Sinusitis Remedies | Symptoms And Prevention Of Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis?

Sinuses are 8 air pockets that are situated above, behind and below the eyes and are connected to the inside of the nose. A bacterial or viral infection or allergy causes inflammation of one or more of these cavities. It starts off as an acute condition and then becomes chronic. When a cold, flu or allergy irritate the sinus cavity, the mucous membrane that lines the sinus swells abnormally and disrupt the normal mucous flow and this buildup in pressure causes nasal congestion, headache and pain in the forehead, around the eyes, ears, cheeks, teeth and neck.

If the swelling persists, bacterial infection can develop.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

• Congested head and a feeling of fullness.
• Upper eyelids are swollen.
• After a cold or flu breathing through the nose becomes difficult.
• Around one or both the eyes and cheeks, pressure or pain and headache is felt when the person bends forward, condition is worse in the morning.
• Chills and fever.
• Nasal discharge is yellowish green in color.

Causes of Sinusitis

• Bacterial or viral infection spreads from the nose to the sinuses.
• Common cold or flu (upper respiratory infection) is the most frequent cause of sinusitis.
• Structural problems like polyps in nasal cavities and deviated nasal septum
• Irritation due to air pollutants like tobacco smoke and dust
• Spread of infection from abscesses in the upper teeth
• Swimming in contaminated water

Home Remedies for Sinusitis

• Avoid bending your head down as it increases pain.
• Inhaling steam from hot water relieves sinus pain and congestion.
• Vigorous exercising produces mixed results. For some it has powerful decongestion effect and for others condition may worsen.
• Use nasal or oral decongestant to help reduce nasal swelling, but for not more than 2 days.

Preventing Sinusitis

1. Sinusitis is aggravated by smoking so quit it.
2. Swim in freshwater lake, ocean or saltwater bay, incase chlorinated pools irritates your nose and sinuses.
3. Alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body and block the opening of the sinus cavity.
4. If allergy is the cause of sinusitis, keep away from the allergens and use antihistamines.
5. When you are traveling by air use nasal spray before taking off and shortly before landing, to keep sinuses open.
6. Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing towels and eating utensils, when you are among people with cold or known infections.
7. To loosen nasal secretions and to keep hydrated, drink plenty of fluids.

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