Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses (the air-filled cavities in the bones surrounding the nose), caused by injury to the nose, bacterial or viral infections, such as a cold, allergies, or swimming. Symptoms include a blocked up nose, pain in the nose and face area (including toothache and in the upper jaw), sometimes a fever, and the production of thick nasal discharge.

Treatment - Dietary

Recurrent attacks of sinusitis may indicate a food allergy. Naturopaths recommend a diet free of dairy products, with limited carbohydrates and plenty of raw green vegetables and fruit.

Herbal

Golden seal infusion is an effective remedy: pour a cup of boiling water on 1 teaspoon of the powdered herb and infuse for 15 minutes, add 250 mg of bromelain (the proteolytic enzyme from pineapple, available in health food stores). Take every 2 hours during an acute attack.

Caution: not to be used during pregnancy or by those with high blood pressure. Garlic is also useful: include as much as possible of the raw herb in your cooking.

Homeopathy

For recent symptoms: once hourly for up to 4 doses; for long-term symptoms: 3 times daily for up to 4 days:

Stinging pain in the cheekbone area or pressure on the bridge of the nose with thick stringy mucus: Kali bichromicum 6c. Tearing facial pain, worse in the cold, teeth feel too long: Mercurius solubilis 6c. Chronic sinusitis with no discharge, persistent stuffiness, feels as if floating when walking: Sticta pulmonaria 6c.

Hydrotherapy

Inhaling steam helps drain the sinuses:

Take long, hot showers. Prepare a basin of boiling hot water and lean over it with a towel over the head, inhale deeply for 10 minutes. Use a humidifier in your bedroom.

Chinese Medicine

The condition is seen as a deficiency of qi (energy) in the lungs. Peppermint, honeysuckle, fritillary bulb, tangerine peel and zanthium fruit are all helpful.

Acupressure

Place the thumb and index finger of your left hand on the indentation of the inner eyes, where the bridge of the nose meets the eyebrows; place your right hand behind the neck, grasping the muscles on either side of the spine with your fingers and the heel of your hand. Put pressure on all 4 points simultaneously for 1 minute while breathing deeply.

Orthodox

Doctors generally recommend antibiotics to fight the infection. Decongestant drops or sprays may be given for long-term problems. Surgery is sometimes carried out in extreme cases, to sterilize and dry out the sinus cavities.

Allergies - Hay Fever and Rhinitis...

This is an exaggerated response of the immune system to substances such as grass or tree pollen, spores from moulds, house-dust mites, or animal dander (shed dead skin and fur from pets). Symptoms include a congested, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, headache, drowsiness, itchy throat and sneezing.

Prevention

Putting net curtain over windows and wearing sunglasses reduce pollen exposure. In hot climates, air conditioning can greatly help to provide an indoor sanction. Ionizers help to remove pollen, dust and other airborne allergens from the atmosphere. Special duvet and mattress covers are available which reduce irritation from dust mites.

Treatment - Dietary

Vitamin C combined with bioflavonoids acts as a natural antihistamine to control a streaming nose, or help unblock a congested one. Increase your intake of vitamin C by eating plenty of citrus fruits. Bioflavonoids are found in the rind and pulp of citrus fruits: take a piece of grapefruit or orange peel, slice it up and boil with a little water and honey for 10 minutes. Eat a piece before going to bed, and when symptoms start during the day. Alternatively, vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids can be taken in supplement form: take 500 milligrams three times daily. Pantothenic acid has also been shown to relieve allergy symptoms. Take a supplement of 200-500 mg of pantothenic acid and 50 mg of vitaminB complex daily. Pollen supplements help prevent allergies, particularly hay fever: take 4-6 tablets daily for several weeks before the hay fever season. Liquorice and beta-carotene are also helpful - if you are buying supplements over the counter, follow the instructions on the packet: otherwise consult a naturopath or nutritionist.

Aromatherapy

Add 1 drop of essential oil of lavender to 5 ml of carrier oil or lotion, store in a bottle and use to massage the sinuses at the sides of the nose once daily. Alternatively, dilute 1 drop of essential oil of inula in 5 ml of jojoba or sweet almond oil, and rub into the sinuses once daily.

Acupressure

To relieve headaches, sneezing and itching eyes, find the highest spot of the muscle in the webbing between the thumb and the index finger, rub firmly for one minute, then repeat on the other hand.
Caution: not to be used during pregnancy. To strengthen the immune system find the spot on the top of the forearm between the two arm bones, two finger widths from the wrist: firmly massage this area with a deep circular motion of the thumb.

Exercise

Rigorous exercise can help control allergies, which are often aggravated by stress. Try early morning jogging, brisk walking or swimming.

Orthodox

Antihistamines are generally recommended. Sometimes inhaled medications, including steroids, can reverse and control allergy-induced asthma. In severe cases, or where immediate results are needed, a cortisone injection is suggested and provides relief for around 3 months