The sinuses are cavities within the bone structure of the face that are normally filled with air and play an integral role in your nasal system. When operating normally, the sinuses employ tiny hairs called cilia and naturally occurring mucous to keep the nasal passages clear and operating efficiently so they can cleanse and filter the air we breathe. Sinusitis (meaning “inflammation of the sinuses”) occurs when the sinuses become irritated, swollen, or infected, and this can occur due to various causes.
Sinusitis can be acute (often associated with a cold or other respiratory infection) or chronic (often caused by allergies or other environmental conditions related to yeast, mold, or fungi in the atmosphere).
Possible symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Pain and/or swelling in the sinus areas (nose, eyes, cheeks, forehead)
- Jaw pain
- Dental pain
- Ear pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
- Difficulty sleeping (especially chronic)
If you have a bad cold and are not sure if it has changed into sinusitis, there are a couple of simple tests you can perform. Mucous (from bacterial or viral infections) will often fill up sinus cavities if sinusitis is present. Tapping on the sinus cavities can help tell if they are backed up or not. Also, try shining a flashlight on the facial skin outside sinus cavities. Light will be visible inside the mouth if they are not clogged. Your health care provider can perform these tests, or a friend or family member who is knowledgeable about sinus cavity locations.
Major Causes of Sinusitis
- Many recent studies have indicated that yeast infections in the body (such as Candida and others) may be responsible for many cases of sinusitis. Yeast overgrowth can be the cause of ongoing or chronic sinusitis.
- Viral infections, such as the common cold, can often trigger acute sinusitis (which can turn into chronic).
- Fungi in the atmosphere is also a key factor in many sinusitis cases, especially for people who are sensitive or pre-disposed to fungal irritation. Mold and other types of fungii can cause the immune system to produce inflammatory agents that can lead to sinusitis.
- Allergies such as hay fever, asthma, and others can also trigger sinusitis.
- Other less common sources for sinusitis include facial trauma or birth defects that result in an abnormal facial structure. Some medical conditions can also cause excess mucous to accumulate in the body, including the sinuses. Cystic fibrosis is an example of such a condition.
How to Naturally Treat and Prevent Sinusitis
There are several steps you can take to prevent yourself from ever getting sinusitis or to deal with it effectively if it should occur.
Avoiding the use of antibiotic drugs is one of the best tips. Often, the first thing many doctors will do is to prescribe antibiotics for a bad cold or suspected sinusitis. Typically, these are viral infections and antibiotics will have no effect anyway. But in addition, if your body is inundated with antibiotics, true bacterial infections will become immune to these drugs. This only increases your risk for sinusitis and other infections. Here are some other practical sinusitis fighting techniques:
- Hydration. Drink generous amounts of pure, filtered water. This will do many beneficial things for your body, including keeping your mucous membranes moist and healthy. This alone will prevent many cases of sinusitis.
- Moist Air. Use a humidifier, especially during the winter months, to keep the air in your home moist. This will also keep your mucous membranes healthy and less prone to infection.
- Warm Compresses. If you do develop sinusitis, try applying warm compresses on your face and head. These will keep mucous in the sinus cavities more fluid and thus more easily expelled from the body. It may also help reduce pressure and pain.
- Environmental Pollutants. Avoid environments that are polluted with pollen, mold, smoke, and other potential irritants. If these common triggers of sinusitis can be avoided, it will certainly be to your benefit.
- Liver Support. Your liver is the main filter of your body. When it is toxic or sluggish infections have a stronger hold on the body. Liver cleansing will help to support your immune system as well as making sure that your body is eliminating toxins effectively.
- Yeast/Candida. Be watchful for symptoms of yeast overgrowth and other factors such as antibiotic use that can encourage Candida. It is also recommended that you use a quality probiotic to promote intestinal health and beneficial flora in the body. Performing a therapeutic parasite cleanse with a product called ParaPure™ can help in getting yeast infections under control. ACS200 along with ACZ is also recommended for yeast overgrowth.
- Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil is highly beneficial in controlling yeast overgrowth as well as helping with allergies and sinus inflammation. The one my family uses and finds effective and the one I recommend to clients is Oregasil™.
- Healthy Diet. Juicing fresh vegetables and fruits will not only make you feel better but it will help to boost your immune system. Eliminate sugar, white flour, dairy, hydrogenated oils and pre-packaged foods. Focus on foods that are pure and anti-inflammatory.
- Salt-Air Respiratory Inhaler. The use of salt for therapeutic treatment for asthma, sinus concerns and other respiratory ailments has been practiced successfully through the ages. Halotherapy (Halo=Salt in Greek), and Speleo-therapy (Speleos=Cave), are well known in Europe. Many find this an exceptional way to help clear sinus congestion.
- Steam. Inhaling steam with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in it can loosen up sinus congestion and allow for better drainage and faster healing. Try putting a towel over your head to form a tent that will give you the best results.
- Don’t Skip on Sleep. Quality sleep is critical too, especially when fighting sinus or other infections. Try sleeping with your head elevated. You will be able to breathe more easily and get the sleep your body needs to speed your return to wellness. Be sure to allergen-proof your bedding and pillows.
- Immune Enhancement. During cold, flu and allergy season using an immune enhancer can be very profitable in curbing sinus and yeast infections. Lauricidin® (anti-bacterial, fungal/yeast and viral) offers a distinctive neutriceutical alternative to drugs and antibiotics.
