Cases of Sinusitis are getting common day by day. 1 out of 8 people in India suffer from this respiratory complaint annually. There could be several factors responsible for the development and the raging of sinusitis such as a common cold, weak respiratory system, bacterial infections, or allergic reactions.
On the grounds of symptoms of Sinusitis, it can be categorized into 4 types, namely; acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis. There are a number of treatments for acute sinusitis available that a patient can opt for in order to get relief from respiratory ailments.
| Acute Sinusitis | It can last up to 4 weeks or less |
| Subacute Sinusitis | It can last for 4 to 8 weeks |
| Chronic Sinusitis | It lasts for 8 weeks and sometimes even more |
| Recurrent Sinusitis | It occurs approximately 4 times a year and each time stays for minimum of 7 days. |
The articles signify the aspects related to acute sinusitis which is the most common type of sinusitis.
Table of Contents
What is Acute Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a respiratory ailment that causes inflammation of the linings of the tissues of the sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled hollow spaces that are located around the nasal region. These sinuses are responsible for humidifying the air inhaled, raising the resonance of speech, and serving as a shield against facial trauma.
Any disruption to the smooth flow of working of these sinuses can result in sinusitis and may concoct problems such as facial pain, headache, nasal congestion, cold, sneezing, and cough. Under Acute sinusitis, such complications generally stay for 4 weeks or less.
Acute Sinusitis Causes
Viral Infections
Acute sinusitis is more often induced by a common cold or bacterial infection. Such viruses/infections support the growth of germs which in turn makes the nasal paths irritated, blocked, and congested.
Poor immunity system
Immune deficiency increases the chances of getting a cold, flu, and other allergic reactions. When the body lacks the power to fight against foreign harmful substances, then sinusitis is more likely to arise.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps mean the growth of the tissue. Such growth causes nasal congestion and inflammation and tends to fill the nose, resulting in sinusitis.
Deviated nasal septum
The nasal passages might not be able to drain in case of a deviated septum, or nasal bone spur. As a result, the sinuses get blocked, and the problems like sinus pain, congestion, and pressure start occurring.
Excessive alcohol and smoking
Alcohol, beer, and smoke of cigarettes aggravate levels of histamine in the body. As a consequential body response, the sinuses become swollen, congested, and irritated.
Acute Sinusitis Symptoms
- Facial pain and pressure in the forehead, ears, or back of the eyes.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Loss of smell and taste.
- Cough that could be dry or might contain phlegm.
- Thick yellow, or green discolored nasal discharge.
- Sneezing.
- Bad breath.
- Throat irritation.
- In certain cases, patients also experience;
- Fever
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Tiredness
Ayurvedic perspective
In Ayurveda, Sinusitis is known as “Pinnas.” The imbalance of Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha is considered the primary factor for this type of respiratory ailment.
Ayurvedic treatment for acute sinusitis
Ayurveda makes use of natural herbs, diet modifications/precautions, yoga, and meditation as acute sinusitis treatment for ending the root factors of sinusitis and ensuring comfort to the patient. It mainly involves:
HERBS
Herbs are a potent source for managing the condition of Sinusitis. Herbs like Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Clove, Black pepper, Basil, and Mint leaves contain anti-swelling, non-bacterial, and anti-microbial healing properties that keep sinusitis as well as other respiratory diseases at bay.
A patient can use these herbs in powder form along with lukewarm water, or may simply chew 1-2 raw pieces of them for opening up the blocked respiratory paths. Adding some basil leaves and some sliced pieces of ginger to the tea also proves immensely helpful under the condition of acute sinusitis.
DIETARY PRECAUTIONS
Ayurveda accentuates patients to make certain modifications to their regular meals and keep dietary precautions in their mind. These include:
- Take fresh fruits and vegetables such as pineapples, apples, berries, kiwis, pumpkins, papayas, sweet potatoes, cucumber, and zucchini.
- Do not consume oily, processed, fried, junk, frozen, or stale food.
- Avoid dairy products as they contribute to the production of mucus.
- Quit consumption of alcohol and other caffeine-based beverages.
- Avoid ice creams, cold drinks, and other frozen products.
PANCHAKARMA
One of the most effective treatments for acute sinusitis is Panchakarma. Panchakarma holds enormous power to fight against diseases and ensure relief to the patient. It uses detoxification therapies namely, Vamana, Nasya, Anuvasana Basti, Virechana, and Niruha Basti for alleviating the pain & discomfort of diseases. For sinusitis, the therapy that is mainly utilized is Nasya Karma.
Nasya Karma for Sinusitis
Nasya karma involves the oral administration of cow’s ghee, herbal oils, or other medicated ointments through the nasal route. The process nourishes the nose and relieves sinuses’ irritation, pain, and pressure. The leading aim of Nasya karma is the detoxification of harmful toxins and relieving the cascade of complications caused by sinusitis.
STEAM
Herbal Steam is suggested for patients with respiratory diseases. Taking steam opens up the clogged respiratory routes and clears excessive mucus and phlegm. When humid air is inhaled, it moistens the sinus passages and enables better breathing.
For making herbal steam, simply add a few holy basil and mint leaves along with 1-2 tiny pieces of ginger (Cloves can also be added enhancing efficiency) into 2 glasses of boiling water. Take steam of this mixture for getting rid of acute sinusitis.
YOG- ABHYAS
Yoga asanas and breathing exercises are quite helpful for patients with sinusitis. Kapalbhati (Skull shining breath), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing dog), Anulom Vilom Pranayama (Alternative nostril breathing), Matsyasana (Fish pose), and Bhramari Pranayama (Bumblebee breath) can be utilized as one of the beneficial treatments for acute sinusitis. These practices promote the overall well-being of the body by opening blocked respiratory channels, improving blood circulation, and relieving overall body stress.
Conclusion
Briefly, it can be concluded that one should not neglect the symptoms of acute sinusitis as it could result in major serious complications in the future. Ayurvedic treatment is one of the most satisfactory treatments for acute sinusitis as it is a nature-derived healing therapy that ends the roots of diseases naturally and enables disease-free life.