as possible. These include cigarette smoke, insecticides, hair spray, pet dander and anything that is sprayed into the air and inhaled. It might be wise to keep any pets out of your bedroom.
A Word of Caution
If you have fever, confusion, a stiff neck or swelling of the face or eyes please consult qualified medical help.
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