Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of one or more of the paranasal
sinuses. The paranasal sinuses are spaces within the skull, below,
above, between and behind the eyes. They form a complex
interconnecting system of small pipes which drain into the nasal
cavity.

DESCRIPTION

Sinusitis may be caused by an allergy or a viral, bacterial or
fungal infection. Sinusitis may be acute (short-lived) or chronic
(long-standing).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The discomfort felt with Sinusitis will vary depending on
which sinuses are affected.

• The maxillary sinus is located over the cheek area on either
  side of the base of the nose. Pressing on the cheekbone may cause
  pain. The patient may have a toothache and/or headache in the front
  of the head. 
• The frontal sinus is located above each eye. There may be pain
  near the eyebrows and a frontal headache.
• The ethmoid sinus is located on each side of the bridge of the
  nose. Pain may be felt behind and between the eyes. 
• The sphenoid sinus is located behind the ethmoid sinuses,
  deeper in the skull. Pain is less localised and may involve a
  ‘heavy’ feeling in the head. 

Other Sinusitis symptoms include a stuffy nose and a
persistent aching in the head, which often worsens with bending
over and lying down. Senses of smell and taste are often affected.
A thick green or yellow discharge may flow from the nose or down
the back of the throat (post nasal drip), which usually indicates
the presence of infection. fever – adults may be present.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and
advice. 

Treatment depends on the cause of inflammation. Most treatment
is aimed at reducing the symptoms and treating underlying
infection. Your Pharmacist or Doctor can recommend medications
including: decongestants (sprays or tablets), analgesics,
antihistamines and antibiotics to help eradicate infection. Your
Doctor may recommend a procedure to flush out the sinuses or
increase the size of the openings, where the sinuses enter the
nasal cavity.

DIET HINTS

• If fever – adults is present, drink plenty of fluids. Six to
  eight glasses per day of filtered water, dilute fruit juice, soups,
  broth and fruit are recommended. Herbal teas, such as fenugreek or
  golden seal, may also be of benefit.
• If senses of taste and smell are poor, add healthy spices and
  flavourings to your meals. Ginger, garlic, cracked pepper and
  chillis are strongly flavoured as well as being beneficial for the
  immune system and respiratory passages.
• Protein is vital for a variety of bodily processes,
  particularly during recovery from illness or injury. Include lean
  meat, chicken, fish or a vegetarian meat substitute in the diet a
  few times per week.
• Avoid fatty and sugary foods. These are high in calories and
  low in nutritional value.
• Dairy foods are reputed to increase mucus production in some
  people. It may be of benefit to avoid dairy products while
  suffering from a sinus headache.
• See the Healthy Eating Diet and the Antibiotics diet topics on
  the HealthPoint for further information.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Supplements may only be of value if dietary intake is
inadequate. 

• Vitamin C may improve sinusitis as it can act as a natural
  antihistamine, and may help to minimize the inflammation and
  swelling of mucus membranes lining the sinuses and improving
  symptoms.
• Bioflavonoids can be helpful with people with allergies and can
  therefore be used in the treatment of sinusitis. Quercetin is
  particularly useful in sinusitis as it has anti-inflammatory
  properties which help the body counter allergic reactions to
  pollen. Quercetin also seems to reduce inflammation in the lungs
  and other air passages, making breathing easier.
• Echinacea and Golden Seal can work well in combination for
  acute sinusitis by enhancing immune function and reducing mucus
  congestion.
• Garlic can help to fight infection and help to drain the
  sinuses.
• Horseradish has a mucokinetic action which can help to
  alleviate congestion common during using sinusitis. Allyl
  isothiocyanate, a compound in horseradish, stimulates the endings
  of olfactory nerves, induces tears, and helps to thin mucus.
• Bromelain has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and has been
  shown in studies to improve acute sinusitis.

AROMATHERAPY

The listed essential oils are suggested for the temporary
relief of Sinusitis. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.

Aniseed, Cajuput, Cedarwood, EUCALYPTUS, Lavender, PEPPERMINT,
PINE

Application

STEAM INHALATION: In a bowl containing one litre of steaming water
add 5 drops (total) of essential oil; cover head with towel and
inhale while leaning over bowl. Keep eyes closed.

VAPORISATION: Add 5 drops (total) single essential oil or
combination of several essential oils listed to water in oil
burner.

The above recommendations are for an adult. For children 2 –
12 years and during pregnancy, use 1/2 dose.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Antibiotics are usually required to clear up bacterial
   infection. Ask your Pharmacist for advice about the dosage and side
   effects of your medications.
2. Eucalyptus oil inhalation may help clear congestion. Put a few
   drops into a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
3. A decongestant nasal spray might be suggested. Ask your
   Pharmacist for advice, as some of these may cause a rebound
   swelling of the membranes after several days.
4. Antihistamines may help manage sinus inflammation as a result
   of an allergic reaction. Antihistamines also help to dry up
   mucus.
5. Pain relief may be necessary.
6. Allergies are a common cause of chronic Sinusitis. Ask your
   Pharmacist or Doctor about allergy testing.
7. If the dietary intake is inadequate nutritional supplements may
   be of benefit.