What
is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the inflammation, of the mucous
membranes lining, of one or more sinuses of the nose due to spread
of the infection from the nose.
Since the sinuses are merely a continuation of the cavity of the nose,
some degree of sinusitis accompanies every cold.
The passages from nose to the sinuses are narrow and when the mucous
membranes are congested and swollen even the small quantity of mucus
blocks these passages.
What are the predisposing factors?
Pre-disposing factors can be internal or external.
One, which is caused by certain infection, is internal. Whereas, external
is the one which is caused by irritation induced by certain allergens,
such as - dust, smoke, milk, milk derivatives, fried foods, pulses,
eggs, oranges etc.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Sinusitis causes moderate to severe headache
with an unpleasant sense of stuffiness in the nose, slight temperature,
tickly cough and excruciating pain in and around the cavities particularly
above the eyes.
What are the investigations?
The
most common investigation would be C.B.C i.e., Complete Blood Count,
which would give an idea about the sinusitis being caused by an infection;
where in, the increase in eosinophils, white blood cells and E.S.R
would provide some clue.
X-Ray of skull (water’s view): This investigation in relevance
of clinical evidence of sinusitis helps to clinch the diagnosis. It
is to be carried out only on a professional advice.
In
what way Ayurved can help?
In Ayurved sinusitis is called as jeerna pratishyaya.
A few remedies suggested would be of good help.
1. A few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water
are good to inhale.
2. Make a strong brew of onion and inhale its steam through nose and
mouth.
3. Inhalation of garlic steam is also recommended.
4. Basil tea: prepared with the fresh or dried leaves, together with
a pinch of clove and cinnamon powder, produces mild perspiration and
is found to be beneficial.
5. Take 1 stick of cinnamon, 2 cloves, 3 pinches of dried thyme and
boil gently in 1 liter of water for 2 minutes. Infuse for 3 minutes
before staining and drinking.
6. Ginger tea: infuse a good chunk of bruised fresh ginger root in
hot water and drink, to make it further tasty you can add some honey
to it. You can chew even a piece of ginger.
7. Mix 1tsp of honey into a small cup of hot water and add 3 drops
of eucalyptus oil and drink it. Repeat the same 2 or 3 times a day.
8. Tribhuvan kirti rasa, lakshmivilas ras can be taken under medical
supervision.
What are the preventive measures?
1. Refrain from external irritants such as
smoke, dust etc., since it triggers over production of mucus.
2. Try to leave a set of food stuffs at a time, for certain weeks,
to judge their causative effects.
3. Stop eating junk food.
4. If the allergen is dust, then stringent measures should be taken
to control the house dust and mites that are common in rugs, mattresses
and pillows.
5. If it is a seasonal allergy induced by the seasonal allergens then
the measures should be taken to avoid out door exposure, at the same
time house should be kept free from allergenic pollens.
6. If you find pet animals as the trigger factors, avoid exposure
to them.
What are the dietary recommendations and other regimen?
1.
Diet should include leafy vegetables, honey, Indian gooseberry.
2. Avoid curd, cheese, butter and fried foods.
3. During cleaning of the house, cover the nose with a scarf to protect
exposure from duct.
4. Avoid contact with pet animals.
