What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a term that refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities present in your forehead, cheeks and nose. When these sinuses become inflamed, they can produce a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly affect an individual’s daily life.

 

What are the types of sinusitis?

• Acute sinusitis: This is a short-term inflammation of the nasal passages caused by a viral or bacterial infection, beginning with common cold
• Subacute sinusitis: This type of inflammation lasts between 4 to 12 weeks. It is usually bacterial, but can also be viral or fungal infection.
• Chronic sinusitis: Also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for more than 12 weeks. It is usually caused by bacteria, but can also be due to fungal infection, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyp or rarely due to immune system deficiency. Allergic rhinitis or asthma is likely to precipitate frequent inflammation of sinuses, thus resulting in chronic sinusitis.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can present with a range of symptoms, both acute and chronic. The common symptoms of sinusitis include:

1. Thick nasal discharge: The mucus produced during sinusitis is often thick and discoloured. This is because the inflammation in the sinuses causes an increase in mucus production, which then accumulates in the nasal passages.
2. Nasal congestion: One of the most common symptoms of sinusitis is nasal congestion, which can cause breathing difficulties. The congestion may be accompanied by a reduced sense of smell or taste.
3. Post Nasal Drip: Sinusitis can cause post nasal drip, where excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, leading to a persistent cough and a feeling of a “drip” in the throat
4. Facial pain and pressure: Sinusitis often leads to pain and tenderness in the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. This pain can be dull or intense and can be felt on one or both sides of the face.
5. Sinus headaches: Frequent headaches that are most intense in the mornings could be a sign of sinusitis. These headaches are typically caused by pressure buildup in the sinuses and can become chronic if left untreated.
6. Reduced sense of smell and taste: Inflammation in the sinuses can affect your ability to smell and taste. This can occur due to the blockage of the olfactory nerve, which transmits signals from the nose to the brain.
7. Ear pain/pressure: Inflammation and congestion in the sinuses can cause discomfort and pressure in the ears.
8. Cough: Sinus drainage can irritate the throat, leading to a persistent cough.
9. Bad breath: Bacterial growth in the sinuses can result in unpleasant breath odour.
10. Pain/pressure in teeth: Sinus pressure can radiate to the teeth, causing pain and sensitivity.
11. Fever: Sinus infections may cause a low-grade fever as the body fights off the infection.
12. Tiredness: Sinusitis can lead to fatigue due to the body’s immune response and disrupted sleep from nasal congestion.

 

What are the causes of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can occur due to a range of causes, including:

1. Nasal infections: Sinus infections are usually viral, and they often occur due to the common cold or flu. Nasal infections can cause inflammation and blockage of the sinuses, leading to sinusitis. Sinusitis can also occur due to bacterial or fungal infections.
2. Allergies: Allergies are another common cause of sinusitis. When an individual is allergic to a particular substance, their immune system reacts to it, causing an inflammatory response in the sinuses.
3. Structural abnormalities: Structural issues in the nasal passages, such as a deviated septum, can obstruct the sinuses and contribute to sinusitis. The obstruction can cause blockages in the sinuses, leading to inflammation and infection.
4. Nasal polyps: Small growths in the nasal passages can block the sinuses and lead to chronic sinusitis. Nasal polyps can arise due to long-term inflammation in the sinuses.
5. Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants, smoke, or chemicals can irritate the sinuses and cause inflammation. Irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemicals can cause the sinuses to become inflamed and develop sinusitis.

 

How to relieve sinusitis at home?

1. Nasal irrigation: Use a saline solution or neti pot to flush out nasal passages and reduce congestion.
2. Steam inhalation: Breathe in steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water to help soothe sinus passages.
3. Warm compresses: Apply warm compresses to your face to alleviate pain and pressure.
4. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus and promote drainage.
5. Rest and relaxation: Take time to rest and allow your body to heal.
6. Humidifier: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and relieve sinus discomfort.

Remember, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

 

How to prevent Sinusitis?
There are a number of things that people can do to minimise their risk of developing sinusitis:

1. Practise good hygiene: Washing hands regularly can help reduce the risk of viral or bacterial infections, which can lead to sinusitis.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep the sinuses moist and reduces the chance of blockages.
3. Allergy management: If you are prone to allergies, taking steps to minimise exposure to allergens and consulting an allergist for appropriate management.
4. Avoid irritants: Reducing exposure to pollutants, smoke, and other environmental irritants that can trigger sinusitis symptoms can help prevent the condition from developing.

 

When to see a doctor?

• Symptoms that don’t improve in a few days or worsen.
• A persistent fever or high fever.
• A history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis.
• Persistent tiredness.
• Swelling or redness around the eyes.
• Bad headache.
• Forehead swelling.
• Confusion.
• Double vision or other vision changes.
• Stiff neck.

 

Can sinusitis be treated with homoeopathy?
Homoeopathy is a system of medicines that acts on the body’s immune system, thus boosting the natural defences, instead of inhibiting or suppressing immune responses.The aim of homoeopathic treatment is to correct the underlying cause, rather than just treating the symptoms. For homoeopathic treatment of sinusitis, a detailed evaluation is done including the patient’s overall health and medical history, based on which the homoeopath prescribes an individualised treatment plan. 

Some homoeopathic medicines for sinusitis:

Kali Bichromium: it is a very useful remedy for sinusitis with thick, sticky, stringy, yellow or yellow-green mucus discharge which is difficult to evacuate. It is accompanied by fullness at the root of the nose. Also works well in treatment of post nasal discharge.

Silicea: It is a well indicated remedy for chronic sinusitis, lasting months after every cold. It works effectively in sinusitis accompanied by a right sided headache. Also treats ear infection associated with sinusitis. The discharges are purulent.

Belladonna: This remedy works well in the early stage of sinusitis with high grade fever, congestion in nose and head, throbbing headache and flushed face. There is a severe headache which is worse by stooping/bending the head forward or jarring. It is especially indicated in maxillary sinusitis.

Hydrastis: Hydrastis is an important remedy for sinusitis with thick, yellow, ropy discharges. There is tenacious discharge from posterior nares, accompanied by headache, eye pain and earache. Pain is the principal symptom of this remedy.

Hepar Sulph: this remedy is indicated in cases of sinusitis with thick nasal or post nasal discharge with every exposure to cold or uncovering the head. The offensive discharge, smelling like old cheese is characteristic of this remedy.

Mercuris Solubilis: It is indicated in sinusitis with greenish fluent discharge. There is no resistance to infection, every cold exposure results in sinusitis. It works remarkably well in frontal sinusitis, accompanied with excessive salivation and offensive breath.

Please note the above mentioned are a few commonly used medicines in the treatment of sinusitis. Homoeopathic treatment, being holistic, takes into consideration the onset, symptoms, type of discharge, colour of discharge, accompanying symptoms and modalities. 

At Honey Homoeo Clinic, we have a rich experience of treating numerous acute and chronic cases of sinusitis with marked improvement in health and quality of life and minimal to no recurrence. Sinusitis can be a frustrating condition to deal with, but with the right understanding and treatment, relief is possible. If you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

For treatment of Sinusitis, contact us at HONEY HOMOEO CLINIC.