Do you dread change in season because it always triggers a sinusitis attack? Do you fear those 4-10 days of extreme discomfort when your nose seems to launch a World War III attack on your body? Millions of people worldwide are acute or chronic sufferers of sinusitis.
Whether Acute (lasting for less than four weeks) or Chronic (lasting for more than four weeks), sinusitis means an inflammation (-itis) of the lining of the sinuses. The skeletal system has air pockets in many places of the body; the facial bones have three pairs of sinuses. When these sinuses are dry, they are completely unnoticeable. If for some reason, they become filled with liquid and bacteria, viruses or fungi, the result is a painful attack of sinusitis.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are:
All in all, this is a very painful and uncomfortable infection that anyone would be glad to get rid of it as soon as possible. Most doctors treat a sinusitis infection with antihistamines, painkillers and antipyretics (for fever). They also prescribe taking steam and bed rest. In rare cases, where sinusitis has become extreme, the doctor drains the sinuses of any built up fluid, surgically.
Though doctors can prescribe good OTC medications for sinusitis infections, you too can take palliative measures and home remedies to help you get over this nasty infection. It is wise to see a doctor if your symptoms persist even after a week of trying these sinusitis home remedies.
Different factors can trigger a sinus infection in different people. It may be a change in seasons, exposure to the sun, a cold, hay fever, allergies, etc. If you see a pattern of triggers that always brings you down with a sinus infection, avoid them. As with every other illness, prevention is better than cure
Sinusitis becomes aggravated by dry air. Make sure you sleep and rest in a room with enough humidity. Too much humidity again can actually make the infection worse by giving the microorganisms a breeding ground. If you use a humidifier, place it close to your bed. If you normally use a vaporizer, ensure that you use it at least 3-4 times a day to keep that nasal passage comfortably moist.
It is no rocket science that exposure to too much heat will dry up the nasal passages and sinuses. Dryness of the sinuses and nose aggravates and/or triggers a sinus infection. Steer clear of the sun in hot, dry weather. During colder weather, do not overheat the room temperature. It is better to keep the room temperature a little low and put on woolens rather than keeping it at 28 degrees and wearing just a T-shirt.
If you live in a permanently air conditioned and shuttered up house, there are many other infections that can set in besides sinusitis. Never ignore the benefits of fresh air. Open the windows and doors on days that are warm even if it is for just 30 minutes. Allow all the stale air to be eliminated. If you work in a 24/7 air conditioned office, you can’t open the windows; instead you can go out during breaks to get that much needed fresh air.
Many times, it is not just the weather that triggers a sinus infection. Household chemicals may also be behind your sinus woes. Find out if irritants like passive (or active) cigarette smoke, household cleaners, deodorants, hairsprays, pet hair are aggravating your sinusitis. Try to eliminate the irritant and replace it with something organic.
We can never say enough about the many benefits of water. Stay hydrated to avoid dryness from within. Have your daily recommended 8-10 glasses of (non-cold) water, drink hot fluids like tea and soups, and take hot showers or steam. Water is good for your sinus infection in any of these forms. Avoid alcohol and coffee as they are both dehumidifiers and will cause the throat and nasal passages to dry up and cause a lot of discomfort.
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