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Sinusitis - Symptoms And Home Remedies For Sinusitis Treatment

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection. It is an inflammation of nasal sinuses. There are sinuses located above the eyes (frontal sinuses); to either side of the nose, inside the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses); behind the bridge of the nose (sphenoid sinuses); and in the upper nose (ethmoid sinuses). Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the skull that are connected to the nose and throat by passages designed to drain away mucus. The sinuses are the first line of defense in protecting the lungs against infection. When these these sinuses swell or become irritated, the infection is called sinusitis

Sinusitis is very common; 30% of all people suffer from sinusitis at least once a year and can be easily treated. It's a good idea to call your doctor if patient has a cold and the symptoms don't go away after about 10 days or if patient develops a fever after about 7 days of having cold symptoms. Those could be signs of sinusitis or another type of infection.

Types of sinusitis

• Acute sinusitis:- It is frequently caused by bacterial or viral infections of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, such as the common cold. More than 50 percent of all cases of sinusitis are caused by bacteria. Air travel also can lead to acute inflammation of the sinuses, because of changes in air pressure.
• Chronic sinusitis:- This problems may be caused by small growths in the nose, injury of the nasal bones, air pollution, dental complications, emotional stress, smoking, and exposure to irritant fumes and smells. Allergic sinusitis may be caused by hay fever or food allergies, especially allergies to milk and dairy products. People with compromised immune systems are susceptible to fungal sinusitis, a potentially dangerous condition that requires aggressive treatment.

Sinusitis Symptoms & Signs

Sinusitis symptoms are usually starts with common cold, that does not improve, or one that worsens after 7 to 10 days of symptoms. They include:

• Headache
• Earache
• Toothache
• Nasal drainage that is thick and colored.
• Fever (may be present)
• Bad breath
• General fatigue and general sense of not feeling well

Sometimes sinusitis produces facial swelling followed by a stuffy nose and thick discharge of mucus. The symptoms suffered by those with sinusitis can have other unpleasant effects. Postnasal drip can cause a sore throat, nausea, and bad breath; difficulty breathing can cause snoring and loss of sleep.

Vitamins and nutrients to cure Sinusitis

Natural home remedies for sinusitis treatment

• Anise, fenugreek, marshmallow, and red clover help to loosen phlegm and clear congestion.
• Inhaling steam from a vaporizer or a hot cup of water can soothe inflamed sinus cavities.
• Ginger root can be crushed and applied as a poultice to the forehead and nose to stimulate circulation and drainage.
• A hot water bottle; hot, wet compresses; or an electric heating pad applied over the inflamed area also can clear sinus sinusitis.
• Horehound helps to relieve symptoms.
• Mix a solution of 1 cup warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. Use a squeeze spray bottle (available over the counter in drugstores) or an eyedropper to instill the solution in the nostrils, one side at a time. Repeat this procedure three or four times a day as necessary for relief from sinusitis.
• Bitter orange oil can be used to swab nasal passages for local relief.

Considerations and prevention tips

• Drink plenty of distilled water and fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Also consume plenty of hot liquids such as soups and herbal teas. These help the mucus to flow, relieving congestion and sinus pressure. Adding cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, horseradish, and raw onion to soups or teas may bring even faster relief.
• Wash your hands frequently, particularly after shaking hands with others.
• Antibiotics may be necessary to clear a bacterial infection. Always take antibiotics for the full course prescribed, even if symptoms seem to improve earlier. Stopping prematurely can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a worse infection.
• Avoid smoke and pollutants.
• During summer months, if you swim, keep your head above water and avoid deep dives and somersaults under water.
• Do not use force when blowing your nose, as this forces mucus back into the sinus cavities. Instead, draw secretions to the back of the throat by sniffing, then expel them.
• Although sinusitis itself is not contagious, it is often preceded by a cold, which can spread easily, particularly among family or friends. The most effective way to prevent germs from spreading is to teach your child the importance of frequent hand washing , particularly when he or she has a cold.