Breathing Easy: Natural Approaches to Prevent and Treat Sinus Infections
,
by SANUSq Research team
Breathing Easy: Natural Approaches to Prevent and Treat Sinus Infections
Understanding Sinus Infections
Are you suffering from common cold and feel too much pain and pressure on your forehead or behind your eyes? Do you have a stuffy nose or tenderness in the face? Chances are you are suffering from a sinus infection or sinusitis, a condition where the tissues that line the sinuses get inflamed.
Sinuses are interconnected pockets or cavities around the nasal bones, cheekbones, eyes and forehead. These pockets are filled with air and their job is to filter, warm and humidify the air we breathe. Healthy sinuses produce a thin layer of mucus that traps the bacteria, dust, dirt and pollutants present in the air we inhale, and removes these minute particles before the air reaches the lungs. Sinuses also lighten the skull and protects the skull in case of trauma or injury.
What Causes Sinus Infections?
A sinus infection is usually caused by the common cold (viral infection) and bacterial infection but fungi, asthma and seasonal allergies can also irritate and inflame these cavities. Infections and inflammation of the nasal passages causes sinus blockages, allowing the bacteria and other pathogens to grow within the sinuses. This causes swelling, congestion and other painful symptoms.
People with weak immunity and those who smoke are also at a higher risk of developing sinusitis. Other conditions that can block the sinuses are injury to the nose, and structural abnormalities in the nasal cavities such as nasal polyps (soft, painless growths within the sinuses), deviated septum and malformed bone.
There are different types of sinusitis such as acute sinusitis (caused by common cold and the symptoms fade away within a week or 10 days), chronic sinusitis (typically caused by recurring respiratory infections, weak immunity and structural issues in the sinuses and the symptoms lasts for more than three months), recurrent sinusitis (where the symptoms keep going and coming back after intervals), allergic sinusitis (triggered by smoke, dust and allergens), and fungal sinusitis (caused by exposure to mold and mildew).
Why Do I Keep Getting Sinus Infections?
If you keep getting sinus infections, it is important to figure out the culprits that are making you vulnerable and find out ways to manage your risk factors. As discussed above, a weak immune system, seasonal allergies, asthma, nasal polyps and deviated septum are the main reasons why you may be experiencing frequent bouts of sinus infections. If you are a smoker, you are more susceptible to developing sinusitis and smoking also makes your symptoms worse and long-lasting. In fact, even second-hand smoke can irritate the nasal passages, increasing your risk of developing an infection.
Common Symptoms of Sinus Infections
When you have a sinus infection, inflamed and swollen tissues of your sinuses cause a build-up of fluid and mucus, causing a wide range of symptoms.
Runny nose
Congestion (blocked or stuffy nose), difficulty in breathing
Green coloured or dark discharge from the nose
Intense facial pain and pressure (around the eyes, cheeks, forehead and nose)
Facial tenderness
Heaviness in the forehead and between the eyes
Headache
Sore throat and cough that worsens at night
Bad breath (halitosis)
Loss of smell or change in the sense of smell
Fever
Toothache or pain when moving the jaw
How to Prevent Sinus Infections Naturally
Can you avoid getting a sinus infection? Washing your hands frequently, avoiding exposure to triggers such as smoke, allergens and pollutants, and managing your allergies and infections by maintaining a healthy immune system can help you avoid recurring bouts of sinusitis to some extent. Another very effective practice is to use saline washes to irrigate your sinuses.
Nasal irrigation keeps the nasal cavities moist and humid and flushes out excess mucus, trapped irritants and pathogens from the cavities. In addition, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and getting good exercise and plenty of sleep goes a long way in boosting immunity and reducing the risk of developing sinusitis.
Natural Treatment Options for Sinus Infections
Drink plenty of fluids: This keeps the mucus membranes healthy and hydrated.
Take good rest: Give your body good rest to help fight off and recover from the infection.
Keep your head elevated: The congestion associated with sinusitis usually gets worse when you are lying down. Elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce the pressure and feeling of congestion.
Try nasal irrigation: Flushing the nasal passageways with a saline solution clears away the mucous, keeps the sinuses moist and also helps ease pressure and some of the symptoms.
Applying warm compresses: Placing a warm, damp towel on the face reduces pain and congestion around the sinuses. It also promotes mucus drainage.
Inhale steam: Steam inhalation, like nasal irrigation, helps to hydrate and moisten the sinuses. It also makes the mucus thin, allowing it to drain easily. Inhaling steam can be very effective in getting rid of excess mucous and managing symptoms such as irritation, swelling and congestion.
Consume a diet rich in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory foods: Certain foods such as garlic, ginger, onions, leafy greens, turmeric, manuka honey and bright coloured fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and natural compounds that work as antioxidants, reduce pain, lower inflammation and boost immunity. These foods also speed-up healing and help the body recover from infections. Green tea, clear broths and hot soups also help you feel better, while providing the nourishment.
Avoid foods that may worsen the symptoms: Certain foods are known to make the symptoms of sinusitis worse. Avoid dairy, processed meat, dried fruits, tomatoes, and processed foods that are loaded with refined sugar, refined white flour and artificial flavouring agents such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) if you are struggling with a sinus infection. It is best to stay away from alcohol as it increases inflammation and causes dehydration.
Take herbs that can help manage symptoms of sinusitis: Herbs such as turmeric, giloy, stinging nettle, ginger and holy basil help manage symptoms of sinusitis. Turmeric contains curcumin, a very powerful anti-inflammatory compound that reduces inflammation and pain. Curcumin is also known for its potent anti-microbial properties. [1-2] It inhibits the growth of bacteria, helps fight off viral infections and helps reduce inflammation in the airways. Studies show that curcumin modulates the immune system and helps in respiratory infections, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Giloy is another Ayurvedic herb well-known for its natural ability to boost immunity and reduce fever. Research shows that giloy works as an anti-allergic and reduces allergy symptoms. It provides significant relief in symptoms of hay fever also known as allergic rhinitis. Giloy improves symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, itching, and congestion. [3-4]
What Happens If You Don't Treat a Sinus Infection?
Usually, acute sinusitis goes away on its own. In some rare cases, untreated sinus infections can lead to severe complications and other life-threatening conditions. For example, infection can spread to the brain causing meningitis, inflammation of the fragile membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis is a serious medical condition and requires urgent medical attention. A sinus infection can also spread to the eyes due to their proximity to the sinuses, causing symptoms such as redness, swelling and reduced vision. It can spread to lower respiratory tract causing bronchitis and pneumonia.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Sinus Infections
If you have high fever lasting more than three days, nasal discharge that is coloured green or yellow, intense pain and pressure in and around the sinuses or symptoms that are getting worse, it is time to see your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Sinusitis or a sinus infection occurs when the tissues lining your nasal pockets become inflamed, interfering with the effective drainage of the mucus. A viral or bacterial infection is the most common cause of sinusitis but allergies and structural issues such as nasal polyps and deviated septum increase the risk of getting sinus blockages and infection. It produces annoying and uncomfortable symptoms (such as stuffed nose, nasal obstruction, headache, and facial pressure) that can make it difficult to breathe, sleep or eat. In most cases, sinusitis clears away by itself. You can take measures to avoid getting a sinus infection and also employ natural techniques that can help reduce the symptoms. For example, nasal irrigation, steam inhalation and warm compresses can help clear mucus, moisturise the sinuses and relieve pressure in the sinuses. Herbs such as giloy, turmeric and ginger also help improve the symptoms and reduce inflammation.
FAQs
How can I prevent sinus infections from occurring frequently?
Wash your hands regularly, avoid smoking, avoid exposure to allergens or pollutants, maintain a healthy immune system and manage recurring infections and allergies.
Can sinus infections lead to other health issues?
Chronic sinus infections, when left untreated, can cause severe complications. The infection can spread to other parts such as the brain, eyes, and lower respiratory tract causing potentially dangerous conditions such as meningitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Information on our websites, in our blogs and our emails are provided for informational purposes only, and have not been evaluated by the EMA, EFSA or FDA. It is not meant to substitute medical advice provided by your healthcare professional and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Our products are intended for adults, 18 years of age and older. While the vitamins and supplements mentioned here have been shown to have various health benefits, it is important to remember that supplements and dietary changes should be considered as part of an overall health plan and not as a substitute for professional medical treatment. Only a qualified healthcare practitioner can provide personalized advice and treatment plans based on your individual health needs and medical history, and you should seek advice from your healthcare professional before taking product(s) if you are pregnant or nursing.
Blog posts
,
by SANUSq Research team
Are Free Radicals Bad? Unmasking the Truth Behind These Cellular Villains
Ah, free radicals – those pesky little molecules that have garnered a notorious reputation in the world of health and wellness. You've likely heard whispers...
,
by SANUSq Research team
Discover the Best Fibromyalgia Effective Supplements for a Pain-Free Life!
You have likely heard of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. This invisible illness can be debilitating, affecting...
