A stuffy nose and a throbbing headache can mar your entire day and if it’s a chronic condition like sinusitis, it can seriously affect your productivity. Dr Parul R. Sheth provides you with tried and tested remedies to help you breathe free and easy
Have you been suffering from constant sneezing, headache, cough or fever? There is a possibility that you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and not a common cold or a viral infection as you presume. Weather changes, pollution, low humidity and pollen from plants may be the culprits.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), an estimated 134 million Indians suffer from chronic sinusitis. One in eight Indians suffers from chronic sinusitis because of the inflammation of the nasal and throat lining that results in the accumulation of mucus in the sinus cavity and pressure build-up in the face, eyes and brain. Most of you may suffer silently until the symptoms start affecting your productivity. In case your symptoms last longer than
12 weeks, you may be inflicted with chronic sinusitis for which several treatment options are available.
Know the symptoms
Chronic sinusitis is when you have repeated or prolonged inflammation of sinuses – the spaces behind the forehead, nose and cheeks and between the eyes. Humidity, high pollution levels, viral infections, allergies, fungal infection in the sinuses, etc. may be a few reasons for its high prevalence. Growths such as nasal polyps or deviated nasal septum may also be a cause.
Daily sneezing, post nasal drip – waking up with a hacking cough, simply clearing your throat every morning or a sore throat, nasal congestion, stuffiness and fatigue are all too familiar symptoms. In addition, a yellow or green nasal discharge, toothache, bad breath, loss of smell, pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, temples and nose and behind the eyes, etc. can make you feel miserable. If not treated in time, chronic sinusitis may lead to bronchitis, asthma or other respiratory diseases.
Treat it well
- Spray saline nasal spray into your nose several times a day to clear your nasal passages.
- Over the counter (OTC) decongestants in liquid form, tablets and nasal sprays can be taken for a few days.
- Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids help prevent and treat inflammation.
- Oral or injected corticosteroids can help relieve inflammation in case of severe sinusitis.
- OTC pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, etc. give symptomatic relief.
- Antibiotics help in case of bacterial infection.
- Immunotherapy or allergy shots help treat allergies contributing to sinusitis.
- Endoscopic sinus surgery is an option to remove any obstruction that causes nasal blockage.
Rinse out your nasal passages
Use a neti pot, bulb, syringe or a specially designed squeeze bottle to rinse your nasal passages and clear sinuses. The process is called nasal lavage in which previously boiled and cooled or filtered water can be used for rinsing. Rinse the irrigation device before and after use and dry it.
Using a neti pot or any irrigation system, you can also flush out your sinuses with sterile or previously boiled salt water. Jal neti or ‘water cleansing’, as it is called, is an ancient Indian yoga technique. Ayurveda too mentions the use of neti for relief from sinusitis. Fill the neti pot with half a teaspoon of non-iodised salt dissolved in warm water. Insert the spout into one nostril, tilt your head and let the warm, salty water flow through one side of your nasal cavity to the other and then out of the nostril. Such nasal irrigation with salt water can clear out mucus and keep your sinuses moist. You can even use saline solution for irrigation. To get relief from chronic sinusitis, try boiling a few eucalyptus leaves and a small amount of fresh ginger in water, and inhale the steam.
Breathe your way to healthy sinuses
Specific yoga poses or asanas such as Ardha Halasana are known to help stimulate drainage and ease the sinus pressure. Consult your doctor before practising yoga for sinusitis. Pranayam or breathing exercises are also used to treat sinusitis. These can increase your energy levels. Practise breathing exercises in a well ventilated area that is quiet and where you are able to relax. Anulom Vilom Pranayam, which reinforces the concept of expanding vitality through breath, may also help. Ayurvedic yoga practitioner Mukunda Stiles recommends chanting “Om” to relieve chronic sinusitis.
Try nutritional therapy
For people with chronic sinusitis, experts recommend a well-balanced diet including plenty of fluids. Include a lot of citrus fruits, which contain vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that helps prevent infections. Include orange, sweet lime, strawberries, pineapple, broccoli and green leafy vegetables, etc. Foods containing omega-3-fatty acids such as fish, nuts, seeds, etc. help reduce sinus swelling and congestion. Garlic may boost your immunity levels enabling you to fight off a sinus infection. According to nutritionists, it is best to avoid dairy products such as cold milk, rice products, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, etc. to ease sinusitis. Avoid eating late night meals as this may cause acid reflux in the stomach thus triggering a sinusitis attack.
Dos and Don’ts
Use a humidifier in your room. Adding moisture to your room can help prevent sinusitis Steam inhalation helps reduce nasal congestion. Breathe in steam vapours. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapour from a bowl of medium-hot water. Take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. This will help ease pain and help drain mucus.
Apply warm heat by putting a warm wet towel on your face to help relieve the pressure and nasal block and ease pain.
Drink plenty of fluids. This will dilute mucus secretions and help drainage.
Avoid beverages that contain caffeine; they can be dehydrating.
Avoid consumption of cold beverages and taking a cold water bath; the problem can get aggravated.
Do not drink alcohol as it can worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and the nose.
Get rest and plenty of sleep for a speedy recovery.
Sleep with your head elevated for easy drainage.
Avoid upper respiratory tract infections. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Keep your allergies under control.
Do not smoke. Avoid polluted air.
Do not overuse decongestants or any other OTC medications. Overuse of medications can actually worsen
your symptoms.
