SINUSITIS
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled hollow cavities around your nose and nasal passages. Sinusitis develops when the mucous membranes of your upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, sinuses, and throat) become inflamed. The swelling obstructs the sinus openings and prevents mucus from draining normally. This creates a moist environment that can breed infection. It also makes it difficult for you to breathe and causes pain around the nose, eyes, and forehead.
Sinusitis can be either acute (short term) or chronic. Acute sinusitis often develops as a result of the common cold virus. Most colds resolve within a week or two, but nearly 2 percent develop into acute sinusitis. A virus can damage the tissues in the sinuses and then bacteria can invade, creating an infection. Acute sinusitis can also result from a fungal infection, especially in those with diabetes or compromised immune function.
Sinusitis is considered chronic when it lasts longer than 12 weeks. This is usually a sign of a suppressed immune system, which leads to recurrent respiratory infections and chronic inflammation of the sinuses. Smoking, allergies, and exposure to irritants can also cause chronic sinusitis.
There are many things that can be done from a dietary and lifestyle perspective to prevent and manage sinusitis. Nutritional supplements can also play a role in helping to speed healing and reduce inflammation.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Nasal congestion and greenish-yellow discharge
• Nausea
• Pain under the eyes, around the nose, cheeks, jaw, or forehead
• Redness of the skin over the sinus caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
Note: If untreated, sinusitis may develop into a chronic condition, such as asthma. If it is severe and untreated, it can also lead to meningitis.
SINUS HEADACHE OR MIGRAINE?
According to a study by the Headache Care Center, 97 percent of people who thought they were sinus headache sufferers actually had symptoms of migraine as defined by the criteria of the International Headache Society. Both migraines and sinus headache, which can cause pain in the area round the sinuses and eyes to tear, can be triggered by weather. They differ in the origin of the problem. Sinus pain (headache) is due to inflammation and/or infection of the sinuses. Migraines cause inflammation of nerves and blood vessels in the head. When the trigeminal nerve is affected, it sends signals to the sinus region, causing sinus pain. See your doctor for proper diagnosis as the treatment of these headaches is different.
RISK FACTORS
Allergies trigger inflammation that may block your sinuses
Dental infection (abscessed tooth)
Deviated septum (the wall between the nostrils)
Having a respiratory infection such as a cold or flu
Having cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV)
Nasal polyps
Smoking or exposure to air pollution
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Most cases of sinusitis subside within a week or two and rarely require antibiotics. If your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection, then an antibiotic may be necessary. If allergies are suspected, you may be referred to an allergist to identify your triggers and develop a treatment strategy.
Over-the-counter nasal decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and oxymetazoline (Dristan), can help relieve congestion and nasal stuffiness. Both oral and nasal decongestants can cause racing heart, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and they can interact with certain medications. They should not be used longer than three days because of the risk of rebound congestion. Saline nasal sprays are a safer alternative. They lubricate the nasal passages and reduce stuffiness without the side effects of the decongestants. If necessary, pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin can be taken.
Dietary Recommendations
Foods to include:
• Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice, and herbal tea) to dilute mucus secretions and promote drainage. Look for herbal teas that contain marshmallow, licorice, and slippery elm.
• Elderberry juice has antiviral activity.
• Fish and flaxseed contain essential fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation.
• Fruits and vegetables (especially berries, citrus, garlic, onions, and ginger) provide important nutrients and compounds that support immune function.
• Horseradish helps break up mucus. Have V2 tsp to 1 tsp of the freshly grated root three times per day.
Foods to avoid:
• Alcohol can worsen swelling in the sinuses.
• Dairy products may worsen mucus secretions.
• Minimize salt as it can be dehydrating.
• Sugar can hamper immune function.
Many people with chronic sinusitis have food allergies. If you suspect food allergies, try an elimination diet (see Appendix D) to determine which foods are triggering your symptoms.
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Don’t smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke as tobacco is very irritating to the nasal passages and causes inflammation.
• Minimize exposure to pollution and known allergens and irritants, such as perfumes, chemicals, and preservatives.
• Use an air purifier in your home and a humidifier if the air is dry.
• Do a therapeutic steam inhalation by leaning over a bowl of hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
• Apply warm compresses around your nose, cheeks, and eyes to ease pain.
• Acupuncture and craniosacral therapy are helpful in clearing the sinuses and relieving nasal congestion and pressure.
Top Recommended Supplements
Bromelain: An enzyme derived from pineapple, which has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown in studies to reduce symptoms of sinusitis. Dosage: 250-500 mg three times daily between meals.
Echinacea: Helps support immune function, and studies show that it can reduce the severity and frequency of cold symptoms. It may also help prevent a cold from developing into sinusitis. Look for Echinacea purpurea. Dosage: 300-600 mg capsules twice daily or 2-4 mL tincture four to six times daily at the first sign of a cold for seven to 10 days. Some products combine echinacea with astragalus, which also has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Vitamin C: Supports immune function and helps prevent oxidative damage to the lungs. Studies have shown that it can reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, which may reduce the likelihood of complications, such as sinusitis. Dosage: 500 mg daily.
Complementary Supplements
Aged garlic extract: Contains antioxidant compounds that help support immune function. When taken regularly, it may help prevent colds and bacterial infections. Dosage: 600 mg daily.
American ginseng: Helps to prevent and relieve colds and flu and may help to prevent these respiratory infections from leading to sinusitis. Look for COLD-fX, a patented extract of polysaccharides derived from North American ginseng that has been clinically studied. Dosage: See package for directions.
Fish oils: Contain essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation. One study in children found that daily fish oil supplements reduced the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Dosage: Children should take 15 mg EPA plus DHA per pound body weight per day; adults should take 1-3 g EPA plus DHA daily.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC): An amino acid derivative that helps break up mucus and clear the sinuses. Dosage: 300-600 mg daily.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To improve healing of sinusitis and prevent it from occurring, consider the following:
1. Eat more fruits, vegetables, fish, onions, garlic, ginger, and horseradish.
2. Drink lots of fluids, especially water and herbal teas.
3. Avoid smoking and being around smoke and other irritants.
4. Do a steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil.
5. Consider supplements of bromelain and vitamin C. Echinacea may help to shorten the duration of a cold.
