-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
Sinusitis
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses due to viral and bacterial infections or allergic reactions. The forehead or cheeks may be tender and swollen. Common symptoms are frontal headaches, pain behind and between the eyes, or a "splitting" headache. There may be fatigue, fever, chills, and loss of smell. A yellow or greenish discharge is common. If a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more persists for more than 2 days or if there is constant, bloody discharge or numbness, see your physician.
The most common predisposing factor in sudden onset sinusitis is the common cold. In long-term sinusitis, an allergic background is commonly present, and in many cases, there is an underlying dental infection. If in doubt, see your dentist.
AS GENERAL MEASURES:
1. Rest until your symptoms improve. Bed rest is better.
2. Drink at least 10 cups of fluids per day, preferably water, diluted vegetable juices, soups, and herb teas.
3. Avoid simple sugars, such as candy and pastries.
A PROPER DIET FOR SINUSITIS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Stop all milk and milk products They aggravate the problem by producing more mucus.
Another consideration is food allergies. Certain foods seem to be more likely to cause sinusitis. Eliminating these foods from the diet is a good way to determine if one or several of them are responsible. The main problem foods are dairy products (including milk, cheese, ice cream), eggs, wheat, corn, and sugar.
After eliminating all of those foods from the diet, and the symptoms have gone away, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur. A new food would be introduced each week. If you need more information, you may want to refer to the article on Food sensitivities.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR SINUSITIS, AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin C 500 milligrams every 2 hours for the first 48 hours. After this, reduce to 1,000 milligrams 3 times a day.
2. Bioflavonoids 1,000 milligrams per day.
3. Vitamin A 25,000 Units per day.
4. Beta-carotene 100,000 Units twice per day.
Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of either vitamin A or Beta-carotene a day.
5. Zinc lozenges 1 lozenge containing approximately 20 to 25 milligrams of Zinc every 2 hours. After one week, reduce the dosage to 3 times a day. Zinc gluconate and zinc gluconate-glycine are the forms which have demonstrated the greatest effectiveness in studies.
HERBS FOR SINUSITIS:
Golden Seal is the most effective herb for acute bacterial sinus infections. You can take it in 3 forms.
1. Capsules 2 capsules, 4 times a day.
2. A tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract 1 teaspoon , 3 to 4 times a day.
3. Dried root 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water. Simmer 5 minutes. Steep 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup, 4 times a day.
Caution: Pregnant women should not take Golden Seal.
Echinacea used in the same dosage as Golden Seal. These can be taken together.
Ephedra 1 teaspoon of herb per cup of boiling water or 1 capsule 3 to 4 times a day. Do not use in cases of high blood pressure or insomnia.
LOCAL APPLICATIONS FOR SINUSITIS:
1. Steam inhalation breathe over a pot of steaming hot water, and drape a towel over your head to prevent steam loss. A quarter teaspoon of Eucalyptus or Bitter Orange oil can be added for a soothing sensation. If you are not using a commercial steam inhaler, be very careful not to burn yourself.
2. Nasal washes are very effective. Use either cooled Golden Seal tea or salt water (mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of water). Tilt your head back and introduce the solution into one nostril at a time with an eye dropper or a squeeze bottle. Spit out through the mouth. Repeat this a few times.
3. Local water therapy Place a hot, moist towel over the sinus area for five minutes. Then place a cold, moist towel over the sinuses for 1 minute. Repeat this cycle 3 times. This can be done 3 to 4 times a day. Remember to always start with hot and end with cold.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue.
Kali bic 12c: Use it for a yellow or greenish discharge that is thick or stringy. There may be lots of sneezing and loss of smell. Use 3 times a day.
Hepar sulph 12c: For sinusitis that is painful to touch and worse from cold air. Use 3 times a day.
Silica 30c: For chronic, long-term sinusitis. Use once a day for 1 week.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with chronic or recurrent sinusitis. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.