Sinus Away
Allergy season dove tails with cold and flu season. This means no relief for sinus sufferers. Sinus problems are painful and exhausting, with many people walking around with a low-grade infection inside their sinuses all the time!
Often the beginning symptoms of sinusitis can be confused with allergies, a head cold, or headaches.
Most commonly patients report a full feeling with pressure in the face, teeth and head.
The most common cause of sinusitis is allergies.
The physiology of sinusitis involves the swelling of the mucus membranes that line the sinuses. This causes congestion to get stuck within the sinus cavities, and not be able to drain; this stuck congestion allows bacteria to grow and results in yellow to green mucus and an infection.
Repeat infections warrant allergy testing. Be aware that there are 2 kinds of allergy tests. IgE testing, typically done by an allergist to measure immediate allergy reactions. IgG testing, typically done by an integrative practitioner, used to measure delayed allergy reactions. Both provide invaluable information and delayed testing most often shows stealth food allergens. Delayed food allergens can cause nasal, throat, or ear congestion 4-24 hours after eating an inflammatory food. In this way it is very difficult for the patient to discern what foods they might be reacting to.
IgG food allergy testing takes the guesswork out of the equation.
NATURAL THERAPIES:
If you are a person who is affected by sinus congestion there are many things can be done naturally to keep sinuses clear.
1) Steam inhalations can ease congestion. Steam keeps sinuses moist and helps congestion soften and drain. Moist air can travel deep into the sinus passages and to loosen blockages. When combined with essential oils such as eucalyptus it acts as a decongestant and germicidal. Pour boiling water into a bowl add 3 drops of essential oil, drape towel over your head and inhale the steam.
2) Studies show that rinsing out allergens and congestion from the nasal passages with a saline solution can prevent infections and keep nasal passages clear. Consider a Neil Med nasal flush bottle or a neti pot.
3) Acupuncture will also help move stagnation inside the sinuses and allow them to drain.
Note from Dr. P
Standard prescriptions for sinusitis include antihistamines, steroids, allergy shots, and antibiotics. Specialists are quick to jump on a structural problem that involves sinus surgery or fixing a deviated septum. Often it is a vicious cycle of inflammation and antibiotics.
As far as nasal flushing goes, Neil med nasal flush bottle or a neti pot is my preference. Up one nostril and out the other. The first time you try it will be messy, do it in the shower. You may also feel like your drowning. However you will be amazed at what comes out!
Flushing sinuses regularly prevent the development of an infection and the need for an antibiotic prescription. Less antibiotics, better health
-Be Healthy, Happy & Holistic
