Overview: ✨What are sinuses? ✨One major under looked, underlying root cause of recurrent sinus infections/issues ✨4 types of sinusitis ✨Treating (traditionally/allopathically versus naturopathically/functionally) ✨My personal favorite nasal sprays
Let’s dive in!
✨What are sinuses?
In order to truly care about anything and want to take care of it, I believe you have to understand how it works and what it’s natural function is. So as always let’s start out with a simple definition: a sinus is a cavity within a bone or other tissue, especially in the face or skull connecting with the nasal cavities.
You have 4 pairs of sinuses in the face – these are air filled pockets connecting to your nasal cavities. They produce mucus that keeps your nose moist and is one of the first defenses for your immune system.
2 main functions of sinuses & why you should love & take care of them:
- the epithelium that line your sinus cavities have mucus and tiny hairs that warm and filter & humidify the air your breathe before reaching your lungs – which is why practicing nasal breathing is so good for your health!
- they also function to keep bacteria and other microorganisms out of your body. They produce certain compounds that help to drain dirt, dust and other pollutants out of the sinuses and throat – preventing entry into your lungs or your sinus cavities.
✨One major under looked, underlying root cause of recurrent sinus infections/issues:
- pathogens that create biofilms!!! This can cause a whole host of problems including swelling, infection & inflammation + other symptoms common to allergies, which is why sometimes allergy meds don’t always work…
- Some sinus issues resolve on their own (most common if the root cause is a transient environmental things) versus others that do not (which are more likely pathogenic in nature) and require your care.
- Think recurrent sinus infections that require rounds of antibiotics… why don’t antibiotics always work? Because of these biofilms… which include other pathogens which is why we like using broad spectrum antimicrobials as well as silver nasal sprays!
✨4 types of sinusitis
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- Acute sinusitis: Most often due to a cold, the flu or allergies. Other risk factors: structural issues like having a deviated septum, smoking / inhalation of other pollutants like molds, Nasal polyps, A weak immune system, Sinusitis usually begins with cold like symptoms such as congestion and sinus pain lasting 2-4 week
- Subacute sinusitis: If your sinus problems don’t resolve after a month, you may have subacute sinusitis (this type isn’t as stubborn as the chronic or recurrent type). This type lasts 4-12 weeks. Symptoms include cough, fatigue, congestion, sore throat, toothache or pressure in your ears to name a few.
- Chronic sinusitis: classified when you suffer from symptoms for more than 3 months. It’s more common in people who suffer from allergies, have structural blockages, growths and compromised immune systems. This chronic type can lead to other issues due to the inflammation interfering with the drainage system of your nasal/throat system… this results in the following symptoms: headaches, snoring / not enough oxygen reaching your brain especially at night, swollen areas especially around face, mouth breathing, discolored or thick nasal discharge, pounding facial pain, reduced sense of taste & smell
- Recurrent sinusitis: classified when you experience frequent sinus infections (several times a year 3-4x). The symptoms of this type can be very unpleasant and frustrating to live with since they linger and never really go away… you may experience flares/episodes of serious headaches, pain & pressure from blocked sinuses, each lasting 10+ days. Causes & risk factors of recurrent sinusitis: allergic rhinitis, asthma, small nasal passageways, other structural issues, nasal polyps
✨Treating
- Traditionally/allopathically: first line treatment for sinusitis is usually medication. Your PCP (primary care physician) or ENT specialist may choose to treat you with
- Antivirals or antibiotics depending on the cause…
- Oral steroids if you have severe inflammation
- Steroid sprays, inhalations, decongestants or nose drops for congestion relief
- Other more invasive therapies include sinus surgeries of which there are a few types.
- Naturopathically/functionally:
- Determine & heal the underlying cause: allergies (especially mold), sensitivities, infections (what type), inflammatory disorders)
- Address common lifestyle issues & ways to prevent sinus infections:
- drinking enough fluids with enough minerals / electrolytes (urine should be pale yellow)
- wash hands regularly
- avoid antihistamine medications can cause serious rebound symptoms
- emphasize antihistamine foods / teas / herbs
- SUPPLEMENTS TO PREVENT (versus supplements used to treat) – coming in the next post
- My personal favorite nasal & sinus support sprays:
- Xlear Grapefruit seed extract: biofilm buster + anti mold/candida
- Silver nasal spray: antimicrobial
- Throat sprays:
- Biocidin
- Bee keeper’s natural
Remember, none of this is medical advice and always talk with your practitioner before adding or removing anything from your current medications/supplements list!
Reach out if you need support.
Resources:
- PMID: 36999703
- PMID: 25832968
- PMID: 8067243
- PMID: 27735846
- PMID: 17986371
- PMID: 32467711
- PMID: 34678092
- PMID: 16373990
- PMID: 35621184