Sinuses are cavities localized around the nose . They produce mucus which helps keep the inside of your nose moist. Thus they help against dust, allergens , and pollutants. Sinusitis is a condition where the sinuses are inflamed and infected .Sinusitis is classified as acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is that which appears suddenly and lasts for a short period of time . Chronic sinusitis on the other hand usually occurs with a low intensity but tends to last for long periods of time.
Nutrition during an attack of sinusitis is
essential because the body needs all the energy it can get to fight off the
infection that is causing problem. Nutritious Diet is your best strategy for
overcoming sinusitis permanently.
Reasons of sinusitis :- It may be due to virus , bacteria
, fungi , due to allergies, a cold or environmental triggers which make
your gland to secrete more mucus in an attempt to remove the microbes
potentially triggers inflammation.
Symptoms :-
- Congestion in nose along with discharge (thick greenish yellow in color)
- Pain around the inner corner of the eye or below one/both side of the nose.
Feeling of pressure from inside.
- Severe pain in the forehead
- Sore irritating throat and a bad breath.
- Discomfort throughout the day and increased cough at night.
Disability
to smell or taste .
Home
Treatment for Sinusitis
- Indulge
in food like
onion, garlic and pepper in your daily diet.
The garlic contains a compound allicin which fight against
bacteria and germs thus helps to open the sinuses.
- For
quick relief from sinusitis, dilute some
eucalyptus oil with warm water and apply it on the cheek bones.
- Drink
plenty of fluids. Drink a lot of water. Use solids less as compared to liquids. So take more liquids such as soups, coconut
water etc. Juice of a combination
of carrot, beetroot, cucumber, and spinach is highly beneficial in the
treatment of sinus trouble.
- Do
vapor therapy. It is a popular home remedy for sinusitis . Boil some water
in a kettle until it steams. Pour it into a cup or a bowl. Cover your face and
head with a towel and inhale and exhale its vapor through your nose.
- Avoid
dust, pollen and cold winds.
- Avoid mucus forming food like egg, chocolate, fried and processed food, sugar
and dairy products.
- Vitamin
C is
good in sinusitis. Studies show
that high levels of vitamin C help clear congestion.
- Take 2 tbs of
apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water and add
honey to taste. Take it thrice a day.
- Add
spicy food that break up mucus and relieve congestion. Green chilly works
like this.
- Take
high quality fiber such as
flax seeds which help to clean your
stomach because constipation helps to increase sinus inflammation due to
toxicity build up.
- A diet rich in vitamin A is the best insurance against cold and sinus trouble. Vitamin A
helps build healthy mucus membrane in the head and throat. It is found in yoghurt,
leafy vegetables, tomatoes, carrot, pumpkin. So eat more and more fruits and
vegetables.
Note :- Plenty of sleep, adequate
rest and fresh air are essential in the treatment of sinusitis.
Dr. Suman Setia BAMS DNHE PGDHHM
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