 Written By: Vivian BenjaminWhat is Sinusitis Sinusitis is a common upper respiratory tract infection characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and nasal mucosa. This clinical condition is 1 of the most general health complaints like the common cold leading to a physician visit in addition to increased antibiotics prescriptions around the world. According to statistics, this medical condition affects 12% of the general population globally. This illness can affect both children and adults. Sinusitis can be either acute or chronic. Causes of Sinusitis There are many factors contributing to Sinusitis which are; infectious agents, pollution, structural abnormalities (nasal polyps), allergies, weak immune system, fungal infection and antibiotic resistance. Both bacterial and viral infection can cause sinusitis; though bacterial sinusitis is usually less common than viral sinusitis and can be more severe. Around 90% of people suffering from cold have contracted viral sinusitis at the same time. Symptoms of Sinusitis Individuals suffering from sinusitis can develop these symptoms, though symptoms may vary between different individuals:
Complications of Sinusitis Generally, sinusitis can be treated and does not pose any danger to individuals however; constantly treating with medications like antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance in addition to, posing harm to gut health and immune health. 7 Holistic Tips to Manage Sinusitis Naturally  1. Hydration
Since sinusitis is an upper respiratory tract infection which affects the respiratory system or lung health, healthy circulation to keep blood, nutrients and oxygen going around the body is crucial. Hydration helps keep your breathing and lung function optimal. Water is the best fluid to be consumed nevertheless; some people may not like to drink water as it doesn’t have a taste. You can infuse your plain water with lemon slices to have some taste however; do make sure you’re hydrating with warm water as cold water increases mucus production. Check out my article on hydration and plenty of ways to drink fluids. 2. Nutrition Apart from hydration, nutrition also helps manage sinusitis. A diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties is best to be consumed to reduce mucus production. Avoid refined sugars, processed food, cold-natured food and sweet or sour food as these food increases mucus production. Incorporate a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, nuts and seeds in addition to fruits and vegetables. 3. Medicinal Plants Medicinal plants such as flowers, herbs and spices can nourish your respiratory system. You can add these medicinal plants to your food or make tea out of them. Examples of medicinal plants that can aid in managing your sinusitis are ginger, turmeric, tulsi, sage, licorice, peppermint, hibiscus flower, blue pea flower and elderberry. 4. Steam inhalation Steam inhalation with therapeutic herbs is an effective method used to clear nasal congestion. Warm, moist air helps loosen mucus and reduce sinus pressure. Therapeutic herbs that work better in steam inhalation are tulsi leaves, mint leaves and eucalyptus. Essential oils can be used as an alternative if you don’t have these herbs. So, how do you carry out this task? Boil water in a pot, add a handful of the herb leaves or a few drops of the essential oil, carefully inhale the steam by covering yourself with a towel keeping your eyes closed to avoid irritation, and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. 5. Breathing exercises Breathwork promotes lung health because it helps with gas exchange efficiently and reduces nasal congestion. Types of breathing exercises you can practice are alternate nostril breathing and lion’s breath. Alternate Nostril Breathing Method 1. Sit down in a comfortable position. 2. After exhaling, gently place your right thumb to close your right nostril. 3. Inhale through your left nostril and then close your left nostril with your left thumb. 4. Remove your right thumb and exhale through your right nostril. 5. Inhale through the right nostril and close it. 6. Release your left thumb to open the left nostril and exhale. 7. You have completed 1 cycle. 8. You can repeat several times as you prefer but make sure to complete 1 cycle. Lion’s Breath Method 1. Sit in a comfortable position. 2. Place your palm against your knees and spread out your fingers. 3. Inhale deeply through your nose. 4. At the same time, open your mouth and stick out your tongue towards the chin. 5. Contract the muscle at the front of your throat as you exhale through your mouth by making a long “haaa” sound. 6. Turn your gaze to look at the tip of your nose or the space between your eyebrows. 6. Clean environment Keep your environment clean as environmental irritants such as dust and pollen can trigger sinusitis. Wash bedding frequently as this can cause sinusitis to become worse. Make sure your home is well-ventilated and mould-free as this can result in damage to the respiratory system if you have lung health. 7. Sleep & Rest Lack of sleep and rest weakens the immune system hence worsening sinusitis. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep due to your sinusitis or other issues try practising meditation or yoga to help you sleep and rest better. Check out my article on how to fall asleep naturally. All in All While it is easy to jump to medication to ease your sinusitis symptoms, managing it naturally using holistic approaches can help maintain healthy bodily functions. Medications like antibiotics used for the long term can induce antibiotic resistance and damage your immune system. Nutrition Takes explores how you can ditch medication and use 7 side-effect-free methods to manage your sinusitis holistically. Share or ask questions in the comment section if you would like to know more about this topic or if you have different insights that you would like to share. I am always happy to know about your journey in holistic interventions. References 1. Batisti A.S et al. (2023); Sinusitis; In: StatPearls (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470383/) 2. Lee B et al. (2022); Herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis; Frontiers in Pharmacology; 13: 908941. 3. Abishek K et al. (2019); The Efficacy of Yogic Breathing Exercise Bhramari Pranayama in Relieving Symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis; International Journal of Yoga; 12(2): 120-123. 4. Mohadesh et al. (2024); Therapeutic Effects of Vitamin and Nutritional Supplements on Sinusitis: A Narrative Review; Nutrition and Metabolic Insights; 17:11786388241263680.
2 Comments
|