These natural remedies are extremely effective and have helped many sinusitis sufferers.
Acute sinusitis lasts up to twelve weeks whereas chronic sinusitis keeps recurring or lasts more than twelve weeks. Chronic sinusitis in particular can be extremely detrimental to a persons quality of life.
The mucous membranes of the nasal membranes become swollen and inflamed, the openings get blocked and proper sinus drainage is inhibited leading to a mucous build up. These blocked, inflamed sinuses create a moist environment that makes it easier for bacterial and fungal infections to occur and take hold.
The common cold usually causes acute sinusitis whereas a variety of reasons cause chronic sinusitis such as; a low immune system, nasal allergies, fungal infections, nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, a sinus obstruction, immune system disease, regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke. All of these can contribute to bacterial and/or fungal infections occuring.
The symptoms include some or all of the following; sinus/facial pain, sinus/facial tenderness, sinus/facial pressure, headaches, pain in teeth, pain in jaw, pain in ears, pain through and around eyes, fatigue (worse in chronic sinusitis), dizziness, drainage of a thick yellow or green discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat (post nasal drip), nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, reduced sense of smell and taste, cough (which may be worse at night), nausea, sore throat and halitosis (bad breath)
Many people have got rid of their sinus infections by using these proven treatments.
Natural nasal sprays – SinuSoothe in particular is doctor recommended and contains natural ingredients which relieve inflammation, nasal congestion, sinus pain, headaches, removes airborne irritants etc. SinuSoothe is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and therefore kills any infection present. In addition it contains natural anti-histamines that relieve a runny, itchy nose and sneezing etc. and desensitizes the nasal passages to allergens. It also removes airborne allergens. SinuSoothe can be used long term, is non – addictive and has no side effects. It provides not only a ‘quick fix’ but also a long term solution for sinusitis sufferers.
Saline nasal sprays – Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar may be useful for moisturising the nasal passages, removing airborne irritants and relieving nasal congestion. They can be either isotonic or hypertonic solutions. These can be used long term, have no side effects and are non-addictive. However they are not particularly useful at reducing histamine (which causes allergic rhinitis). It is completely safe and non-addictive.
Sinus irrigation – A neti pot or some other similar device is used to flush out nasal allergens and relieve nasal congestion. A saline solution is used and can be either isotonic or hypertonic. An isotonic solution has a salt concent the same as the human body whereas a hypertonic solution has a higher salt content. This is a good practice for maintaining sinus hygiene and may help get rid of sinus infections.
Reducing histamine – Allergies that cause nasal congestion would benefit from natural anti-histamines. Butterbur and stinging nettle etc. are all excellent and can be just as effective as the OTC anti-histamines. What’s more they don’t cause the side effects associated with their pharmaceutical counterparts.
Reduce stress – Pressure is healthy, stress is not. Stress causes ill health and should be reduced whenever possible. Relaxation and good quality sleep are key and if you find it hard to relax there are plenty of herbs and supplements that can assist you.
Exercise on a regular basis – Our natural painkiller endorphins is released during exercise and this can help relieve pain. Exercise also boosts the immune system and makes us feel more energetic, however if the exercise is too strenuous it can have the opposite effect. It is like everything else in life, the right balance has to be found.
Improving immune system – Eating a nutritional diet and supplementing with the essential vitamins and minerals is essential to having a strong immune system. Vitamin C. B complex, garlic, zinc, multi-vitamins etc. can all be found at health stores and can be beneficial.
Anti-inflammatories – The symptoms of sinusitis are caused by inflammation, therefore by reducing the inflammation you will reduce the symptoms. Natural anti-inflammatories such as vitamin C, turmeric, ginger and omega oils can be used on a regular basis.
Nasal barriers – For hay fever sufferers special gels can be applied inside the nostrils to catch pollen.
Please consult your doctor before using new treatments.
Want to find out more about natural sinusitis remedies or natural nasal sprays, then visit Rachel Scott’s site. She has a Ph.D. in Ethnobotany and works in the resarch and development department of SinuSoothe LLC. She is a leading expert in sinus conditions.