Top Stories Albuquerque

Treating sinusitis with these natural remedies is becoming more popular as people are realising how effective are. It is estimated that 35 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from sinusitis and it can have a major impact on their quality of life.

Acute sinusitis lasts less than twelve weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than twelve weeks or keeps coming back and people have been known to suffer from it for over fifty years. This can really have a profound affect on peoples quality of life.

When nasal congestion occurs due to swollen sinus membranes, this creates a perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections to take hold.

Acute sinusitis is normally the result of a common cold. Chronic sinusitis is more complex and the bacterial and/or fungal infections can be caused by a variety of reasons such as; a lowered immune system, nasal allergies, obstructed sinuses (nasal polyps or deviated nasal septum), exposure to irritants/pollutants on a regular basis.

The symptoms can include one, several or all of the following; sinus/facial tenderness, pressure and pain, pain felt in ears, jaws and teeth, tiredness, dizziness, post nasal drip and a green nasal discharge, nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, cough, sore throat, bad breath, nausea.

Many people have got rid of their sinus infections by using these proven treatments.

Naturally formulated nasal sprays – In particular Sinusoothe is extremely effective at killing bacterial and fungal infections. It is doctor recommended and also provides immediate relief from sinus pain, headaches, nasal congestion etc. For allergy sufferers it contains natural anti-histamines and it also desensitizes the nasal passages to allergens therefore allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion etc. are relieved. It also removes airborne allergens. It is completely safe to use on a regular basis and is not addictive.

Saline nasal sprays – Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar may be useful for moisturising the nasal passages, removing airborne irritants and relieving nasal congestion. They can be either isotonic or hypertonic solutions. These can be used long term, have no side effects and are non-addictive. However they are not particularly useful at reducing histamine (which causes allergic rhinitis). It is completely safe and non-addictive.

Irrigation of the nasal passages – A saline solution is administered to the sinuses using a neti pot or some other similar device. This saline solution can vary in salt content and can be either isotonic or hypertonic. Hypertonic solutions may be more useful at relieving nasal congestion. The purpose of nasal irrigation is to clean out allergens and excess mucus from the sinuses and improve sinus drainage. This can also assist in getting rid of sinus infections.

Anti-histamines – Sinusitis caused by nasal allergies would greatly benefit from the use of natural anti-histamines. Butterbur, quercetin and stinging nettle are all excellent natural anti-histamines and do not cause side effects. Butterbur has been clinically proven to be just as effective as the over the counter anti-histamines.

Reduce stress – Pressure is healthy, stress is not. Stress causes ill health and should be reduced whenever possible. Relaxation and good quality sleep are key and if you find it hard to relax there are plenty of herbs and supplements that can assist you.

Regular exercise – Exercise, provided it is not too taxing, can boost the immune system and provides a sense of wellbeing. Also the endorphins released during exercise act as natural painkillers. If you want to have more energy then exercise will provide this.

Improving immune system – Eating a nutritional diet and supplementing with the essential vitamins and minerals is essential to having a strong immune system. Vitamin C. B complex, garlic, zinc, multi-vitamins etc. can all be found at health stores and can be beneficial.

Anti-inflammatories – The symptoms of sinusitis are caused by inflammation, therefore by reducing the inflammation you will reduce the symptoms. Natural anti-inflammatories such as vitamin C, turmeric, ginger and omega oils can be used on a regular basis.

Pollen barriers – Pollen barriers such as special barrier gel inside the nostrils can catch pollen before it enters the nasal passages thus relieving hay fever symptoms.

Please consult your doctor before using new treatments.

Want to find out more about nasal sprays or natural nasal sprays, then visit Rachel Scott’s site. She has a Ph.D. in Ethnobotany and works in the resarch and development department of SinuSoothe LLC. She is a leading expert in sinus conditions.