How to Heal Sinusitus
Rhinosinusitis, more commonly known as sinusitis, is aptly named: it can literally make you feel like you’ve been knocked over by a rhinocerous. Headaches, facial pain, nasal discharge and other annoying symptoms invade your body, making you feel like you have been trampled in a stampede. When it starts to interfere with your daily life, that is when you need to take appropriate action and kill this beast once and for all.
What are the most effective weapons for this task? Well, that would depend on the type of sinusitis that you have contracted. There are two types of rhinosinusitis: acute (having a duration of seven days or less) and chronic (lasting more than twelve weeks). Both can be either bacterial or viral in origin, and should be diagnosed by a doctor. Once you have the diagnosis, there are several steps you can take to set yourself up for recovery.
For acute sinusitis, the most common treatment is an over the counter medication such as ibuprofen, combined with an over the counter expectorant, such as Benadryl. Combined with a mentholated chest rub, this tried and true method can be an easy and efficient way to mitigate some of the symptoms, and attain relief.
A couple of natural options exist as well, and are equally as effective. For irrigating the nasal passages, neti pots (a nasal irrigation device resembling a teapot), can work wonders. Garlic and onions contain a compound called allicin, which can sooth the respiratory inflammation, as well as having an antifungal effect. Papya enzyme tablets can also ease inflammation, and are worth a try.
Chronic sinusitis may pose more of a challenge, but can be eliminated as well. Many health professionals believe that this condition may be fungla in origin, and recommend antifungal treatments. While they don’t work for everyone, they may be worth a try. For very advanced cases, surgery may be an option. There are several different surgical procedures that are widely practiced. An otolaryngologist can explain these options should you decide to go down this path.
If you are looking for a less invasive cure, there are some lifestyle modifications that may reduce your symptoms. An allergy elimination diet can prove to be helpful. For three weeks, avoid common allergens in your daily food intake. These include gluten containing foods, dairy, eggs, nuts, coffee, citrus, sugar, and all processed foods. Then gradually reintroduce these foods back into your diet one at a time. If your symptoms reappear after eating a particular food, then you may not have sinusitis, but a food allergy (which can have similar symptoms).
While this beast can be annoying and invade your life, you are not alone. There is a wide world of support, and with persistance, you can feel better!
The article says, “For acute sinusitis, the most common treatment is an over the counter medication such as ibuprofen, combined with an over the counter expectorant, such as Benadryl.” In the US, Benadryl is not an expectorant – it’s an antihistamine. It dries things up and makes you tired in the meantime. Expectorants used in the US are Mucinex and guaifenesin.
A more common protocol is ibuprofin (to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses), combined with pseudoephedrine (to decongest the sinuses) and something like Mucinex to help thin the secretions and get them out. I find Nyquil and pseudoephedrine taken at bedtime to be an effective combination.
The alternative to pseudoephedrine – Sudafed PE – is not any more effective than placebo for most people, so get the real stuff.
Warm or refrigerated compresses on the sinuses can also alleviate some of the pain.