Sinusitis

a naturopathic prescription for the signs and symptoms

• A sinus is actually a space. Consider a sinus to be like a cave in the skull. We have several pairs of sinuses. Sinuses make the skull lighter, and help produce a better sound when we talk or sing. Caves have watery protective linings (mucous membranes), but sometimes they get clogged up, especially if the exit drainage is too small or gets blocked. The most common reason it gets blocked is due to the goo which results from a bacterial infection. This can occur if we succumb to the common cold (which is a viral infection).
• Other causes of sinusitis (the inflammation of the sinuses) include dental infections, food allergies, hayfever, and low immunity.
• There is no strong evidence that antibiotics provide any benefit, although potent antibiotics may be appropriate for severe, unresponsive cases. Routine prescription of antibiotics, particularly to children, is highly questionable, considering the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance.
• However, if you have a helicobacter pylori bacterial infection (which is linked with peptic ulcers), antibiotic treatment may be of help. See your doctor for a simple test.
• It would seem that most people with allergies suffer from sinusitis. Environmental allergens include pollen (see Hayfever), dust mites, pet dander, soaps, shampoos, detergents, cleaning chemicals, and chemicals discharged into the air we breathe. Homoeopathy can be useful - homeopaths consider many people with such allergies to have inherited a "tubercular miasm".
• An acute attack of sinusitis can often be alleviated by the application of heat packs.
• Have an intranasal douche of saline solution. (Snort a warm salt solution). Some people add crushed garlic - but take care, as the mucous membrane can be very sensitive.
• Some people swear by a herbal tea of fenugreek.
• Another common cause of the inflammatory response is food allergies. If you are having an acute attack of sinusitis, elimate from your diet the common food allergens (milk, wheat, corn, citrus, eggs, peanuts).
• Select a supplement from the following recommendations for your country (clicking the hyperlink refers you to a suitable supplier). Look for products with the following ingredients: quercitin, histidine, bioflavonoids, beta-carotene, vitamin C, A, zinc, garlic, Echinacea, horseradish, fenugreek, marshmallow.

If the symptoms of sinusitis persist, you need to make an appointment to consult a professional health practitioner.

A naturopath considers WHY someone has sinusitis, and then treats accordingly.

David Wilson, Naturopath

See also Food intolerance and Candida.

Keep me informed about any news concerning sinusitis.