Sinus problem & homeopathic treatment

COME winter and it is time for all the cold-related illnesses. Sinusitis happens to be one of them. Although its occurrence is not always related to cold and can happen any time of the year, for those who are sensitive to the least chill in the air, sinusitis may be just round the corner. Homeopathic treatment can be of great help to those who suffer from sinusitis often during winter.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses (hollow spaces) in our skull. These hollow spaces are linked to the nose from inside. The anatomical presence of these cavities makes our skull light for our neck to bear it. Sinuses also provide the resonance to our tone when we speak. So, the presence of the sinuses is not a problem but it is their inflammation (sinusitis) that causes distress. Inflammation can be acute, recurrent or of chronic nature.

Sinuses are four sets of hollow spaces in our skull. They are situated in cheek bones, forehead, behind the bridge of the nose and between the eyes and yet another set is situated in the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes. All of these sinuses have the same lining that is present in our nose. This lining produces mucus which is drained out of these sinuses through an opening in the nose. During an attack of cold or allergies (mucous membranes start producing more mucus during cold, etc.) swelling in the nose and sinuses can cause the drainage from the sinuses to get blocked. This blockage leads to the trapping of mucus in the sinuses resulting in the growth of bacteria and viruses.

The symptoms

The symptoms of sinusitis depend upon the sinus that gets affected. The morning headache when one wakes up is typical of sinusitis: blocked sensation: in the nose, heaviness and pain in the facial bones and head may occur due to the underlying inflamed sinus. Inflammation in the sinuses that are present behind the bridge of the nose and in-between the eyes can lead to swelling in the eyelids and the tissues around the eyes. Inflammation in the maxillary sinuses can cause pain in the upper jaw and teeth.

Sinusitis may be accompanied by other symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, tiredness and cough that may aggravate at night. Post-nasal dripping of mucus can cause problems in the throat too.

A correctly prescribed homeopathic medicine can be a great boon to those who suffer from sinusitis. Homeopathic treatment aims at rebuilding one’s immunity towards such attack. Although it may take some time, a well-aimed homeopathic treatment can completely cure the chronicity and recurrence of this disease.

Homeopathic medicines Silicea and Kali Bichrome lead the homeopathic table in treating all kinds of sinusitis whether acute, chronic or recurrent. Silicea is very affective in treating sinusitis in individuals who are extremely sensitive to the least amount of chill in the air and often develop frontal headaches or heaviness during the attack of sinusitis. Kali Bichrome is helpful in cases where the discharges are very stringy, sticky and yellowish green or when the patient complains of a constant pain in the root of the nose. Other important homeopathic medicines like Hydrastis and Merc Sol also need special mention.

Preventing and managing sinusitis

• Control your allergies and avoid exposure
• Avoid exposure to cold air, as it may trigger runny nose which can further lead to inflammation of sinuses. Try to have your allergies under control by avoiding exposure to known allergens and taking homeopathic medicines.
• Reduce stress and eat natural foods
• By reducing stress and eating vegetables and fruits that are rich in anti- oxidants can help in boosting your immune system.
• Steam inhalation can be of great help during an acute attack
• Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.