Sinusitis is the inflammation and swelling of the sinuses caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. When the sinuses become blocked, mucus builds up, which promotes the growth of bacteria and other organisms. Acute sinusitis lasts up to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts for more than three months. Lactobacillus acidophilus is helpful in preventing sinusitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Sinusitis
Allergies from hay fever, smoke, dry air, pollutants and cigarette smoke are a common cause of sinusitis. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic, helps prevent sinusitis by reducing allergies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Probiotics are friendly beneficial bacteria that are similar to the bacteria in the human gut. Probiotics protect the body from certain diseases by preventing the overgrowth of disease-causing microorganisms, according to MedlinePlus. Patients taking antibiotics to treat sinusitis should also take probiotics so as to replenish beneficail bacteria. Food sources of probiotics include yogurt, buttermilk, acidophilus milk and fermented milk.
Sinusitis Nutrition
Patients with sinusitis are advised to consume plenty of vitamin C-rich foods so as to protect the body from infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that fights disease-causing microorganisms. Sources of vitamin C include oranges, kiwi fruits, pineapples, grapefruit, tangerines and green leafy vegetables. Patients who are unable to consume vitamin C-rich foods should take vitamin C supplements.
Symptoms of Sinusitis and Treament
Sinusitis causes symptoms such as pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, temples, nose and eyes as well as nasal congestion, green yellowish nasal discharge, toothache, bad breath, postnasal drip, cough that worsens at night, sore throat, loss of smell, fever, fatigue and malaise, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sinusitis is treated with antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines and nasal decongestants.
Prevention of Sinusitis
Using a humidifier and irrigating nasal passages with salt water helps prevent sinusitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water every day helps thin mucus in the nasal passages. Patients with allergies should see a doctor because allergies can lead to sinusitis. Patients with frequent upper respiratory infections such as common colds and sore throats should seek treatment so as to prevent the infections from spreading to the nasal passages.
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