Sinusitis
Sinusitis means inflammation of the nasal sinuses. The sinuses are the small air-filled spaces inside the bones of the forehead, behind the eyes and either side of the nose. The sinuses produce mucous which usually drains into the nose. When the sinus tissues are inflamed, drainage of the mucous from the sinuses becomes blocked causing congestion, the mucous is trapped and builds up, causing pressure, and the mucous provides a medium which can allow bacteria to thrive.
Around 5% of people in the UK develop acute sinusitis per year. Whilst around 10% of the UK population have long-term sinusitis (chronic sinusitis).
Symptoms of sinusitis
Most sinusitis develops when a viral infection such as a cold spreads to the sinuses. With an acute infection symptoms develop quickly. There is pain which is often throbbing, facial tenderness, and nasal congestion or a runny nose which may drip down the back of the throat (postnasal discharge) causing a cough or sore throat. There may also be a fever and a yellow, green or brown nasal discharge.
In chronic sinusitis symptoms may be less severe, but are present on most days and last for perhaps months. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis tend to be dry stuffy congestion, typically a blocked nose, loss of smell and lack of energy.
Causes of sinusitis
There are a number of factors which may cause sinusitis. Often sinusitis is linked to infections such as the common cold. However, people with allergies such as hayfever or allergic rhinitis are often more susceptible, perhaps because the nasal passages are already more irritated and inflamed, reducing drainage. Other irritants such as occupational exposure to dusts or chemicals, pollution and tobacco smoke may have a similar effect. For similar reasons structural obstruction, such as a deviated nasal septum or polyps also increases the likelihood of developing sinusitis.
Other factors may include the spread of infection from teeth or gums, poor circulation, lymphatic congestion, or a weakened immune system.
Herbalists also believe that diet can be a factor. Some foods are thought to change the consistency of the nasal mucous or change the amount produced which may contribute to congestion.
Self-help for acute sinusitis
Herbs - boost the immune system with herbs such as Echinacea and Garlic. Reduce congestion with anticatarrhal herbs such as Eyebright. Improve the health of the mucous membranes with herbs such as Goldenseal.
Fluids - ensure good intake of fluids, preferably water to encourage flushing of mucous membranes to reduce congestion.
Steam inhalations may help, especially if steaming herbal antimicrobial or antiinflammatory infusions are inhaled (take care to avoid scalding with hot liquids). Herbs such as chamomile or sage may be helpful. Eucalyptus oil or menthol crystals added to a bowl of hot water and the vapour inhaled can also be effective ways of opening the nasal passages.
Salt-water - washing the sinuses and nasal passages with salty water helps to relieve congestion. Some herbalists recommend using a neti pot for this. Salt could also be added to an herbal infusion and the resulting solution used to wash the nasal passages. The salt water needs to be about the concentration of seawater, a half a teaspoon salt to a pint of water is adequate. Washing the nasal passages with salt water also helps to ward off an impending cold.
Prevention of sinusitis
Diet - determine whether foods may contribute to chronic sinusitis by eliminating and re-introducing foods such as dairy products, or wheat. Try eliminating dairy products for one to three months to see if this helps. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet, these contain antioxidants which can help to increase resistance to infection. Eat oily fish to help reduce inflammation, including mackerel, sardines, wild salmon, fresh tuna and trout.
Herbs - Horseradish helps to clear the sinuses, include this regularly in your diet, as well as onions and garlic. Chilies help to stimulate the circulation and may help to reduce congestion.
Regular exercise helps boost your immune system. Balance exercise with rest and good sleep patterns to improve resistance to infection and keep stress levels down.
Contact your local herbalist for help with allergies such as hayfever. Prevention starts a few weeks before you would normally expect to have allergic symptoms.
Chronic sinusitis requires a full health assessment to determine the nature and causes and involves longer term treatment which may include lifestyle changes. Contact your local qualified herbalist for help with chronic sinusitis.
Research on herbal remedies for sinusitis
Treatment of acute rhinosinusitis with the preparation from Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; abstract
Chemistry and bioactivity of Flos Magnoliae, a Chinese herb for rhinitis and sinusitis; abstract
Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine; abstract
The value of herbal medicines in the treatment of acute non-purulent rhinosinusitis. Results of a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial; abstract
[On-going investigations on efficacy and safety profile of a herbal drug containing nasturtium herb and horseradish root in acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis and acute urinary tract infection in children in comparison with other antibiotic treatments]; abstract
Systematic review of clinical data with BNO-101 (Sinupret) in the treatment of sinusitis; abstract
Natural treatment of chronic sinusitis; full-text
Self-Reported Quality of Life in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Among African Americans: A Preliminary, Open-Label Pilot Study; abstract full-text
More information on sinusitis
Preclinical modelling using nasal epithelial cells for the evaluation of herbal extracts for the treatment of upper airway diseases; abstract
Medlineplus - sinusitis
BBC health website - sinusitis
BUPA factsheet - acute sinusitis chronic sinusitis sinusitis in children