I had a sinus infection this summer. Every day I’d wake up to this pounding headache! We did have terrible rainy weather for a few months. I’m not sure if that contributed to it, but nothing seemed to help. Antibiotics were not touching it-I don’t like to take them, anyway so I began to look around for a better way.
The nasal douching (with the neti-pot) was not too effective. Hot towels with vapo-rub on them seemed to help the most-night and day, day and night. On my neck, on the area above my eyes, I’d put the hot compresses on until the pounding would stop…
I also took thyroid vitamin boosters from the health food store, to help it along. It took 10 days though! Still, to wake up without the pounding behind the eyeballs was a huge relief. So what causes this chronic condition?
Sinusitis is defined as the inflammation of the sinuses. Your sinuses are located in different areas around your eyes and nose.
Our sinuses are located above the eyes, on either side of the nose, inside the cheekbones, and behind the bridge of the nose and in the upper nose.
What are sinuses? They are air-filled pockets in the skull connected to the nose and throat by passages designed for the sole purpose of draining away mucus. The sinuses are always the first line of defense in protecting your lungs.
Each individual is different, so one or another of these pockets can clog up and create problems. Sinus passageways are small, so when the volume of mucus increases, they can easily clog. The pressure increases in the sinus region and causes pain. Infection occurs when a sinus region is continually clogged over a long period of time.
Now as we head into fall, this is the time of year I begin to feel the sinus pressure again. . Now I know there are two seasons that stand out and why they are worse for my sinus condition than any other time of year.
The fall weather brings weeds. Ragweed, to be specific, along with different types of trees and grasses producing…
This is the time of year I will begin to feel the sinus pressure. Now I know there are two seasons that stand out and why they are worse for my sinus condition than any other time of year.
The fall brings weeds. Ragweed, to be specific, is the culprit along with different types of trees and grasses. So in the late summer to early fall season, I become susceptible to sinusitis... Ragweed is found, unfortunately, in virtually every region of the country, with 17 different species of the weed.
Then again in the spring, we have trees producing pollen. That is the primary cause of allergies and sinus infections at that time of year, with some southern states growing trees that produce pollen as early as January.
According to the LoCicero Medical group, the pollen season usually begins in April in the Northern states. The types of trees producing pollen include oak, Evergreen, Cedar, juniper, Cypress
Acute sinusitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections of the nose, throat, or upper respiratory tract. Air travel sometimes leads to sinus problems relating to the changes in air pressure. Chronic sinus problems can be associated with a number of things. Small growths in the nasal region, an injury to the nose, air pollution, stress, smoking and dental complications can all lead to sinus problems. Hay fever and food allergies can also create sinus problems. The build up of mucus in the passage can easily occur from food allergies and/or changes in the weather that cause allergic reactions.
Sinus symptoms can cause low grade fever, coughs, headaches, earaches, toothaches, facial pain and cranial pressure, loss of the sense of smell, and tenderness over the forehead and cheekbones.
The following is a list of some of the most effective remedies in dealing with a chronic sinus condition.
The Neti pot: Recommended for daily use, the neti pot is effective at times as a way to keep the nasal passages clear. If you are not a fan of the feeling that occurs when you get a nose full of salt water in the ocean, then you will not be able to keep this regimen up on a daily basis.
Hot/cold compresses: To use only in the event of a sinus episode. I used this method as stated above, and had very good results. In conjunction, you should also take garlic, vitamins and/or probiotics in order to build up your immune system.
Acidophilus: Because of my severe food allergies, I take this on a daily basis. There are a number of good brands; you may want to check with your doctor or nutritionist to decide which is right for you.
Quercetin/Bromelain: So many respected alternative medicine practitioners and nutritionists recommend this combination; it is something that is well documented in the alternative health community.
Sinucheck from Enzyme Therapy: A brand to check out from Enzyme Therapy, one of the best companies to buy alternative meds from.
Colloidal Silver: Although not recommended on a daily basis, this is another well documented method of preventing infections, and does provide some measure of relief.
Garlic: An alternative to antibiotics, you may try the tablets, although I believe fresh Garlic is best. It may be hard to take at first, so I would suggest easing into the dosage, but I buy refrigerated garlic and find it easy to digest with soy yogurt. You may want to crush the fresh garlic up and take it with yogurt. It’s just like swallowing a pill, you do it quickly!
Menthol/Eucalyptus pack over the sinuses: The Eucalyptus and Peppermint herbs will always give you relief from headaches and sinus pressure.
Steam: It’s not hard to boil water and just put a towel over your head to get instant relief. You may put peppermint and/or eucalyptus oil in the water also.
Lemon juice & water in the AM: To thin mucus secretions… This is something that should be a regular part of your health routine.
Juicing helps: Another way to add a healthy habit to your daily routine. Juicing is always recommended to help ward off or lessen infections.
Fresh grated horseradish, with lemon juice: This is something I have tried. It’s effective, and like the garlic, is an acquired taste!
Apply Tiger Balm to sinuses: Tiger Balm is an herbal aid that should be in the medicine cabinet of those who advocate alternative healing methods.
Zand Decongest Herbal: Another product that Alternative Medicine Families should keep on hand.
Grapefruit seed extract:Dilate as a nasal rinse. This is another effective product to keep in your medicine cabinet.
Tea tree oil: to add to a vaporizer nightly
Some alternative healing methods: Massage directly underneath your big toe for 1 minute daily.
Also, squeeze the ends of your fingers and thumb hard-20 seconds daily.
Place your thumb & index finger on top of your nose-either side, for 5 seconds. Press. Repeat 3 times daily-AM-Noon-PM
Another method with some success: Put Vapo-rub on the bottom of the foot-the heel-wrap in sock or light cloth.
Other recommendations are to avoid milk products, smoke, and eliminate allergens in your home such as mold and dust mites.
**Last on the list-Endoscopic surgery: may be the last resort if all else fails. Since the sinuses are small passages that can be easily blocked if one is prone to allergies, then surgery may be required to open the narrow passageways leading to the nose.
