Sinusitis

• What is sinusitis?

• Common causes

• Symptoms

• Natural remedies

• Other ways to help

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the linings of the sinuses that surround the nose. The sinuses are membrane lined, air-filled spaces behind the bones in your face. Their job is to produce mucus in order to trap dirt and keep the nasal passages clean and moist. The mucous produced in the sinuses usually drains into your nose via small holes called ostia. When you get sinusitis, the ostia can become blocked and the mucus is unable to drain properly and it is this that causes the nasty symptoms of sinusitis. The maxillary sinuses in the cheekbones are the largest of four sets of sinuses and are the most likely to be affected by sinusitis.
 

Common causes

Sinusitis is caused by an infection of the sinus membranes by a virus, fungus or bacteria and is normally caused by the common cold or by the following factors:

• Allergic rhinitis for example caused by allergies to dust and pollen

• Irritants such as chemical pollutants like exhaust fumes and household detergents

• Smoking

• Asthma and allergies such as hayfever

• Facial injuries or surgery

• An infected tooth which causes inflammation of the maxillary sinuses

Symptoms^†

• Pain and pressure in your face, which is worse when you lean forwards

• Blocked nose with green or yellow mucus, which can drain down the back of your nose into your throat and may cause a sore throat and cough

• Headache, particularly when you wake in the morning

• Fever

• Earache or pressure in your ears

• Toothache or pain in your upper jaw

• Cough

• Loss of taste or smell

• Tiredness

The pain you experience will depend on which of your sinuses are affected:

• Frontal sinusitis can cause pain just above your eyebrows, and your forehead may be tender to touch.

• Maxillary sinusitis can cause your upper jaw, teeth and cheeks to ache and may be mistaken for toothache.

• Ethmoid sinusitis can cause pain around your eyes and the sides of your nose.

• Sphenoid sinusitis can cause pain around your eyes, at the top of your head or in your temples. You may also have earache and neck pain.

If your sinusitis is severe, has not cleared up within a week, or keeps occurring, consult your doctor.

Rarely, a sinus infection can spread to the membranes lining the brain and occasionally, sinusitis can spread to form an abscess in the eye socket. If you develop swollen eyelids while you have sinusitis you should consult your doctor immediately.

Natural remedies

• Homeopathy has been traditionally used to help. Kali bichsoothes the symptoms of sinusitis associated with headache, pain and swelling around the nose and cheeks with mucous. (Always read the label on a product.)^∏  

• Rexflexology has recently become a popular choice for sufferers for sinusitis.

• Acupunture – some studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in easing the symptoms of pain.

Other ways to help

• Try to avoid breathing cigarette smoke, traffic fumes, dry air and chemicals at home or in the workplace as much as possible.

• Tackle dust mites in the home by vacuuming carpets frequently.

• Exercise regularly – just make sure to do it indoors if the pollen count is high.

• Eat a healthy balance diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables. Some people find that certain foods may promote mucus formation and they can be avoided. However, it is essential that you maintain a balanced diet.

• Drink plenty of water and include hot herbal teas and lemon drinks.

• Steam inhalation with a Eucalyptus is a great way to relieve blocked sinuses.

† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.

^∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.