The sinuses are small air pockets located in between the eyes and behind the forehead, nose, and cheekbones. When the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed, it’s known as sinusitis.  It causes facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes a fever and other symptoms. It’s usually caused by the common cold, but other viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergies can also cause sinusitis.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SINUSITIS

Homoeopathic remedies can be used to treat chronic and recurrent sinusitis. These remedies are made up of natural substances and have zero side effects. The natural mode of treatment aims at treating the root cause (like chronic cold, nasal allergies) behind sinusitis to give long-term relief. Along with treating the root cause, these medicines offer relief in the immediate symptoms of sinusitis as well. Homoeopathy treats acute infections as well as the tendency to have infections. The aim of homoeopathy is not only to treat the disease condition but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. Homoeopathy prevents its recurrence and helps in regaining the individual’s health and providing a quality life to the individual.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining your sinuses. Sinuses are structures inside your face that are normally filled with air. Bacterial infections, viral infections and allergies can irritate them; causing them to get blocked and filled with fluid. This can cause pressure and pain in your face, nasal congestion (a stuffy nose) and other symptoms.

ABOUT SINUSES

Your sinuses are four paired cavities (spaces) in your head. Narrow passages connect them. Sinuses make mucus that drains out of the passages in your nose. This drainage helps keep your nose clean and free of bacteria, allergens and other germs (pathogens).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS

Common symptoms of a sinus infection include.

• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat).
• Runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus.
• Stuffy nose.
• Facial pressure (particularly around your nose, eyes and forehead). This might get worse when you move your head around or bend over.
• Pressure or pain in your teeth.
• Ear pressure or pain.
• Fever.
• Bad breath (halitosis ) or a bad taste in your mouth.
• Cough.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.

If you have acute bronchitis, you might have cold symptoms, such as a mild headache or body aches. While these symptoms usually improve in about a week, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring for at least two consecutive years.

CAUSES OF SINUSITIS

Viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergens can cause sinusitis. Specific triggers for sinusitis include:

• The common cold.
• The flu (influenza).
• Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
• Haemophilus influenza bacteria.
• Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria.
• Nasal and seasonal allergies.

RISK FACTORS FOR SINUSITIS

Some people are more likely to get sinusitis than others. Risk factors include.

• Nasal allergies.
• Asthma.
• Nasal polyps (growths).
• Deviated septum. Your septum is a line of tissue that divides your nose. A deviated septum isn’t straight, narrowing the passage on one side of your nose. This can cause a blockage.
• A weakened immune system. This can be from illnesses like HIV or cancer, or from certain medications. Smoking.

DIAGNOSIS OF SINUSITIS

Your doctor may ask about your symptoms. He or she may feel for tenderness in your nose and face and look inside your nose in a physical exam. Methods for diagnosing chronic sinusitis include:

• Imaging tests. Images taken using CT or MRI can show details of your sinuses and nasal area. These might pinpoint a deep inflammation or physical blockage, such as polyps, tumors or fungi, that's difficult to detect using an endoscope.
• Looking into your sinuses. A thin, flexible tube with a fiber-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to see the inside of your sinuses. This can help your doctor see a deviated nasal septum, polyps or tumors.
• An allergy test. If your doctor suspects that allergies might be triggering your chronic sinusitis, he or she might recommend an allergy skin test.
• Samples from your nasal and sinus discharge (cultures). Cultures are generally unnecessary for diagnosing chronic sinusitis. However, when the condition fails to respond to treatment or is worsening, your doctor may swab inside your nose to collect samples that might help determine the cause, such as bacteria or fungi.

PREVENTION OF SINUSITIS

Take these steps to reduce your risk of getting chronic sinusitis:

• Avoid upper respiratory infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds or who are sick with other infections. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals.
• Manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control. Avoid exposure to things you're allergic to whenever possible.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.
• Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS