SINUSITIS

 SINUSITIS

The sinuses lighten the skull or improve our voices, humidifying and warming inspired air, but their main function is to produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. This mucus layer protects the nose from pollutants, micro-organisms, dust and dirt.

TYPES OF SINUSITIS

Ethmoidal sinuses are located between your eyes.

Maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.

Sphenoidal sinuses are located behind your eyes.

Frontal sinuses are located above your eyes.

The biggest sinus cavity is the maxillary cavity, and it is one of the cavities that most often becomes infected.

CAUSES

Nasal polyps: These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.

Deviated nasal septum: A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils — may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse.

Other medical conditions. The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage.

Respiratory tract infections. Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria.

Allergies - Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses, air pollutant such as tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, big factory smoke etc.

SYMPTOMS:

Runny nose.

Stuffy nose.

Facial pain or pressure.

Headache.

Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)

Sore throat.

Cough.

Bad breath.

Mild fever

Fatigue

FOODS TO INCLUDE:

Berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple, pepper (Peppers clear the nasal congestion and soften the mucus for smooth flow). Try eat raw garlic, ginger, onion, holy basil, mint, etc.

FOODS TO AVOID:

Dairy and related products are common culprits for congestion and microbial growth. Also, try to avoid refined sugar, fine flour, as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Processed sugars are hidden in your favorite desserts, kids' juices, pastries and chocolates etc.

Avoid Trans fatty acids, Monosodium glutamate (MSG), these are mostly found in packed food items.

Avoid Refined carbohydrates, cheese, yogurts, and fruits like bananas, which forms more mucus and can cause congestion.

TREATMENT

Inhalation (1):

Boil water and Peppermint leaves in a large vessel and make it enough hot and inhale the vapor through the nose for 5 minutes. Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day.

Peppermint has anti inflammatory, analgesic, anti bacterial and anti histamine effects. By inhaling through the nose, your sinuses get the immediate effect of Peppermint.

Inhalation (2):

Boil water for few minutes. Add 3-4 pods of crushed garlic to it. Inhale the steam by covering your head with a towel or cloth. Take deep and slow breaths. Allicin and other innate compounds present in garlic help get rid of the infection while the steam helps to thin the mucus and clear congestion.

Inhalation (3) and Tea:

* Eucalyptus

* Ginger

* Lemon

* Pure honey.

Wash and Boil the eucalyptus leaves and ginger for 20 minutes, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Once the brew is cooled, add 3 tablespoons honey and 3 tablespoons lemon juice to a glass of this herbal tea and drink. Repeat for a week.

External application:

Hydrotherapy: Hot and cold fomentation

Take a hand kerchief size cloth (fold it triangular shape) deep in warm water and squeeze the excess water and place over the sinusitis for 3 minutes and follow with ice cold water for 1 minute. Repeat them for about 5-6 times in one sitting. This can be done twice daily.

Garlic, Mustard / olive Oil

Mix 3 tbsp. of crushed garlic with 50 ml of the oil in a pan and place it on medium flame for 2 minutes. Now strain the oil and store it in an airtight bottle. Apply this oil on your forehead, and nose for relief from sinusitis. Regular application of this oil helps clear the blocks and reduces congestion.

This oil is not only beneficial in treating sinusitis, but also for cough and cold (apply them on chest, neck and nose)

Pineapple : Pineapple is made with enzyme bromelain, a complex substance that may relieve symptoms of sinusitis, headaches and nasal pain. Bromelain breaks down the junk that builds up in the sinuses and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.

Garlic: Compounds like Allicin present in garlic exhibit antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Allicin is activated when raw garlic is crushed / finely chopped / minced. Hence, garlic is best consumed raw.

Garlic, Turmeric powder and Tomato juice

Boil 2 medium size of tomato juice. Add 1 tbsp. of finely chopped garlic to it along with 1 tsp. of lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. of turmeric powder and salt to taste. Drink this hot juice twice a day. Anti-inflammatory properties and Vitamin A present in tomato juice will help in repairing the mucous membrane The curcumin in turmeric help inhibit inflammation and also garlic does its work.

8 Health Laws: Follow the 8 health laws