SINUSITIS

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. The sinuses are four paired cavities (spaces) in the head. They are connected by narrow channels. The sinuses make thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. This drainage helps keep the nose clean and free of bacteria. Normally filled with air, the sinuses can get blocked and filled with fluid. When that happens, bacteria can grow and cause an infection (bacterial sinusitis).

This is also called rhinosinusitis, with “rhino” meaning “nose.” The nasal tissue is almost always swollen if sinus tissue is inflamed. 

Causes

Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:

1. Nasal polyps: These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.

2. Deviated nasal septum: A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils — may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse.

3. Other medical conditions: The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage.

Respiratory tract infections: Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria.

Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.

Risk factors

Several factors can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection:

• A previous cold

• Seasonal allergies

• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke

• Structural problems within the sinuses. For example, growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses, known as nasal polyps.

• A weak immune system or taking drugs that weaken the immune system

Types

There are different types of sinusitis:

1. Acute bacterial sinusitis: This term refers to a sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms (termed “double sickening”). It responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.

2. Chronic sinusitis: This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and decreased sense of smell for at least 12 weeks.

3. Subacute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms last four to twelve weeks.

4. Recurrent acute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of sinus infections include:

• Runny nose

• Stuffy nose

• Facial pain or pressure

• Headache

• Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Bad breath

Homoeopathic treatment for sinusitis 

Homoeopathy is a very effective mode of treatment for problems like sinusitis. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. 

Homoeopathy aim is not only to treat diseases of sinuses, but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat diseases of sinuses, that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints. 

Here are few medicines in homoeopathic for sinusitis:

• Kali bichromicum

• Hepar sulphuricum

• Mercurius

• Pulsatilla

• Spigelia

• Silicea

• Belladonna

• Merc sol.

• Pyrogen

• Sticta

• Arum triphlinum

• Amm carb

• Hydrastis etc.,

None of these medicines should be taken without professional advice. 

For individualized remedy selection and treatment, contact BRAHMA MADHURYA HOMOEOPATHY CLINIC - +91-7057579595 or www.brahmamadhurya.com