Sinusitis

Sinusitis

DEFINITION
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.