Zinc is a mineral required by your body in small amounts for a variety of functions, most notably for strong immunity. Zinc deficiency is common worldwide and leads to growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, diarrhea and increased susceptibility to infections. Chronic sinus infection has a variety of causes but is often linked to inefficient or weak immune response. Supplementing with zinc tablets, lozenges or nasal spray may help you combat your sinus problem. Consult with your doctor about the advantages or potential side effects of taking zinc products.
Sinus Problems
Your sinuses reside behind your lower forehead, known as the frontal sinus, and below your eye sockets, referred to as maxillary sinuses. The purpose of your sinuses is to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air you breathe and to help filter out debris and microorganisms, as cited in the "Textbook for Functional Medicine." Because your sinuses come into contact with dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses and fungi, they are susceptible to irritation and inflammation. Allergies are not often a sign of weakened immunity, but chronic sinus infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms usually are because the job of your immune system is to engage and destroy pathogens. As an immune system stimulator, zinc may be helpful for sinus infections, but not as much for sinusitis caused by allergies because zinc does not display antihistamine properties.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are caused mostly by viruses but are also brought on by bacteria and fungi, as explained by Gerald Litwack in "Human Biochemistry and Disease." As such, antibiotic treatment is of limited value for sinus infections because only a minority of cases are caused by bacteria. When your sinuses become irritated by pathogenic microorganisms they swell, which traps excess mucus within the cavities and causes pain. The excess mucous further encourages the growth of viruses and bacteria, complicating the condition. Other symptoms of sinus infections include running nose, headache, sneezing and a low-grade fever. Sinus infections lasting more than 8 weeks are usually referred to as chronic sinusitis. Nutrients that stimulate your immune system, such as vitamin C and zinc, can help your body overcome chronic infections.
Zinc and Immunity
Although zinc deficiency is not nearly as common in the United States as it is in many third-world countries, Americans still experience it due to the growing problem of soil depletion and poor dietary choices, according to "Nutrition and Public Health." If you are deficient in zinc, then that might be the primary cause of your chronic sinus infection due to reduced immune function. If you are not zinc deficient, there is plenty of research indicating that taking additional zinc can boost your immunity and stimulate the production of white blood cells, which target and destroy all types of pathogenic microorganisms, according to Gordon Wardlaw's book "Contemporary Nutrition: Functional Approach." Zinc is also necessary for the health and maintenance of your mucous membranes, which are the main substrate for sinus infections.
Recommendations
Zinc lozenges are probably the most common form of zinc supplementation, especially by people trying to combat seasonal colds and sinus infections. As long as the zinc is absorbed by your body, it will have some immunity stimulating affect. Using a nasal spray containing zinc will not directly reduce inflammation or pain because zinc is not an anti-inflammatory, but it may help to repair the mucous membranes quicker and lead to a faster reduction in symptoms, as noted by Benjamin Caballero in "Guide to Nutritional Supplements."
References
- "Textbook for Functional Medicine"; David S. Jones; 2005
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Nutrition and Public Health"; Sari Edelstein; 2006
- "Contemporary Nutrition: Functional Approach"; Gordon M. Wardlaw; 2009
- "Guide to Nutritional Supplements"; Benjamin Caballero; 2009
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