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- What is sinusitis?
- Symptoms of sinusitis
- Causes of sinusitis
- Prevention of sinusitis
- Risk factors for sinusitis
- Complications of sinusitis
- When to see a doctor about sinusitis
- Diagnosis of sinusitis
- Conventional treatment of sinusitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of sinusitis
- Living with sinusitis
- Caring for someone with sinusitis
There are a number of strategies which are recommended to help deal with sinusitis:
- Avoid alcohol - studies show that excessive intake of alcohol can cause the sinus lining to swell more, making symptoms worse so avoid alcohol especially during an acute sinusitis infection and limit it if you have chronic sinusitis, as it can only make your symptoms worse
- Avoid mucous causing foods - certain foods such as dairy, processed foods (high sugar and high fat foods) tend to cause more mucous to form which can make symptoms worse as the body has to try to get rid of the excessive mucous and fight off the sinusitis infection
- Avoid the allergens - any type of allergies to foods, plants, pets and any other allergens can trigger symptoms and should be avoided to prevent sinusitis symptoms
- Avoid chemical irritants - pollution, cigarette smoke and other environmental chemicals, can all trigger symptoms of sinusitis and should be avoided
- Drink fluids - you must maintain your fluid levels with plenty of water (around 8 glasses a day) or freshly squeezed juices, which can help provide the fluids to rehydrate the nasal mucous tissue
- Eat more garlic, ginger and onions - these foods have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the inflammation in the mucous membranes in the sinus passages. Garlic especially, also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, so it helps boost the immune system to fight off any type of infection quickly
- Eat fresh vegetables and fruit - especially the dark green and dark purple vegetables and brightly coloured fruits, as they have more antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Try to ensure the vegetables and fruit are organic (or pesticide-free) as studies show these have more of the nutrients than those conventionally produced
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- Moist air - the congestion in your sinus passages may be broken up a little more quickly with moist air. Either use a humidifier (or vaporiser), have a warm shower (and leave the fan off), or a sink filled with warm water and a towel around your head to breath in to warm steam (steam inhalation)
- Reduce fever and pain - you may be able to reduce any fever or aches and pains with panadol, Acetimophen, ibuprofen or aspirin. People with any type of gastric (stomach) or intestinal disorder (including GERD) or anyone younger than 18 years should not take aspirin
- Rest - you need to rest if you have an acute sinusitis infection, to give your body enough energy to more effectively deal with the infection. Your doctor will let you know how long you need to rest, to give your body a better chance to fight off the infection much sooner
- Stop smoking - if you smoke, you need to at least reduce your intake for the duration of the acute sinusitis, as the cigarettes will just worsen your symptoms and may make breathing much more difficult. Do not be exposed to other people's second hand smoke either, as it has the same detrimental effect on sinusitis as smoking yourself
- Use a neti pot to prevent sinusitis - the neti pot has been traditionally used in Indian culture to help clear out the sinuses and prevent sinusitis symptoms. The neti pot should be filled with lukewarm water that has had fine sea salt added and mixed thoroughly through. Tilt your head to one side and insert the nozzle of the neti pot into the nostril that is on the top side and let the water flow through to the other side. Ensure you are standing over a basin so that the water that flows through can flow into the basin and not the floor
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< 10: alternative treatment 12: caregiving > Last reviewed: 20 February 2009 || Last updated: 9 January 2010
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
