Tired of traditional medical approaches to treating symptoms, it may be time to consider a homeopathic approach.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
The most common symptoms are stuffed nasal passages, severe headaches, pressure behind and over the eyes, pain along the jaw bone, dental sensitivity, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing and/ or post nasal drip. Chronic sinusitus is diagnosed when the symptoms last more than twelve weeks. Severe sinusitus can affect the immune system.
Can Sinus Problems be Alleviated with Diet?
The jury is out whether or not food sensitivities – foods that promote the formation of mucous or ones associated with allergies -- can cause sinus congestion or sinusitis. However, it is known that people who have allergies or asthma are at a greater risk to develop sinus problems. According to the Allergy Relief Center, persons with allergies may develop sinusitis following an allergy reaction or a series of allergy flare-ups since allergic reactions cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages and may close the small openings from the nose to the sinuses.
Therefore it makes sense for individuals prone to sinus infections to avoid foods that either promote mucous such as dairy products, wheat and certain fruit, foods containing sulfites or foods that are fermented. Foods falling into the latter category are: potato skins, wine, mustard, pickled foods, dried fruits, soft cheeses like gorgonzola and bleu cheese. It is also wise to notice the allergy triggers in the environment.
What are Potential Allergy-Triggers?
While it is nearly impossible to create an allergy-free environment, there are known triggers such as animal dander, pollen, mold, dust and a variety of chemicals that can set off sneezing, coughing and asthma attacks. In addition to avoiding these offenders, air purifiers and humidifiers can help reduce the breeding ground.
What is the Medical Model for Treating Sinusitus?
A wide variety of antibiotics can be effective if there is an infection. Many less severe cases respond well with one course; more severe bouts require stronger antibiotics and, often, a second or third course. In some cases, antibiotics will be complemented with a nasal spray to reduce the nasal inflammation. Unfortunately, there can be side effects with continued use of antibiotics, such as unpleasant and painful vaginal yeast infections in women. Doctors may also recommend oral steroids such as prednisone, and in the most severe cases, surgery to remove nasal polyps that can grow back again.
What are the Homeopathic Approaches?
A very effective non-pharmological treatment is irrigation of the nasal passages. This method involves rinsing the nasal passages with a mild salt-water solution. Rinsing cleanses the passages of offending secretions or irritants, reduce tissue inflammation and unblock a stuffed nose. There are a number of products on the market that make it easy to irrigate the nasal passages. Look for nasal saline rinse kits that contain pre-mixed saline packets. Less expensive nasal bulb syringes and the popular Neti Pot (that looks like an Aladdin’s Lamp) are also available where the user can prepare his or her own saline mixture and reuse the container.
Is It Difficult to Make Your Own Saline Solution?
Not at all. Begin with a clean reusable container. Add
- ½ to 1 teaspoon non-iodized Kosher salt
- a pinch of baking soda
- 1 cup of warm water (boiled water that has cooled is suggested)
Follow the directions when using the prepared solutions. For the syringe or Neti Pot, work over a sink. Tilt the head down and off to the right or left. Place the opening of the container in one nostril and gently squeeze the solution into the right or left passage until the water comes out clear. Repeat for the other nostril.
In summary, homeopathic treatment can be an effective approach to alleviating sinus problems. Begin by avoiding foods that produce mucous or trigger allergic reactions, reduce exposure to potential allergens in the environment and then use one of the irrigation systems. In this way, it is possible to alleviate unpleasant and painful sinus infections and avoid the use of antibiotics. It's certainly worth a try.
