Sinus
Infection
Sinus infections refer to
the inflammation of the para-nasal cavities caused by irritation of the sinus
membranes. When the sinus cavities get irritated, they become blocked/congested
which causes unbearable pain.
When the sinuses are infected,
they overproduce mucus that will stagnate and result in pressure obstructing
proper drainage and the free flow of air.
The
causes of a sinus infection
- Cold
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Temperature changes
- The change in barometric pressure
- Allergens (substances that provoke
an allergic response such as pollen, molds or dust mites)
Secretions from the sinuses
cause blockage of the nasal passages which causes coughing due to post nasal
drip. Coughing may be severe, followed by gagging and even vomiting. It tends
to be worse at night.
Here are
the symptoms of a sinus infection
Often a sinus infection or
sinusitis can be mistaken as a cold, since the symptoms are so much alike. Here
are some of the symptoms of a sinus infection
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Headaches in the eyes, nose or
cheek area
- Bad breath
- Green nasal discharge
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Fever
- Sinus pressure
What
can make a sinus Infection worse?
- Swimming
- Weather changes
- Contact with allergens
- Inhaled irritants
- Excessive consumption of dairy
foods
- Consumption of refined wheat
products
- Foods rich in sugar, colorants,
flavourants, artificial flavourants and additives
Causes of sinusitis can be broadly
classified
|
Sinusitis refers to an
inflammation of the sinus passages caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal
infection. Over 35 million people (children as well as adults) suffer from
sinusitis annually.
1. Inflammatory
and infectious causes
2. Structural
or anatomical causes
3. Behavioural
or life-style related risks
4. Inherited
or acquired causes
5. Environmental
causes
Inflammatory
and Infectious Causes
Viral, Bacterial and Fungal
infections cause the delicate mucus membrane linings the nasal passages and
sinus cavities to swell, and in some cases block the sinus openings called
ostium. If this ostium (opening) is blocked, air and mucus secretions collect
and cause pressure on the sinus cavity walls. This pressure is one of the main
reasons why we have pain during sinusitis.
One needs to remember mucus
is an excellent environment for bacteria and if the mucus is not cleared
quickly, bacteria can infect the sinuses and in severe cases result in the
formation of abscess.
- Viral infection - This type of
sinus infection is the most common as it may be caused by millions of
different strains and viruses. It is also known as an upper respiratory
infection (cold or flu). This infection tends to last for a fort night
with symptoms similar to a common cold, i.e. a runny nose, congestion or
even a sore throat with accompanying post nasal drip and coughing. If left
untreated a viral infection may develop into a bacterial infection such as
chronic sinusitis.
- As there is no cure for the common
cold, one suffering from a sinus infection may often be treated with
antibiotics in a bid to prevent the viral infection from progressing and
developing into a bacteria infection.
- Bacterial infection
-
This type of infection is most often caused by the bacterium
Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus
influenzae.
These types of bacteria are commonly found in the respiratory tract of
healthy people and will only result in a bacterial sinus infection when
ones immune system is low or has been weakened. Other, less common
sinusitis causing bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Branhamella
catarhallis. Swimming in contaminated water may also result in a bacterial
infection of the sinuses.
- Fungal Infection - Fungi are
plant like organisms which are unable to produce their own food. They are
usually found living harmlessly in our sinuses, however when the bodies
resistance is low, they may become harmful. Their usual diet consists of dead,
organic matter, however in certain instances fungi may feed on living
organisms such as the delicate mucus membranes that line your sinus and
nasal passages resulting in an inflammation of these membranes and a
possible fungal infection. Aspergillus fumigatus is one such
fungus.
Our
moist, dark and warm nasal passages and sinus cavities provide fungi with the
ideal environment in which to thrive and propagate (which can occur in the
absence of food or light).
Fungus includes- molds, yeasts, mushrooms and puffballs.
Fungus includes- molds, yeasts, mushrooms and puffballs.
There
are two types of fungal infections:
(1) Invasive fungal sinusitis is commonly caused by Aspergillus Fungus and is generally not caused by an allergen (minute particles which causes allergic reactions). It is usually found in patients whose immune systems are severely suppressed (which may be due to AIDS, excessive alcohol use or even diabetes mellitus).
Invasive
fungal sinusitis can be differentiated from Non-invasive fungal sinusitis in
that its symptoms include:
- Nasal obstruction
- One sided facial pain
- Inability to move the eyes
The types
of Invasive fungal sinusitis include:
Chronic
indolent sinusitis
This occurs when fungi
invades a persons body who is not suffering from an immune deficiency or
severely weekend immune system If left untreated symptoms may include: -Chronic
headaches-Facial Swelling
Fulminant sinusitis
This type of sinusitis
occurs when fungi invades a persons body who has a severely deficient immune
system.
In severe cases the fungi
may destroy the sinuses as well as invade and cause harm to the bony cavities
that protect the eyeball or brain
(2) Noninvasive fungal
sinusitis is commonly found in patients who suffer with asthma, nasal polyps,
chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis and has the ability to manifest itself
through tissue destruction.
The types of non invasive
fungal sinusitis include:
Allergic fungal sinusitis This
occurs when a person experiences an allergic reaction to inhaled environmental
fungi floating in the air.Symptoms may include:-Thick, fungal debris may
develop in the sinus cavities.
Mycetoma fungal sinusitis This
type of fungus may produce clumps of spores in the maxillary or sphenoid
sinuses.
Symptoms may include:
-Sinus discomfort
-Slight inflammation of the
membrane linings in the sinus cavities.
- Allergies - Do you have
swollen or itchy eyes, a runny nose, constant sneezing or even a sore
throat. All these symptoms can be a sign that you have allergies. An
allergic reaction occurring in the nasal passages and sinus cavities may
result in swelling and inflammation of the mucus membranes that line these
areas. This swelling and inflammation causes a blockage in the openings of
the sinus cavities making it an ideal area in which fungi, bacteria or
viruses can thrive and propagate.
Structural
or Anatomical Causes
- Nasal Polyps - Nasal polyps
occur when the connective tissue matrix that keeps the mucus membrane
linings of the nose intact becomes damaged. This damaged lining (which is
no longer attached to the underlying tissue) starts filling with mucus,
causing it to sag and develop into a "nasal polyp". They are
usually benign growths that are very resilient to surgery.
- Any Inflammation or Allergy affecting the
delicate mucus membranes of the nasal passages and sinus cavities will
aggravate the nasal polyps causing them to swell more and block the
opening to the sinuses thereby promoting the growth of bacteria, viruses
or fungi. Nasal polyps are more prevalent in middle aged men and
asthmatics and appear jelly-like and opaque to white in color.
- Deviated Septum - The
septum is a large cartilaginous bone dividing the right and left nostrils.
Certain injuries to this part, which may be due to a broken nose, playing
water polo or any other injury to the nasal area can obstruct mucus
drainage and breathing and therefore lead to sinusitis. An operation may
however be performed to correct a deviated septum.
- Turbinates - The
nasal passages contain bony projections called turbinates whose main
function is to filter and warm the air that passes through these passages.
When an irritation of the nasal passages occurs, these processes become
inflamed and may swell causing an obstruction of mucus flow and if left
untreated lead to a sinus infection.
- Concha Bullosa - This
bubble or balloon shaped structure tends to develop on the middle
turbinate and can exert pressure on the adjacent tissue thereby causing
irritation, sinus pain and nasal blockage. This condition is usually
symptom free and may be treated by endoscopic sinus surgery in severe
cases.
Behavioural
or Life-style related risks
- Frequent flying or scuba
diving results in changing altitudes and can not only cause but
also make current sinus infections worse. Different altitudes and air
pressures result in an inflammation of the paranasal and frontal sinus
cavities. In severe cases bleeding of the nasal mucus linings may also
occur due to the inflammation.
- Frequent dental work may
cause damage to the delicate sinus cavities which lie directly above the
upper teeth.
- Over usage of nasal
decongestants may cause initial drying out of the excess mucus,
however the bodies normal reaction to these dry nasal passages is to
produce more mucus thereby promoting the development of sinusitis.
- Swimming in
chlorinated water may cause an irritation and inflammation of the mucus
membrane linings making a person more susceptible to a bacterial invasion.
The water also results in the cilia (hair like structures in the nasal
passages responsible for transporting mucus) performing poorly thereby
reducing mucus drainage.
- Pregnancy causes
hormonal changes to occur in a women's body which may lead to an increase
in mucus production and post nasal drip. If sinusitis does occur it is
always best to consult a doctor on which medication you may use as not to
harm the baby.
Birth control pills may cause similar sinusitis symptoms.
- When a person is hospitalized for
a head injury a nasogastric tube is usually inserted into
the nasal passages which may cause damage and inflammation to the delicate
mucus membranes making these linings highly susceptible to sinusitis
causing bacteria and viruses.
- A diet consisting
of refined foods and dairy products such as milk or cheese causes an
allergic reaction and swelling of the mucus membranes in certain sinus
suffers which promotes the formulation of mucus in both persistent and chronic
sinusitis.
- Certain medications may
predispose one to sinusitis, and it is always best to consult your doctor
to find out if any of the medications you are on increase the likelihood
of you developing sinusitis.
- As one develops from childhood and
adolescence to adulthood, the likelihood of them developing sinusitis
increases. Children who have had their adenoids and tonsils removed are
also more likely to succumb to sinusitis.
- Working around children may
increase your risk and increase the severity of contracting sinusitis.
This is because children often carry bacteria which tend to be resilient
to conventional antibiotics. A doctor will need to be consulted and a
culture of the mucus sent to laboratories for testing to ensure that you
receive the best possible treatment for you sinusitis.
- Smoking results in
the cilia (hair like structures responsible for effectively transporting
mucus) to slow down. This slowing down results in post nasal drip and the
mucus becoming thick and tenacious allowing bacteria to accumulate.
Non-smokers who are exposed to second hand smoke may also experience a
slowing down of cilia functioning.
Smokers are also less likely than non-smokers to have a full recovery after sinus surgery due to progressive damage of the cilia and nasal linings of the nose and sinus cavities.
Asthma and respiratory infections are more common in people who inhale second-hand smoke regularly.
Inherited
or Acquired Causes
- A deviated nasal septum, nasal bone or
nasal polyp. It
is very rare for children to develop nasal polyps and this is why it is
recommended that your child visit a doctor if any nasal polyp growths are
suspected as this may be a sign of cystic fibrosis or allergic fungal
sinusitis.
- Tumors which obstruct
the nasal openings impede the flow of mucus out of the sinus cavities.
This trapped mucus becomes stagnant, thickens and causes an irritation to
the delicate mucus membranes surrounding the sinus cavities.
Our bodies normal response to this is to produce more mucus which in turn also becomes trapped in the sinus cavities due to the tumor blocking the opening and preventing it from flowing freely. This stagnant mucus provides the nutrients, warmth and darkness for bacteria to thrive in. which results in sinusitis. - Cilia which are
responsible for the efficient transport of mucus function poorly in asthma
sufferers, therefore making it easier for a asthma suffer to develop
sinusitis.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD) occurs
when the stomach juice which is acidic in nature travels upwards to the
esophagus, larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). This results in a
person experiencing a sore, scratchy throat, coughing or hoarseness as
well as post nasal drip with increased mucus production and phlegm.
- A weakened Immune systems (HIV or
Chemotherapy) decreases the bodies ability to fight off any viral or
bacterial infection.
- Kartagener's syndrome occurs due
to a rare genetic birth defect were ones cilia become immobile and
therefore cannot transport nasal mucus effectively.
- People suffering from cystic
fibrosis tend to develop thick mucus secretions that affect the
nose, respiratory tract and sinuses and have a higher incidence of nasal
polyp formulation. The abnormally high salt concentration found in a
cystic fibrosis sufferer's mucus provides an ideal environment in which
bacterial may grow and therefore also contributes to one developing
sinusitis.
- Non allergic rhinitis (or
vasomotor rhinitis) which is commonly caused by cold climates, alcohol,
perfumes or flowery scents and high or low humidity's may also predispose
one to contracting a sinus infection.
- Severe asthmatic reaction to aspirin
or other aspirin-like products may make one more likely to develop have
chronic sinusitis.
Environmental Causes
- Dust contains dust mites which are one
of the main culprits causing allergic rhinitis. If you are allergic to
dust it is important that you remove any carpets which trap and hold dust.
You should also ensure your house and furniture is spotless.
- When air pollution or smoke particles get
trapped in the mucus linings of the nose, an allergic reaction,
excoriation and an inflammation of the mucus membranes may occur,
predisposing one to sinus infections.
- Mold is also highly
responsible for allergic rhinitis and if left untreated it may pre-dispose
you to sinusitis. Any area in your home that is both warm and damp
provides a conducive environment in which bacteria can grow and multiply.
This includes electrical appliances.
Furry pets such as cats or dogs, plant pollens and cockroaches may also cause an allergic response and inflammation of the mucus membrane linings. This does not mean that one should find a new home for a much beloved pet however as long as your loved one visits a doggie grooming parlor regularly and if he/she has long hair, gets a trim.
What causes
sinusitis?
Fungi,
Bacteria and viruses can be a cause of sinusitis.
Any infection of the nasal passages that cause it to swell can affect the opening of the sinuses. If the ostium (opening) is blocked, air and mucus secretions collect and cause pressure on the sinus cavity walls. This can also cause our cilia (hair like cells responsible for the removal of mucus) not to work properly and is the main reason why we have pain during sinusitis. Mucus is an excellent culture medium for bacteria and if the mucus is not cleared quickly, bacteria can infect the sinus and an abscess may develop.
Any infection of the nasal passages that cause it to swell can affect the opening of the sinuses. If the ostium (opening) is blocked, air and mucus secretions collect and cause pressure on the sinus cavity walls. This can also cause our cilia (hair like cells responsible for the removal of mucus) not to work properly and is the main reason why we have pain during sinusitis. Mucus is an excellent culture medium for bacteria and if the mucus is not cleared quickly, bacteria can infect the sinus and an abscess may develop.
If the nasal passages are
swollen extending to the ostium of the sinuses, air cannot enter the cavity and
a vacuum is created. This causes the mucus membranes to be “tugged” away from
the bones they line and produce pain.
What
predisposes someone to contracting sinusitis?
Any sinus condition that
would interfere with and prevent the drainage and ventilation of ones sinuses
such as
- Nasal polyps
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Over usage of nasal steroids
- Inflammation or edema of the
delicate mucus membranes that line the nasal passages
Allergies and Colds May Lead to Sinus Infections
Sinusitis can be caused by
colds, allergies, problems with your immune system or structural problems in
the nasal cavities. While some people are enjoying the fall weather and the
colorful leaves, others are suffering from cold and flu symptoms. When your
face still hurts, your nose is still stuffy and you still have that nasty cough
a week later, you could have something more serious - sinusitis. Bacterial
sinusitis can often develop after an allergy attack or a cold because the
excessive mucus production may cause stagnant fluid to build up in the sinuses,
creating a breeding ground for bacteria. If sinusitis is left untreated or
undiagnosed, it can cause further complications with the nose, eyes or middle
ear, lasting for months or even years.
Our Natural, Homeopathic
Sinus Remedies each treat a wide range of causes and symptoms.
MORE FREQUENTLY INDICATED HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Arsenicum (arsenic): People who need this remedy feel throbbing and burning pains in
the sinuses. Their pains are aggravated by light, noise, movement, after
midnight, and may be triggered by anxiety, exertion, and excitability. They may
feel relief by lying quietly in a dark room with the head raised on pillows and
exposed to cool air. Their teeth may feel long and painful. They may feel
nausea and experience vomiting concurrent with their sinusitis. They tend to
have a great thirst, but they tend to drink frequent sips, rather than gulps.
Belladonna (deadly nightshade): This remedy is effective for people whose
head feels full, as if it could burst. The pain usually resides in the forehead
or around the eyes. There is throbbing pain that is worse by jarring, touch, bending
forward, lying flat, or motion of the eyes and is relieved by gradually applied
pressure, sitting up, or bending the head backwards. Another characteristic
symptoms of people who need this remedy is when the sinus pain appear strongly
and rapidly but then disap pears temporarily, only to repeat the process of
coming and going pain. The eyes are also sensitive to light and the face is
flushed. They are apt to feel dizzy which becomes worse when stooping.
Hepar
sulphur (Hahnemann's
calcium sulphide): Rarely indicated at the beginning of a sinusitis condition,
people who need Hepar sulphur begin sneezing and then develop sinusitis from
the least exposure to cold air. Their nasal discharge is thick and yellow. The
nostrils become very sore from the acrid discharge, and their nasal passages
become sensitive to cold air. Concurrently, they may have a headache with a
sense of a nail or a plug that is thrust into the head along with a boring or
bursting pain. Their headache above the nose is worse from shaking the head,
motion, riding in a car, stooping, moving the eyes, or simply from the weight
of a hat, but is relieved by the firm pressure of a tight bandage. The scalp is
so sensitive that simply combing the hair may be painful.
Kali
bichromicum (potassium bichromate): The
distinguishing feature of people with sinusitis who need this medicine is that
they have a thick, stringy nasal discharge. They have extreme pain at the root
of the nose that is better by applying pressure there. The bones and scalp feel
sore. Dizziness and nausea when rising from sitting and the severe pain may
lead to dimmed vi sion. The pains are worse by cold, light, noise, walking,
stoop ing, and in the morning (especially on waking or at 9 am) or at night.
They prefer to lie down in a darkened room and feel better by warmth, warm
drinks, or overeating.
Mercurius (mercury): People who will benefit from this remedy feel as though their
head was in a vise. The pains are worse in open air, from sleeping, and after
eating and drinking. The pains are also aggravated by extremes of hot and cold
temperature. The scalp and the nose become very sensitive to the touch. Their
teeth feel long and painful, and they may salivate excessively. The nasal
discharge is usually green and too thick to run. It is offensive smelling and
acrid.
Pulsatilla (windflower): When the head pain is worse when lying down and in a warm room
and is better in cool air, this medicine should be considered. The sinusitis
may begin after being over heated. Stooping, sitting, rising from lying down,
and eating can aggravate the head pain, which is often in the front part of the
head and accompanied with digestive problems. They get some relief from slow
walking in the open air or by wrapping the head tightly in a bandage. This condition
is commonly experienced when the child is in school or the adult is at work.
The nasal discharge is often thick and yellow or green.
Silicea:
These children usually have a chronically stuffed nose. They have a sense as
though their head would burst. The head pain tends to be worse in one eye,
usually the right. It is aggravated by mental exertion (students tend to get
sinusitis while studying for an exam). Cold air, moving the head, light or
noise can also aggravate the head pain. It is relieved by wrapping the head
warmly and tightly or by applying heat.
Spigella (pinkroot): People who develop sinusitis with a sharp pain that is worse on
the left side may need this medicine. They tend to get sinusitis after exposure
to cold or cold, wet weather. They feel pain from warmth or when they stoop or
bend the head forward, and they feel some relief by cold applications or from
washing with cold water.
DOSAGE: Take a dose of the 6th X/12th X/or 30th/200th
potency every two hours during intense symptoms and every four hours during
mild symptoms. Some type of relief is commonly observed after one dose.
Consider changing homeopathic remedies if observable benefit is not attained
within 24 hours.
Homeopathic
Combination Remedies
In
addition to the remedies listed in this article, sinusitis sufferers can also
obtain benefit from using one of the numerous homeopathic formula products
which are available in most health food stores and an increasing number of
pharmacies. Homeopathic formula products are mixtures of many of the above
described remedies. These products may be useful when you don't know which
individual remedy you need or if that individual remedy isn't immediately
available.
Although
sinusitis sufferers may feel like hiring a plumber to unplug their nose and
drain their head, homeopathic medicines provide a basically safe and often
effective alternative.