Sinusitis refers to an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the paranasal sinuses. It often follows a common cold, influenza, and other general infections. Infecting germs sometimes find their way into these sinuses or chambers on either side, of the nasal passage, leading to sinus trouble.
Causes and Symptoms
The symptoms of sinusitis are excessive or constant sneezing; a running nose; blockage of one or both nostrils; headaches and pressure around the head, eyes, and face. Sinus headaches are usually felt in the forehead and in the face just below the eyes. The patient may suffer from low grade fever, lack of appetite, and difficulty in breathing. Sinusitis results from the inflammation of the sinus passages and oversecretion of mucus by the membranes lining the nose and throat.
Remedies
Mango: The liberal use of mangoes during the season is considered an effective remedy for prevention and treatment of sinusitis. Mangoes contribute towards formation of healthy epithelium, thereby preventing frequent attacks of common infections like sinusitis. This is attributable to a high concentration of vitamin A in the fruit.
Garlic and Onion: The use of pungent foods like garlic and onion is one of the most effective remedies for sinus problems. One should begin with small mild doses and increase them gradually. Beneficial results can also be achieved by adding these herbs in moderate amounts to regular meals.
Fenugreek: The seeds of fenugreek are another effective remedy for sinusitis. A tea prepared by boiling one teaspoon of seeds in 250 ml of water till it is reduced to half, will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity, and shorten the period of fever in the acute stage of the disease. Upto four cups should be taken daily. The quantity should be reduced as the condition improves.
Cumin Seeds: A teaspoon of black cumin seeds tied in a thin cotton cloth can provide relief when inhaled. The condition can also be relieved by taking a mixture of KM) gm of roasted and ground cumin seeds and 200 gm of pure honey.
Vegetable Juices: Carrot juice, taken separately or in combination with juices of beet and cucumber, or with spinach juice, has been found beneficial in the treatment of sinus trouble. In the case of combined juices, 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices, or 200 ml of spinach juice, should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to make 500 ml or half a litre of the mixed juice.
Vitamins A and C: A diet rich in vitamin A is the best insurance against cold and sinus trouble. Vitamin A is the ‘membrane conditioner’ and it helps build healthy mucous membranes in the n°se and throat. Some of the valuable sources of this vitamin are whole milk, curds, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrots, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mangoes, and papaya. When the sinus trouble has already developed, relief can be obtained by taking vitamin A in large therapeutic doses of 25,(KK) IU per day. Vitamin C has also proved beneficial in the treatment of sinusitis and the patient should take one gram of this vitamin per day in two therapeutic doses of 500 mg each.
Dietary Considerations
In the acute stage of the disease, when fever is present, the patient should abstain from all solid foods and drink only fresh fruit and vegetable juices diluted with warm water on a 50:50 basis. After the fever subsides, he may adopt a low-calorie, raw fruit and vegetable diet with plenty of raw juices. Once the acute symptoms are over, the patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. In persistent chronic conditions, repeated short juice fasts may be undertaken for a week or so at intervals of two months. The patient should avoid fried and starchy foods, white sugar, white flour, rice, macaroni products, pies, cakes, and candies.
Other Measures
A cold application over the sinus will give great relief, while alternate hot and cold applications also prove beneficial. Take pans of hot and cold water, bathe the whole face with hot water—as hot as you can bear—and then apply cold water for a short duration. Nasal inhalation of steam for five minutes every hour will also give relief. Plenty of sleep, adequate rest, and fresh air are essential in the treatment of sinus trouble. Patients should avoid the use of perfumes and strongly scented hair oil.