Sinus Remedies for Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

We've put together some information on the causes of sinusitis and some sinus remedies that you can try at home.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull below, behind and above the eyes, that connect with the cavities in the nose. The lining of the cavities are covered in cilia, microscopic hairs, that constantly beat to clean the sinuses and move mucous through them. Sinusitis is swelling of the lining of the sinuses caused by an infection, allergy or some other irritant to the delicate lining. Sinusitis may be acute or chronic with many people suffering long term.

Mucous in the nose and sinus cavities is normally sterile. When the sinuses do not drain properly or an infection is present the sinuses become clogged with mucous and the lining of the sinuses becomes swollen and infected. Sinusitis may be bacterial, viral or caused by an allergy or other irritant. Chronic sinusitis may last up to twelve week and frequently recurs. It can be caused by a URTI (upper respiratory tract infection, allergies, molds and anatomical conditions including a deviated septum.

What are the symptoms of acute sinusitis?

• Pain and pressure around the eyes and nose.
• Congestion
• Headache which is worse if you bend froward
• Fever
• Tiredness
  

What Sinus Remedies Are Available?

Acute sinusitis should be treated by your medical practitioner with antibiotics, if an infection is present, plus pain relief and decongestants. Natural sinus remedies for chronic congested sinuses include nasal washouts including the use of a neti pot, vapourisers, vapour rubs or inhalation of eucalyptus oil, rosemary or lemon grass. Most acute sinusitis begins with a cold and last for up to four weeks.

Always see a health care provider if you think you have a sinus infection as neglecting to treat it properly can lead to more serious conditions or the sinus problems becoming chronic. Some alternative practitioners believe that diet plays a part in chronic sinusitis but this is not believed by most doctors. Some foods that alternative practitioners believe promote the formation of mucus include dairy foods, oranges, sugar and wheat.

Speaking as a sufferer of chronic sinusitis all my life I have probably tried all of the sinus remedies known to man! Cutting out dairy products had absolutely no effect on my sinus problem. I have recently found the only solution that does not involve constantly taking decongestants and that is nasal irrigation using a neti pot!