Acute sinusitis infections affect more than 37 million people per year in the U.S., including 14 percent who may have chronic rhinosinusitis at any time, states the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Different forms of sinusitis result from the common cold, allergies, fungi and physical aberrations, like cysts. Which treatment or supplement is best for you, depends on the type of sinusitis causing your infection. Before taking any supplement, discuss any possible interactions or side effects with your doctor.
Sinusitis
When sinusitis occurs, it causes inflammation of the nasal and sinus passages, and clogging of the small openings to the sinus cavities. Usually, little hairs called cilia remove waste from the sinuses, but they cannot do this when the openings become clogged. The sinuses cannot drain so pressure builds up, causing pain, like headaches. When drainage is reduced, microbes that can create infection increase. The irritants causing this process make mucous in the tissues change to a form that cannot cover the tissues well, making it more difficult to clear. In the fungal type of sinusitis, changes occur to mucous and involve a type of white blood cell. Sinusitis may be acute, chronic or rhinosinusitis, and may also result from any of four types of fungus. One type of fungal sinusitis causes invasive buildup of fungus that can spread to the eyes and brain, causing an emergency and even death.
Traditional Treatment
Sinus infection may be treated by breathing steam into the nasal and sinus passages, using antihistamines and decongestants, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, anti-fungal therapy or surgery, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Even if such treatments work, sinusitis may return.
Alternative Treatment
In their review of research article published in the "Alternative Medicine Review" in 2006, Steve Helms, ND and Alan L. Miller, ND discuss alternatives to traditional treatment for all types of sinusitis. They criticize most use of CT and MRI scans used to diagnose sinusitis because the results are either non-specific or produce too many false positives. They point out that antibiotics are not helpful for most sinus infections, and report on research-supported and non-supported alternatives.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C was found to lower histamine levels in the blood, lowering inflammation, according to the "Alternative Medicine Review." An intranasal solution proved most effective in patients suffering from sinusitis.
Bromelain and Quercetin
Bromelaine, an enzyme product, reduced sinusitis symptoms in German research studies, according to the "Alternative Medicine Review." It works because it is anti-inflammatory, and helps thin out nasal mucous. Quercetin, a flavanoid, is also anti-inflammatory, and helps reduce mast cells thus reducing release of irritating histamines.
Nasal Irrigation
Sprays for nasal congestion are helpful in cleaning mucous and reducing inflammation. Saline or saline and baking soda sprays may be used frequently without side effects of other nasal sprays.
Naso-sympatico Treatment
Doctors of osteopathy can perform naso-sympatico treatment using cotton swabs and essential oils to "massage" the sinus openings, often with very quick results, states the "Alternative Medicine Review." Some of the oils used include eucalyptus, lavender, pine, thyme and clove. As always, consult with a medical professional or qualified alternative medicine practitioner before taking or trying any supplements or alternative treatments. Presence of other medical conditions and allergies may make any particular treatment inadvisable.
References
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Natural Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis; Steve Helms, ND and Alan L. Miller, ND ; 2006
- American Academy of Otolaryngology: Sinusitis; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Acute sinusitis; October 12, 2010
