Sinusitis
Sinusitis refers to an inflammation of the mucous
membrane lining the paranasal sinuses. If often follows the common cold,
influenza and other general infections. Germs which are usually eliminated from
body sometimes find their way into these sinuses or chambers on either side of the
nasal passage, leading to sinus trouble. The sinuses consist of cavities or
chambers contained in the bones situated in the head and face region. The
frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses are the paranasal sinuses which
communicate with the nose. The frontal sinuses lie on the frontal bone directly
above the eyes. The maxillary sinuses are located one on each side of the nose
under the cheekbone. The
ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses are situated behind the
nose or either sideof it. These air sinuses lighten the weight of the skull and
give resonance to the voice.
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 a
low grade fever, lack of appetite, loss of sense of appetite, and toothache. He
feels miserable because of difficulty in breathing. The voice is also affected
because of the blocked nose.
Causes
Sinusitis results from the congestion of the sinus
passages due to catarrh. It is caused by over-secretion of mucus in the
membranes lining the nose, throat and head. This over-secretion is due to
irritation caused by toxins in the blood. A faulty diet is thus the real cause
of sinus trouble. When a person consumes certain types of foods or drinks regularly,
these, in due course, have a conditioning effect on the entire system. As a
result, some persons become more sensitive to certain allergens, whose reaction
ultimately turns into sinusitis.
Treatment
Correcting the faulty diet is of utmost importance in
the treatment of sinusitis. Patients should take a balanced diet. Most persons
with sinus trouble also suffer from acidity. Their diet should, therefore, veer
to the alkaline side. The intake of salt should be reduced to the minimum as
salt leads to accumulation of water in the tissues and expels calcium from the
body. In the acute stage of the disease, when fever is present, the patient
should abstain from all solid foods and only drink fresh fruit and vegetable
juices diluted with water on a 50 : 50 basis. After fever subsides, he may
adopt a low-calorie raw fruit and vegetable diet with plenty of raw juices.
After the acute
symptoms are over, the patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced
diet of three basic food groups, namely seeds, nuts and 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. Those suffering from
sinusitis should completely avoid fried and starchy foods, white sugar, white
flour, rice, macaroni products, pies, cakes and candies. They should also avoid
strong spices, meat and products. Butter and ghee should be used sparingly.
Honey should be used for sweetening. All cooked foods should be freshly
prepared for each meal. Vegetables should be taken in liberal quantities. All
kinds of fruits can be taken with the exception of those belonging to citrus
group such as lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit. Milk should be taken in liberal
quantities as it contains calcium which has a marked effect in overcoming
inflammation of the tissues.
A diet rich in vitamin A is the best insurance
against cold and sinus trouble. Vitamin A is the "membrane
conditioner" as it helps build healthy mucus membranes in the head and
throat. Some of the valuable sources of this vitamin are whole milk, curds, egg
yolk, pumpkin, carrot, leafy vegetables, tomato, oranges, mango and papaya. When
the sinus trouble has already developed, relief can be obtained by taking
vitamin A in large therapeutic doses of 25,000 I.U. 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.
One of the most
effective remedies for sinus problems is to eat pungent herbs like garlic
and onion which tend to break up mucous congestion all through the respiratory
tract. 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. Carrot juice used separately or in combination with
juices of beet and cucumber or with spinach juice is highly beneficial in the
treatment of sinus trouble. 100 ml. each of beet and cucumber juice or 200 ml.
of spinach juice should be mixed with 300 ml. of carrot juice in these combinations.
Hydrotherapy
Cold application over the sinus will give great
relief; alternate hot and cold applications will 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 short duration. Nasal inhalation of
steam for five minutes every hour will also give relief.
Yogasanas such as viparitkarani, bhujangasana, yogamudra
and shavasana, yogic kriyas, such as jalneti and sutraneti and pranayamas like
anuloma-viloa and suryabhedan will be beneficial in the treatment of sinus
trouble.
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.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through www.scribd.com
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