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What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis, commonly also referred to as a sinus infection, is the inflammation or swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses. As such, the sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bones that shape the nose, the forehead, the cheeks, and around the eyes.

Usually, sinuses are covered with a thin layer of mucus that captures dust, germs, or pollutants. The mucus further drains into the nasal passages. This blockage in drainage allows for an accumulation of mucus and develops a favourable environment for an infection when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed.

Sinusitis is further classified as acute (less than four weeks), subacute (four to twelve weeks), and chronic (more than twelve weeks). Most commonly, it is caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Contributing factors include allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps (noncancerous growths in the nasal passages), deviated septum (displacement of the wall between the nostrils), and exposure to irritants such as smoke and pollutants.

Types of Sinusitis 

Let us now understand what are the types of sinusitis and how you can identify which type you are afflicted with:

1. Acute Sinusitis 

This type strikes suddenly, usually with a cold or the flu. You may feel pressure around your eyes, a blocked nose, and thick yellow or green mucus.

If you have had these symptoms for one to two weeks now, you might have acute sinusitis. This type usually goes away on its own or with basic home care.

You might feel:

• Facial pain or pressure.
• Stuffy nose.
• Headache.
• Mild fever.

2. Subacute Sinusitis 

In case your sinus symptoms persist longer than two weeks but under three months, this signifies subacute Sinusitis.

It happens if a bacterial infection or allergies stay around and make your nose feel heavy for a long time.

You might notice:

• Mucus that won't clear.
• Nose blockage that keeps coming back.
• Mild pain around nose or eyes.
• Tiredness.

3. Chronic Sinusitis 

In case your symptoms persist for more than three months, this is a case of chronic sinusitis. You may not feel sharp pain but you will feel stuffy and exhausted most of the time.

This happens when your nose lining stays swollen or if you have growths (like polyps) that block your sinuses.

You might feel:

• Stuffy nose for long.
• Breathing trouble.
• Reduced sense of smell.
• Persistent tiredness.

4. Infected Sinusitis 

This starts as a common cold but becomes a bacterial infection if it isn't properly treated.

If your symptoms worsen after 5-7 days instead of getting better, your sinuses might be infected.

You might have:

• Intense facial pain.
• Mucus that is thick and smelly.
• Feeling worse after a few days of mild cold.

5. Non-Infectious Sinusitis 

Sometimes sinus trouble does not come from germs but from dust, smoke or strong smells.

If your nose feels blocked or irritated every time you encounter these triggers, it might be non-infectious sinusitis.

You might notice:

• Stuffy nose after visiting polluted areas.
• Sneezing or light swelling in the nose.
• No fever but constant discomfort.

Common Causes of Sinusitis

As we have discussed earlier, sinusitis occurs when the tiny air-filled spaces behind your nose, eyes and forehead (known as sinuses) become blocked and filled with fluid. This is where bacteria such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi could develop and trigger an infection. But don’t think that infections are the only cause. In reality, sinusitis can also be caused by allergies, pollution or even weak immunity.

The most common causes of sinusitis are:

1. Viral Infections: The most common reason for sinusitis is a viral infection similar to the common cold. It can cause swelling in your nose and constrict your sinuses, making it hard for mucus to drain.

2. Bacterial Infections: After a viral cold, sometimes bacteria grow in the trapped mucus. This can cause a serious sinus infection. Bacterial sinusitis lasts longer and may feel more intense.

3. Fungal Infections: Sinus Infections from mold or fungal spores in the air can be caused if you have a weak immune system or if you are allergic to fungi. This is what we call allergic fungal sinusitis.

4. Allergies: Seasonal allergies (like to pollen or dust) may cause swelling inside your nose. This blocks your sinuses and causes pressure, headaches and breathing problems.

5. Pollutants & Irritants: Chemicals, cigarette smoke and air pollution can irritate your nose lining and block your sinuses. These irritants also dry out and inflame your nasal passages.

6. Structural Problems: Nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum (crooked bone in the nose) may block proper drainage and cause repeated sinus infections.

Sinusitis Symptoms

Headache

Headaches are common and often described as a frontal headache or a feeling of pressure in the head.

Postnasal drip

A condition wherein the mucus drops down the posterior part of the throat and can lead to sore throat, cough, or hoarseness.

Cough

A persistent cough, often worse at night can be a symptom of Sinusitis.

Pain in the head or face

It's common to experience a pain or pressure in the face, typically a dull ache, pressure, or throbbing headache in the forehead, cheeks, around the eyes, or even the upper teeth. The pain has a tendency to worsen when bending over.

Nasal congestion and thick, discolored mucus

Nasal passages get blocked, which makes it hard to breathe through the nose. Mucus may be thick or colored yellowish, greenish, or whitish.

Postnasal drip

A condition wherein the mucus drops down the posterior part of the throat and can lead to sore throat, cough, or hoarseness.

Bad breath (halitosis)

The collection of mucus and infection can cause bad breath.

Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia)

Inflammation can affect the olfactory nerves; hence, there is a diminution in the sense of smell.

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Sinusitis

Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Sinusitis using evidence-based Ayurvedic methods. Our treatment plans are made specifically to target the root causes of Sinusitis, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on complete healing, balance and stability.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

• Safe and HACCP Tested Ayurvedic Medicines: These are carefully prepared herbal mixtures made under strict quality checks. They work to bring your body back into balance and support your mental and emotional well-being.
• Yoga, Breathing, and Mind Relaxation: Simple practices like yoga, deep breathing, and staying present help calm your mind, ease stress, and boost overall mental health.
• Ayurvedic Healing Therapies: Natural treatments such as herbal massages and detox methods like Panchakarma help cleanse your body and improve your energy and mood.
• Healthy Food and Lifestyle Guidance: You’ll get expert tips on what to eat, how to sleep, and which habits to follow so your body stays strong and functions at its best.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Sinusitis

Jiva's evidence-based Ayurvedic treatments can help you find a holistic cure for your Sinusitis as it directly focuses on the root cause of the disease and rebalances the body's three energies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, along with mind and spirit.

• Black pepper (Kali Mirch): Black pepper helps break down mucus and lets you breathe easier. It warms your entire body, increases blood circulation, and helps drain clogged sinuses.
• Cinnamon (Dalchini): Cinnamon is believed to lower inflammation and increase circulation. You can add a small pinch of cinnamon in your tea or food to aid with breathing problems caused by sinus swelling.
• Honey (Madhu): Honey is believed to have soothing and healing properties. It increases immunity and soothes sinus-related throat irritation. Honey and ginger juice are especially good together for sinus issues.
• Basil (Tulsi): Tulsi acts as an immunity booster and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It clears sinus blockages and also reduces cough and cold symptoms. To use, boil tulsi leaves in water and drink it as a tea.
• Mint (Pudina): Mint helps to cool and open your nasal passages. It soothes your throat and makes breathing easier. You can inhale steam with mint leaves or drink mint-infused herbal water for finding relief from sinus issues.
• Cloves (Laung): Cloves have antiseptic and painkiller properties. They help to clear mucus and combat infections. You can boil two pieces of clove with ginger and tulsi in water to make a herbal drink.
• Salt and Turmeric Gargle: Gargling with warm water mixed with salt and turmeric is an easy home remedy for sinus problems. It cleans your throat and also helps avoid infection of sinuses and nasal passageways.

• Herbal Water Remedy: You can also make a herbal drink as a preventive and healing remedy for sinusitis. To prepare it:

• Boil 4 glasses of water.
• Add some tulsi (basil) leaves, some mint leaves, 2 cloves and a piece of ginger.
• Cool this mixture slightly and sip it warm throughout the day.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Sinusitis

Jiva's Evidence-Based Ayurveda treatments can help with holistic cure of Sinusitis by directly focusing on the root cause of the disease and rebalancing the body's three energies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, along with mind and spirit. 

According to Ayurveda, an imbalance mainly in the Kapha dosha is responsible for most Sinusitis, and Pitta does this mostly by intensifying the former. The imbalance causes can be from a series of causes such as poor diet intake, living in cold as well as damp surroundings and also poor immunity.

Jiva's advanced treatments include HACCP-certified Ayurvedic medicines for Sinusitis, along with time-tested Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation, and personalised lifestyle and dietary guidance for optimal results. The most commonly used Ayurvedic remedies effective for managing Sinusitis are as follows:

Jala Neti is an ancient technique of nasal cleansing where warm saline water is used to clear the nasal passages of mucus, allergens, and irritants in a gentle manner. It improves airflow and reduces congestion.

Other Ayurvedic remedies for sinusitis are:

• Herbal Steam Inhalation – Inhalation of steam containing specific herbs such as eucalyptus, mint, or turmeric may help open the nasal passages, reduce swelling, and loosen mucus.
• Nasya – In this ayurvedic therapy, medicinal therapeutic oils are put through the nasal passage to help cause depurative action, reducing stagnations and inflammation while strengthening the nasal mucous membrane.
• Triphala – This powerful herbal preparation is known to detoxify and rejuvenate. It promotes better digestion and elimination and thus indirectly improves Sinusitis by preventing the toxins from being built up inside the body.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – This golden spice of life is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Its action compound, curcumin, reduces inflammation in your sinuses and boosts immunization.
• Ginger – known for its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, reduces inflammation, thins mucus, and enhances circulation.

Additionally, a qualified Ayurveda doctor at Jiva will conduct a thorough assessment of your individual constitution (Prakriti) and the specific imbalances that are causing your Sinusitis. Based on this assessment, they will recommend a personalised treatment program that may include specific herbal preparations, dietary modifications, lifestyle suggestions, and other therapies.

Recommended Diet & Exercises for Sinusitis Patients

Ayurveda emphasises that diet and lifestyle play a very significant role in maintaining health and preventing disease. To manage Sinusitis properly, the following dietary and lifestyle recommendations should be considered:

• Prefer warm, cooked food – Take warm, easy to digest foods such as soups and stews, cooked vegetables, and warm liquids. All these help to calm down the throat and improve digestion.
• One needs to keep oneself free from cold and heavy diets, minimise cold drinks, ice cream, dairy products — mainly during acute episodes, fry foods, processed foods and refined sugars as these all worsen Kapha and exacerbate congestion.
• Drink lots of warm water, herbal teas like ginger or tulsi tea, and clear broths during the day. This thins out the mucus, which then can be easily drained.
• Pranayama (breathing exercises) – Specific breathing techniques like Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath) and Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath) can help to clear nasal passages, improve respiratory function, and boost immunity.
• Light exercises and gentle physical activities including walking, yoga, etc help improve blood flow, relax, and get healthier. Heavy exercises should be avoided.

Additionally, keep a clean environment and minimise exposure to allergens, dust, smoke, and other irritants that may provoke Sinusitis. Use air purifiers and humidifiers when necessary.

FAQs About Sinusitis

What are the main causes of sinusitis?

Some of the possible causes of Sinusitis may include Viral, bacterial, and/or fungal infections; allergies, nasal polyps, septal deviation, or irritant exposure.

What are the common symptoms of Sinusitis?

The common symptoms include facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, headache, postnasal drip, cough, fever, halitosis, and a decreased sense of smell.

Is Sinusitis contagious?

Viral and some bacterial forms of Sinusitis can be contagious.

Home remedies that include the saline nasal sprays, using of warm compresses, and inhaling steam are all forms of home remedies.

When to go to the Ayurvedic clinic for Sinusitis?

A person should seek medical attention at the Ayurvedic clinic if their Sinustis symptoms are severe alongside persistent, or high fever, vision disturbances, or swelling around the eyes.

Can Sinusitis be prevented?

Yes, sinusitis can be prevented. Good hygiene, management of allergies, and avoidance of irritants such as smoke can help prevent Sinusitis.

How long does it take to recover from Sinusitis?

The duration of recovery from Sinusitis varies based on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Acute Sinusitis generally resolves within a few weeks, whereas chronic Sinusitis may persist for an extended period.

Are there complications associated with Sinusitis?

Complications may include meningitis, orbital cellulitis-an eye infection-and brain abscess.

How does Ayurveda treat Sinusitis compared to modern medicine ?

Ayurveda presents a fundamentally different approach to Sinusitis when considered against modern medicine. However, conventional treatments often place their focus on symptom-based relief through decongestants, pain relievers, and antibiotics, Ayurveda seeks to work more profoundly to reverse the inherent imbalances that may be a part of the condition.

What Ayurvedic herbs are recommended for treating Sinusitis?

Ayurveda prescribes several herbs to treat Sinusitis, but all of them have specific characteristics, which target the patient in different ways:

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): This spice contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities as mentioned earlier. One compound in this spice is called curcumin, and that helps in reducing sinus-related inflammation, relieving pains, and improving immunities.
• Ginger is said to possess anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and expectorant properties. It has the potential to alleviate inflammation, liquefy mucus, and encourage drainage.
• Tulsi, also known as Ocimum sanctum or Holy Basil, is highly valued in Ayurveda because of its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This herb helps in fighting infections, reducing inflammation, and relieving congestion.
• Triphala is an herbal formulation that contains Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). The combination is known for detoxifying and rejuvenating effects. It also improves digestion and excretion, which might indirectly help in the treatment of Sinusitis by reducing the levels of toxins in the body.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra, or Licorice, is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe the irritation of mucous membranes and decrease inflammation in the sinuses.

What does Ayurveda consider the cause of Sinusitis?

Ayurveda attributes the cause of Sinusitis as an imbalance of Kapha dosha that is mainly aggravated by Pitta. This can occur due to several reasons like

• An unbalanced diet that may include the intake of too much oily, sweet, cold, or heavy food can exacerbate Kapha and cause the patient to become congested with excessive mucus production.
• Exposure to cold and wet can also lead to Kapha being provoked and increased by cold climate, wetness, or draughts.
• A weakened immune system makes people more susceptible to infections, including sinus infections.
• Suppressed natural urges: Even suppressed natural urges such as sneezing or coughing contribute to the build-up of mucus and congestion.

Does Ayurveda offer practices that may help prevent Sinusitis?

Yes, Ayurveda emphasises preventive measures to maintain balance and prevent the recurrence of Sinusitis. These include:

• Daily Oil Pulling (Kavala Graha): Swish oil in the mouth; sesame or coconut oil can take several minutes and will rid the toxins from your system, boost oral hygiene, and strengthen the immune system.
• Application of the medicated oil (just a few drops) directly onto the nasal passage can provide relief with regard to flushing through the nostrils, eliminating inflammation and fortifying nasal mucus.
• A Balanced Diet - The most important factor to prevent Sinusitis is a balanced diet that balances the doshas, especially Kapha. This implies preference of warm, light, and easy to digest foods while minimising the intake of heavy, cold, oily, and sweet foods.
• Pranayama and similar yet specific techniques such as Bhastrika Pranayama and Kapalabhati Pranayama, when practised regularly can help in cleansing the nasal passages, respiratory function, and immunity.
• Seasonal Detoxification (Panchakarma): The detoxification therapies like Panchakarma are useful in cleansing the body of toxins and strengthening the immune system.