According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) millions of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with sinusitis each year. It is estimated that that amounts to around 12% of the U.S. population.
To address sinus problems, we have to address what causes them in the first place. Most acute sinusitis is due to viral infection. Chronic, recurring sinusitis can be caused by seasonal allergies, dust or animal dander, mold, environmental pollutants including cigarette smoke, perfumes, herbicides and pesticides.
Some conditions that predispose someone to sinusitis include nasal polyps, deviated septum, cystic fibrosis, immune weakness, respiratory infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis, any bacterial infection treated by antibiotics (destroys the good microbiome in the sinuses as well as in the gut) and dental infections can trigger sinus infections.
Because sinus infections can be so uncomfortable, many people clamor for the over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants, pain relievers, antihistamines, and nasal sprays that many times are not the best choice. Others, who choose not to use these or the typical antibiotics, corticosteroids, or surgery, search for other alternatives. Fortunately, there are some.
Acupuncture is one of them. Acupuncture has demonstrated effectiveness in treating the various symptoms caused by sinus inflammation including stuffy nose, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, red, irritated, itching eyes, headache, etc. It is used to improve immune response, especially in those with chronic, recurring infections. We also use acupuncture to stop the endless round of infections, antibiotics, side effects of the antibiotics, then back to infections again.
There are various home remedies such as using a Netti pot or Navage (nasal lavage) to cleanse the sinuses of irritating debris. Most doctors recommend that either distilled water or a sterile saline solution be used, or sterilized water along with a saline pod to prevent re-infecting the sinuses. Obviously, in using these devices, very clean or sterile applications are vital. A Navage uses gentle suction to remove the debris and for many, is more effective.
Other home remedies include using warm compresses over the sinuses, steam inhalation (leaning over a bowl of hot water with a drop of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil in the water, covering your head with a towel, and inhaling deeply). Do NOT do it over boiling water or over the stove. Using a humidifier can sometimes help and staying hydrated with bone broth, water and herbal teas is a must in order to thin the mucus in the sinuses.
Herbs can also be valuable. Echinacea, goldenseal, cat’s claw, Andrographis, garlic, turmeric and ginger tea are some of the best. Since they could potentially interact with medications you may be on, and also to prevent overuse, be sure to consult with a health practitioner experienced in herbal remedies before trying them.
©2023 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
