What Is A Sinus Infection
The sinuses, or sinus cavities, are hollow spaces that air flows through within the bones surrounding the nose. A sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed. Normally, your sinuses are filled with air. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
How long do sinus infections last? Well, that depends on what type of sinus infection you have. Acute sinusitis can last over two weeks even with appropriate treatment. If your sinus infection lasts longer than 10 to 14 days, then youre more likely to have bacterial sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis lasts much longer at least 12 weeks! Chronic sinusitis with polyps is an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or longer and is associated with having nasal polyps. Other forms of chronic sinusitis are associated with allergies or a deviated septum and also last 12 weeks or longer.
How can you tell what type of sinus infection you have? Your doctor wont be able to tell you if your sinus infection is bacterial or viral based on symptoms or an exam alone. The best way to tell the root of a sinus infection is symptom duration. If its a viral sinus infection, it should start to improve after five to seven days. On the other hand, a bacterial infection often lasts seven to 10 days or even longer and the infection can get worse after seven days.
- Fever
- Earaches
Causes And Symptoms Of Sinusitis
Sinusitis can be caused by a cold, infection, allergy and pollution. It can be acute, sub-acute, chronic and infected.
The symptoms include facial tenderness, sinus headaches, a pain in the face that aggravates with bending or straining, radiating pain in the temples, cheeks and forehead, runny or blocked nose and a persistent cough. If there is an infection, the patient suffers from fever, body ache and also has opaque or greenish yellow nasal discharge.
Standard treatment for sinusitis involves reducing the inflammation of the sinus passages, assisting in the drainage of fluid and decreasing the pressure.
Over the counter medications are used to decrease the inflammation within the sinuses. However, people with high blood pressure or heart conditions should consult a specialist before deciding on taking such medicines.
Nasal sprays can be prescribed for only a short duration as these have serious side effects. Regular treatment isnt always able to address the root cause as it mostly suppresses the symptoms.
Gaia Herbs For Sinus Health*
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REFERENCES:
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Treatment And Medication Options For Sinus Infection
Up to 70 percent of people with acute sinusitis recover without prescribed medications, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Treatment for acute sinus infections focus on relieving symptoms, such as by:
- Drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest
- Flushing out the sinuses with a saline nasal wash like a saline nasal spray
- Inhaling steam several times a day
- Using a humidifier
What Your Doctor Needs To Know
To find out if youâve got more than a bad cold, you need to learn the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor can help you figure out whether you have sinusitis or something else.
Tell your doctor how long youâve had sinus symptoms, and whether theyâve gotten worse or stayed the same. If youâve had them for less than 10 days and theyâre not getting worse, you probably have a viral infection. It will likely go away on its own.
Over-the-counter treatments like saline sprays, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may help ease symptoms along the way. might reduce the swelling and inflammation temporarily. If you use them, read the directions carefully and only use as directed. Using nasal decongestant sprays for more than a few days could make the congestion worse.
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Herbal Remedies For Sinusitis By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda provides best combination of effective herbal remedies such as Allergy Care Pack for ayurvedic treatment of sinusitis. These herbal remedies are prepared from using best quality herbs and strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda. All these herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda are 100 percent pure, natural and vegetarian. These are free from chemicals, additives and preservatives. These are safe to use as these are free from side effects.
Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Fermented Cod Liver Oil is rich in vitamins A and D, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. The fermentation process by which this oil is extracted from the cod livers does not damage the nutrients, making the health benefits of this super-supplement a long list, indeed. Some of those include the ability to clarify skin conditions, balance mood and hormones, and remedy auto-immune disorders. For more information on FCLO, check out this great article.
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Types Of Chronic Sinusitis Or Chronic Sinus Infections
While acute sinusitis often involves an infection, chronic sinusitis does not. Sometimes, the long-term illness is caused by an infection that hasnt cleared up properly, but most often the exact cause of chronic sinusitis isnt known. But clinicians may categorize chronic sinusitis into one of three types depending on the features present. The most common type of the illness, chronic sinusitis without nasal polyposis, involves swelling and inflammation of the mucous membranes by various non-polyp factors, such as allergies or irritation and infections. Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis, on the other hand, involves nasal polyps that are large enough to clog the sinus. Its not always clear why some people develop these polyps and others dont. In chronic sinusitis with fungal allergy, people experience an allergic reaction to fungi in the air, which causes their mucous membranes to produce thick, dense mucus.
Constant Blocked Nose Anu Thailam Is Here To Help
A constant nose block can be very frustrating. Whether you are awake or asleep, you may have a tough time dealing with this condition. It leaves you struggling to breathe comfortably. It can be irritating especially while sleeping. A nose block may be accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, and cough. Some people are prone to suffering from this condition, especially during seasonal changes.
Health conditions like hay fever and allergic rhinitis can cause a nose block. This occurs due to an allergy to a particular substance, which could be pollen, dust, or any other substance. The nose block is the bodys natural immune response to such an allergen. The people who suffer the most are those who experience nose block throughout the year.
It is interesting to first note the primary cause of a blocked nose. There are a bunch of blood vessels and valves that regulate the blood flow. If there is a foreign body that stimulates the nose, then the nervous system has more blood entering the vessels and valves. The excess blood makes the nasal passage swell and thereby breathing becomes difficult and laboured.
Calamus, sage, bayberry or powdered ginger are usually snuffed through the nostrils to clear the sinuses. Other herbs like gotu kola are mixed with sesame oil or ghee and the drops of the mixture can cleanse the nasal tract as well as nourish the brain.
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Ayurvedic Treatment For Sinusitis
Ayurvedic treatment methods for sinusitis use herbal medicines, including powders and oils. Different yoga methods are also suggested to maintain health and enhance the immune strength of the person.
The course of Ayurvedic treatment will include Nasya, Dhumapana, steam inhalation and other internal herbal medicines finalized by the doctor. The exact course of treatment will be finalized only after examination of the patient, the degree of illness, the familial history and present physical status.
Nasya Inhalation of herbal medicines to remove the doshas and expel the mucus or Kapha, thus helping in the elimination of sinusitis. A stipulated process is pursued before administering the Nasya treatment.
- Dumapana This is done for clearing mucus or Kapha.
- Medicated Steam Inhalation Steam with herbal medicine and oil will have an excellent effect in clearing the nasal passage and removing the nasal congestion.
The afore-said treatment method will be clubbed with some of the custom formulated treatments by our expert panel of doctors. Some of the yoga asanas that have a positive effect in boosting the strength of the patients. This is essential for curing the ailment and preventing recurrence.
Ayur Bethaniya
Are you tired of treatments for sinusitis, without any visible result?
Let us help you eliminate the disease and start a healthy life. Reach out to us to know more about sinusitis treatment methods and book an appointment. Contact us now.
Sinus Surgery For Chronic Infections
If medical therapies dont clear up chronic sinusitis, your doctor will usually recommend surgery.
Several surgical approaches can enlarge the sinus cavities to make breathing and drainage easier. In the past, sinus surgeries required bone and tissue removal. Recent advancements mean this isnt the case.
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How To Achieve Clear Uncongested Breathing
Anu thailam lubricates the nasal passage and helps facilitate clear breathing when used daily. Don’t use it while suffering from fever, cold. You can buy the product online from Kerala Ayurvedas website. Visit the website and go to the section on respiratory health. You will find Anu Thailam there along with other products. You can add the products of your choice to the shopping cart. Once you finish shopping, you can check out the shopping cart and place your order.
Shopping online is secure. There are different payment options available. The product would be delivered to your home. The days of suffering from nose block and spending sleepless nights can be a thing of the past. Start using the nose drops today and manage your nasal block. It is stated to be a safe and gentle way to manage nasal congestion and related problems.
Symptoms Of Bacterial Infection
Depending on the affected area, Symptoms of Bacterial Infection include:
- Fever
- Urine is thick and cloudy.
- Bleeding while urinating.
- Feeling of never being able to urinate completely.
- Burning or itching while urinating.
- Frequent urge to urinate.
- Pain and pressure in the lower back or abdomen.
- Chills
- Discomfort and pain in the infected area.
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Balancing The Upper Respiratory Tract
The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal passages, sinuses, larynx , and trachea .
Its job is to filter, moisten, and warm air on inhalationas it is delivered to the lungsand on exhalation, to transport air from the lungs to the exterior of the body.
If you frequently develop respiratory imbalances in the nasal passages, sinuses, or throat, the following strategies will likely be especially supportive in your process of returning to balance.
We will begin with general support for the upper respiratory tract and then focus on how to balance a few common ailments in this region.
General Strategies for the Upper Respiratory Tract
The prana-carrying channels of the head and neck support the overall function of this region of the body, which is associated with clarity, insight, intelligence, communication, and self-expression.
These faculties work best in concert with the rest of the body, and with the heart center. If you feel overly identified with or cut off from any of these aspects of your being, it may be helpful to take a deeper look at why.
As a starting point, the following practices will offer general support to the upper respiratory tract.
Nasya or Neti
Treating the delicate tissues of the nasal passages directly can be quite powerful because of their connection to ida and pingala nadis. Nasya and neti both support clear breathing and a clear mind, but their effects are entirely different.
Nasya
Nasal Rinse
Bhramari
Ujjayi
When To See A Doctor
With a little luck, your sinus infection will respond well to at-home remedies. But some cases may be more intractable than others. Rather than white-knuckle through the unpleasantness of sinusitis pain and pressure, Dr. Vaughn recommends a visit to a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- You have suffered from sinusitis more than once.
- Your symptoms continue for up to 10 days or longer.
- Your symptoms dont improve after treatment or seeing your doctor.
As an ENT, I see people suffer needlessly when we have good treatment options available, he says. There are long-term solutions available to millions of people who write off their symptoms as an allergy or a cold. The best thing a person can do is see an ENT specialist and end the suffering.
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Which Home Remedies And Otc Medications Soothe Sinus Infections And Sinusitis Symptoms And Headache Pain
Home care can help relieve sinus infection or sinusitis symptoms, open the sinuses, and alleviate dryness.
Home Remedies to Promote Drainage
- Drink plenty of water and hydrating beverages such as hot tea.
- Inhale steam two to four times per day by leaning over a bowl of hot water or using a steam vaporizer. Inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Taking a hot, steamy shower may also work. Mentholated preparations, such as Vicks Vapo-Rub, can be added to the water or vaporizer to aid in opening the passageways.
OTC Medications to Thin Mucus
Expectorants are medications that help expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory passages. They help thin mucous secretions, enhancing drainage from the sinuses. The most common is guaifenesin . OTC sinus medications also can combine decongestants and cough suppressants to reduce symptoms and eliminate the need for the use of many prescription medications. Read label ingredients to find the right combination of ingredients or ask the pharmacist.
OTC Medications to Relieve Pain
Pain medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation. These medications help to open the airways by reducing swelling. Acetaminophen can be used for pain and fever but does not help with inflammation.
Nasal Saline Irrigation
There are several methods of nasal irrigation, and a popular sinus remedy is the Neti-pot, a ceramic pot that looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdins magic lamp.
Ayurveda Treatment For Sinusitis
The treatment of every condition follows the cause and exact diagnosis. Because Ayurveda has deeper understanding about cause and classification, therefore treatment becomes easy for many conditions like sinusitis.
The main problem with treatment of the sinusitis is- most of the times clinicians keep on working on the kapha dosha. And we miss the involvement of the other two doshas. Therefore treatment yields only temporary results in the treatment. But at Sukhayu Ayurved we work on the diagnosis of the dosha first, thus results are more accurate.
Once we can confirm the involvement of the doshas, it becomes easy for us to mark the line of treatment. The treatment of sinusitis in Ayurveda is different for different doshas.
- In case of Vataja Sinusitis: the treatment is all about the oleation of nasal mucosa, with herbs which can remove the dryness due to Vata dosha. These medicines should be hot in nature too.
- Pitta type Sinusitis: Here medicines should be cold- yes you heard right. The general-medicines of cough cold can complicate the condition of the Pitta type sinusitis.
- When Kapha causes Sinusitis: Things should go like Vata but no unctuousness.
This is the reason, Nasya with SOME-OIL, never works. So this is important to find out the cause before treatment.
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Air Conditioners And Sinus Infections
3 User Reviews
For those of you who don’t believe the A/C is the cause of the sinusitis, have you considered what lives inside your ductwork? It’s not necessarily the air conditioner causing the problem, it’s the mold, dust, and bacteria living in the ducts. These are easily cleaned. In my region, I call a local carpet cleaning company who also cleans ductwork with their steam equipment. Works beautifully to clean them.
Air Conditioners and Sinus InfectionsAir Conditioners and Sinus Infections
When a air conditioner is running it removes all most all the humidity in the room. The air conditioner coil gets so cold that it dawls in moisture from the air. Similar to how a cold drink will sweat on a hot day. I think the absence of all this humidity dry out the nasal cavity and makes you more prone to infection.
Air Conditioners and Sinus InfectionsAir Conditioners and Sinus Infections
I’ve had 4 sinus infections in my 32 year life and every single one I can tell you was a result from sleeping in a direct air path from an ac unit. EVERY ONE! I told my husband it was the ac’s fault I get these infections and he thinks I’m crazy. Well, it’s good to read that others have the same experience. I know it’s from the ac but I didn’t understand fully why until now.
Air Conditioners and Sinus Infections
I have had sinus surgery and have struggled with these sinus infections for over ten years.
Air Conditioners and Sinus InfectionsAir Conditioners and Sinus Infections