Sinusitis

We all have them. Most of the time, however, we are blissfully unaware of their existence. Until that is, they become blocked and inflamed and very painful. 

Most of us would have our own experience of sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses. This usually happens during or just after a cold, and it does not matter whether it is a mild or severe dose that afflicts you. Your nose becomes blocked; there is an ache in your face that gets worse when you try to clear the blockage by blowing your nose.

Allergy sufferers are also very prone to sinusitis and very similar symptoms during the allergy season. 

Sinuses are cavities in your skull (paranasal sinuses). The sinuses are air pockets located inside the bones in the skull. There are four sinuses: 

1- Frontal
2- Sphenoid
3- Ethmoid
4- Maxillary

The sinuses are lined with very fine hair-like projections called cilia. The function of the cilia is to move mucus (which is normally produced in the sinus) towards the tiny hole (the ostium) about the size of a pinhole that provides drainage for the sinus. Unfortunately, that hole is located at the top of the largest sinus, and consequently drainage may be poor. 

The main function of sinuses is to act as resonators or sound boxes when you speak, much in the same way as the body of the violin resonates and adds to the sound made by the bow on the strings. Witness the change in your voice when you get a cold and the sinuses are unable to work properly.

Sinuses are connected to the nasal passages by a single small and narrow opening. And herein lies the problem. When you get a cold, or if you suffer from nasal allergies, the tissues of the nasal passages, known as mucous membranes, become inflamed and swollen leading to a blocked nose. Furthermore, the opening to the sinuses becomes blocked.

When one tries to clear the obstruction by blowing hard, pressure increases causing further pain. 

Sinuses are lined with ciliated mucosa, and in health, constantly produce a small amount of mucus which is cleared by the cilia through this opening. Excessive mucus production caused by an acute URTI can cause a blockage to the drainage of the sinus cavity.

In this situation, mucus builds up within the sinus, leading to a build up of pressure within the cavity.

Furthermore, this stagnant pool of mucus will have a great tendency to become infected, further exacerbating the situation.

Acute sinusitis lasts for up to three weeks, and tends to clear up by itself or with the help of home or herbal remedies. It is normally the aftermath of a cold or flu infection, or perhaps occurs after too much flying.

Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than three weeks and may be the result of a more serious bacterial infection, or may even be caused by the anatomical structure of your nasal passages. This type of sinusitis may require conventional medicines or surgery to improve the symptoms.

In the condition of sinusitis, two features appear frequently:

• Firstly, there can be intense pain experienced in the head and face. This is caused by a build up of pressure within the cavity of the sinus, exacerbated by the fact that an increased production of mucus blocks the entrance (and exit) to the sinus cavity.
• Secondly, there is often a change in the tenor and timber of the voice. This is due to the sinus cavities not being able to perform their normal role of resonance.

The use of a natural remedy such as A. Vogel Sinna Nasal Spray can help greatly in resolving the inflammation of mucous membranes and helping to clear the blockages. It relieves the symptoms of the common cold and allergies. It cleans the nose and sinuses and keeps them open and may thus prevent the development of sinusitis. 

Should the inflammation be recurring you can compliment the use of Sinna Nasal Spray with Sinna tablets.

Because Sinna is a homeopathic it can be used without fear of addiction for chronic sinus problems. It will not cause drowsiness nor does it have side effects.

• Dairy products should be avoided or their intake reduced as they promote mucous production. Products such as buttermilk, cream cheese and yoghurt are the exception
• Include foods in your diet that are rich in vitamins and minerals and avoid eating heavy meals at night
• Vitamin C is especially important for extra resistance, as is sufficient rest, sleep and relaxation
• Reduce exposure to cigarette smoke and household chemicals
• Use Echinaforce® to help fight colds and flu by strengthening the immune system.

Watch closely the following symptoms which indicate a disorder, it would be wise to consult:

• Abnormal vision (sometimes, split vision);
• Eye swelling;
• Feeling lost or disoriented.