Sinusitis
Definition:
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the lining membrane in any of the hollow areas (sinuses) of the skull around the nose. Sinusitis may be caused by anything that interferes with air flow into the sinuses and the drainage of mucous out of the sinuses. The sinus openings, called ostia, may be obstructed by swelling of the tissue lining the ostia and adjacent nasal passage tissue; for example, from colds, allergies, and tissue irritants (nasal sprays, cocaine, cigarette smoke). Less commonly, sinuses can become obstructed by tumors or growths. Stagnated mucous then provides a perfect environment for bacterial infection. The common symptoms of sinusitis include headache; facial tenderness or pain; fever; cloudy, discolored nasal drainage; a feeling of nasal stuffiness; sore throat; and cough. Acute sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotic therapy. Chronic forms of sinusitis require long courses of antibiotics and may require a sinus drainage procedure.
Signs & Symptoms:
At least two of the four primary signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis must be present with confirmation of nasal inflammation for a diagnosis of the condition. They are:
Thick, discolored discharge from the nose or drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
Reduced sense of smell and taste in adults or cough in children
Other signs and symptoms can include:
Ear pain
Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
Cough that might worsen at night
Sore throat
Bad breath (halitosis)
Fatigue or irritability
Nausea
Cause:
Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:
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.
Other medical conditions. The complications of cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux, or HIV and other immune system-related diseases can result in 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 viral, bacterial or fungal.
Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.
How To Cure:
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, no sugar added juices, clear broth, and hot tea. These fluids will help to thin out mucus and help to drain it from irritated sinuses. Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages, as well as from smoking. All of these substances will dehydrate your system causing mucus to thicken and clog already inflamed airways.
Dissolve Excess Mucus
Spicy foods such as cayenne pepper or horseradish can be mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to create a mucus dissolving elixir.
Steam Inhalation
Break up thick mucus with a few drops of Eucalyptus or Peppermint oil in hot water. With your face down over the water, drape a towel over the back of your head and inhale the steam.
This also works with a few drops of either oil added to the water in a humidifier. Some of these machines actually have a small tank included for just such a thing.
