These natural remedies are increasingly being used in lieu of conventional medicine because they are being proven to be more effective.
Chronic sinusitis is a recurrent problem or lasts more than three months. It can be an extremely painful condition and can seriously affect the quality of a persons life.
When nasal congestion occurs due to swollen sinus membranes, this creates a perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections to 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.
There are many symptoms such as; tenderness, pressure and pain in the face and sinuses, headaches, green coloured nasal discharge, post nasdal drip, sore throat, bad breath, nausea, fatigue and lethargy, blocked nose, cough, poor sense of smell, painful ears, teeth and jaws. You may experience one or several of these.
Many people have got rid of their sinus infections by using these proven treatments.
Naturally formulated nasal sprays – In particular Sinusoothe is extremely effective at killing bacterial and fungal infections. It is doctor recommended and also provides immediate relief from sinus pain, headaches, nasal congestion etc. For allergy sufferers it contains natural anti-histamines and it also desensitizes the nasal passages to allergens therefore allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion etc. are relieved. It also removes airborne allergens. It is completely safe to use on a regular basis and is not addictive.
Sterimar saline nasal spray – This in particular is useful at removing airborne allergens and relieving nasal congestion. It improves sinus drainage therefore can help with sinus infections and comes in isotonic or hypertonic solutions. It is not as effective as Sinusoothe at killing infections since it does not contain powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients. Sterimar 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.
Natural anti-histamines – Sinusitis caused by allergies would benefit from these. Quercetin and butterbur can be just as effective as OTC anti-histamines but without their side effects. Your local health food store should be able to advise you on these and others. It usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect.
Stop getting stressed – A small amount of stress is fine so long as it is not ‘distress’. Pressure is healthy and can provide motivation. When we are overwhelmed we feel stressed out and it contributes to ill health. Relaxation and taking time outs are essential and there are lots of herbs/supplements available which can assist relaxation if you find it hard to switch off.
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.
Imroving immune function – A healthy immune system is beneficial whether you have an existing medical condition or are warding off infections. A good diet combined with supplements such as vitamin C, B complex, garlic, zinc, multi-vitamin etc. can help maintain a healthy immune system.
Natural anti-inflammatories- Since the symptoms of sinusitis are caused by inflammation it follows that by reducing inflammation you will reduce the severity of the symptoms. Omega 3,6 &9 oils, vitamin C, turmeric and ginger are all excellent natural anti-inflammatories. There are plenty of others and your local health food store should be able to advise you on these. It usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect.
Pollen barriers – Pollen barriers such as special barrier gel inside the nostrils can catch pollen before it enters the nasal passages thus relieving hay fever symptoms.
Before using new treatments please speak with a doctor first.