Chronic sinusitis is a special kind of sinusitis in cases that last a long time, sometimes even after antibiotics are given. It's the most frequently reported chronic disease. Acute sinusitis is when bacteria invade the sinus cavities and impair proper drainage of mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Investigate your sinusitis. It could be food related, environmental, or reactions due to chemicals or certain fragrances. Medical science believes the sinuses around your nose act like small air-quality control centers. It's their job to warm, moisten, purify, and generally condition the air you breathe before it hits your lungs. Entering bacteria gets trapped and filtered out by mucus and minute nasal hairs called cilia. This air- flow system can sometimes slow down when something impedes the cilia, if a cold clogs the sinus openings, or if an allergen swells the sinus linings. Then air gets trapped, pressure builds, the mucus stagnates, and bacteria breed. Infection sets in and you have sinusitis. When you get clogged up, you may end up with a permanent thickening of the sinus membranes and chronic congestion. Those who are cigarette smokers and people who suffer from upper respiratory allergies are even more likely to develop bad sinus problems.
There are four pairs of sinuses in the human skull that help circulate moist air throughout the nasal passages. The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to sinusitis. Acute sinusitis typically causes symptoms of nasal congestion and a thick yellow or green discharge. Other symptoms include tenderness and pain over the sinuses, frontal headaches, and sometimes chills, fever, and pressure in the area of the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis differs slightly, in that symptoms can be milder and may only include postnasal drip, bad breath, and an irritating dry cough. Hay fever, environmental triggers unrelated to hay fever, food allergens, and dental infections can also lead to sinusitis.
300 mg of Stinging Nettles taken twice per day can lead to effective results. Stinging Nettle plant (Urtica dioica) relieves hay fever symptoms quickly in most people, has no toxicity, and is even a valuable source of iron and trace minerals.
Bromelain Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is primarily produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan.
Local swelling is the releasing of histimines in a localized area causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels. Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for sinusitis. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching or rash.
Garlic has the same chemical found in a drug given to make mucus less sticky. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function.
Cayenne peppers contain Capsaicin, a substance that can stimulate the nerve fibers and may act as a natural nasal decongestant.
Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side. An Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the same manner with a Nettle Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but with a longer, narrower spout for the nostrils. These can be found in most health food stores.
Andrew Pacholyk, LMT, MT-BC, CA Peacefulmind.com
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