SINUSITIS

THE PAIN AND FRUSTRATION of chronic sinus infections can be truly debilitating. One patient told me that her sinusitis felt like she was hundreds of feet underwater without a diving helmet. That’s a good description of the swelling, congestion, pain, headache, and overall misery of a sinus attack. Many people suffer with sinusitis for years because they and their doctors can never identify precisely what’s causing the problem and/or they don’t take sufficient care to avoid repeated attacks. Unfortunately for some people, sinusitis can be helped only by surgery. But for most people, simple natural measures will help prevent recurrent attacks.

The sinus cavities, which take up about a third of the skull, are believed to be a sort of air-control system for the lungs. Air is brought into the Sinus cavities, cleaned of dust and harmful bacteria by the cilia and mucus of the nasal passages, humidified, and then sent to the lungs. Because the single exit from the sinus cavities is tiny, only about as wide as the lead in a pencil, it’s relatively easy to clog it. When mucus becomes thick, either in response to a cold or an allergic reaction, the single exit from the sinus cavity becomes blocked and the mucus builds up. The sinus cavity is the perfect place for bacteria to thrive, and thrive they do until you have a full-blown, painful, congested sinus. You can confirm that your problem is your sinus rather than a headache by bending over: If it’s a sinus, you’ll feel a painful throbbing; if not, you’ll feel no change.

Sometimes people will get a sinus infection as the result of a cold, suffer awhile, take some medication, and be better in a few days. But those who are really troubled by sinus infections get them chronically. Patients complain to me that they seem to have a constant “cold” or that they have six or more “colds” a year. This is always a signal to investigate chronic sinusitis.

If you have what you think is a sinus infection with a thick yellowish green discharge, head congestion, and pain, you should see your doctor. You’ll probably need to take an antibiotic to get rid of the infection so the sinus can drain. If the infection is so resistant that after a few courses of different antibiotics it still won’t clear up, you might be a candidate for surgery to correct a deformity of the nasal cavity.

If there’s nothing anatomically wrong with your nose, it’s time to take measures to head off the infections before they begin: They’re really easier to prevent than cure. Yom’ main goal is going to be to keep tile nasal mucus thin and free-flowing so it doesn’t breed infection.

The first step-a simple one that really work-is to drink a lot of fluids. You should do this all day long but particularly when you are recovering from a cold, when you’re under stress, and when you feel beginning to clog. Force yourself to drink six to eight glasses water daily. My patients find it helpful to keep a bottle of mineral seltzer at hand all day and to sip from it constantly. The additional liquid will help keep the mucus flowing. Hot beverages-herbal teas, and soups-are especially good. It might sound odd, but it’s helpful to lower your nose to a hot drink and take a deep breath. This will help keep your nasal passages open.

Humidity is very important. The more moist the air, the more efficient nasal cilia and the more liquid the mucus. Use a cool-mist humidifier, lean your head over a sink filled with hot water, tent a towel over and breathe deeply.

Moist heat helps, too. Try resting a towel or washcloth that has been out with hot water over your face for a few minutes. It can stimulate blood circulation, loosen mucus, and relieve pain.

Pressure on the sides of your nose can also relieve pain. Press the top nose on either side between two fingers for a few minutes and release. Do this a few times a day to relieve pain and stimulate the production of mucus.

Many people develop sinusitis as a result of an allergen-typically a food or an inhalant-and in response their mucosal passages swell. The becomes thick, and the result is sinusitis. Many of my patients found relief when they identified their allergies. In my experience, products are often responsible for sinus problems, but many foods be a problem. Inhalants that can cause problems include mold and some people are even allergic to cockroaches.

Don’t forget that a cold can be the first step in developing a sinus infection; take every measure possible to avoid colds. See Colds.

If you want to take an over-the-counter medication to relieve sinus congestion I recommend a single-action one that’s geared only to relieve like Sudafed. Avoid antihistamines, as they dry nasal secretion and can ultimately make you more congested.

Vitamin A and vitamin C can help with a sinus infection. Vitamin A thins the mucus nad promotes thre growth of healthy mucus-promoting cells. It also strengthens the immune system.

NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR SINUSITIS:

• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly during a cold or times of high stress. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Hot beverages such as herbal tea, broths, and soups can be substituted.
• Humidify your environment. Use a cool-mist humidifier at home (especially in your bedroom) and in your workplace. When you’re suffering from symptoms, take hot showers and hot baths. Tent a towel over your head and inhale deeply above a sink filled with hot water a few times a day.
• Use warm compresses on your nose and eyes to relieve pain.
• Use pressure to relieve pain and stimulate circulation: Press the top of your nose on either side between two fingers for a few minutes and then release. Do this several times a day.
• Investigate the possibility of either food or inhalant allergy.
• Colds can bigger sinus infections; do your best to avoid them (see Colds).
• If you need additional relief from congestion, stick with single-action over-the-counter decongestants like Sudafed.

IN ADDITION TO YOUR DALLY SUPPLEMENTS. TAKE:

• Vitamin C: 1,000 to 2,000 mg. daily.
• Vitamin A: 10,000 I.U. daily.

IN ADDITION: Recent research has shown that there is a natural supplement that can help reduce the incidence of chronic sinusitis. N-acetylcysteine, which is derived from an amino acid, has been shown to help keep mucus fluid, thus helping the sinus drain. It’s available at health food storeds and can be given in doses of 200 mg. two times a day for children and 200 mg. three times a day for adults