Natural
Remedies for Sinusitis
By Deborahann Smith
Think
you might have chronic sinusitis? If so, you have plenty
of company. In fact, the National Center for Health Statistics
reports that this condition is the most chronic disease
in the United States. Also known as allergic sinusitis,
this ailment is more common in women, particularly those
between the ages of forty-five and sixty-four.
The classic symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
• Head and nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Runny nose and/or postnasal drip
• Halitosis
• Increased irritability
Acute sinusitis is an infection usually beginning with a cold and characterized
by facial pain, sinus swelling, postnasal yellow mucus and extreme fatigue.
These symptoms may be accompanied by a fever, a stuffy and runny nose, sore
throat, cough and laryngitis, and require medical attention, according to Robert
S. Ivker, D.O., author of Sinus Survival (Tarcher/Putnam).
Sinuses: Natural Air Filter
It's important to protect sinuses because your sinuses filter the air you breathe.
They also protect your lungs from disease by filtering out bacteria, viruses,
dirt, dust, pollen, and other harmful airborne agents.
Although antibiotics are commonly prescribed for sinusitis, they have limited
use. "Sinusitis is often caused by a virus or fungus, and antibiotics
are ineffective against these pathogens," explains Bob Rountree, M.D.,
who practices in Boulder, Colorado. If you suffer from Sinusitis, don't despair.
Try some of these simple home remedies that may even prevent the condition
in the first place.
Natural Remedies for Sinusitis
What remedies are effective for preventing and relieving the symptoms of sinusitis?
Rountree suggests the following natural remedies:
1) Buy an air filter/HEPA filter combination
Because allergies are major culprits in sinusitis, a combination air filter/HEPA
filter can eliminate potential allergens such as dirt, dust, pollen, air pollutants
and animal dander. It also may help to use allergen-proof mattress and pillow
covers and install an air filter on your vacuum so that it doesn't distribute
dirt and dust.
2) Irrigate your sinuses with saline solution
Nasal washes are effective as topical disinfectants. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt
and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda in 4 ounces warm water. Use a Neti pot or a bulb
syringe to flush out your nose 2-4 times daily. Colloidal silver (1 dropperful
six times daily) and commercial nasal washes containing Echinacea and Goldenseal
are also effective.
3) Take quercetin
Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting bioflavonoid found in
the skin of red onions and apples. It helps decrease mucus production and swelling
by blocking the release of histamine from immune cells. Quercetin can also
be taken as a dietary supplement.
4) Take N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an altered form of the amino acid cysteine. This
antioxidant thins mucus and provides antiviral action. Use of this substance
has long been prescribed by medical doctors to treat lung congestion associated
with cystic fibrosis.
5) Boost your immunity
Chronic sinusitis indicates that your immune system is compromised. Taking
an antioxidant supplement containing vitamin C, vitamin E, carotene complex,
selenium and zinc can enhance your immune system. Also try olive leaf extract
and garlic to fight yeast, which often cause sinus infections.
6) Apply hot towels or ginger compresses to your eyes and cheeks
Hot towels and ginger compresses help reduce inflammation and open nasal passages.
Note: Take care that the compresses aren't so hot as to burn your skin.
7) Cut back on dairy products, refined carbohydrates and sweets
Dairy products produce sinus-congesting mucus, while refined carbohydrates
and sweets suppress immune function.
In addition to the above recommendations, if you have sinusitis you might try
bromelain, an enzyme that has been shown to reduce swelling and inflammation
in the sinuses. And, whenever possible, reduce your stress levels. Ivker says
that emotional stress is one of the most probable causes of sinusitis because
stress lowers immune response in the body. So while you're taking your natural
remedies, also consider taking a break.
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