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Causes of Sinus Inflammation
Tiny cavities that are located in the bones near the nose are known as sinuses. An inflammation of the sinuses results in a condition described as a sinus attack, or more popularly, sinusitis. But what exactly is a sinus? What are the causes of a sinus infection? Read on to know more.
The sinuses act as protectors of the skull. They make the skull lighter. They also give the characteristic of echo to voice. Four pairs of sinuses link the nostrils to the nasal passages. Any infection or bacterial invasion of the sinuses leads to sinusitis.
The primary cause of a sinus infection is an inflammation of the nasal membrane lining. Sinuses help in evacuation of mucus and dry air from the nasal passage. An inflammation of the same leads to a blockage in the membrane which traps the mucus and dry air in the sinuses.
The most frequent cause of sinus infections is cold. It congests the nasal membrane. Thus, the evacuation process of the sinuses is prohibited and leads to inflammation. Other causes of sinus infections include scuba diving, owing to the pressure changes involved, and the condition of pregnancy which leads to hormonal changes and inflammation of nasal membrane.
Severe headache, softness in the areas around the eyes and nose, discharge from the nose, fever are some of the symptoms of sinusitis. A sinus infection can be acute, lasting around three weeks, chronic, lasting between three to eight weeks, or recurring, that relapses frequently within a span of time.
The sinus pain is felt in different areas depending on the area affected by the sinus. To illustrate, while getting up from the bed in the morning, a pain is felt in bending the head forward. This is known as frontal sinusitis and it affects the area over the eyes. The pain experienced in the jaws and cheekbones is referred to as maxillary sinusitis. Pain in the bridge between the eyes and the nose is known as ethmoid sinusitis. And a pain in the ears and nose and eyes is referred to as sphenoid sinusitis.
Thus, the causes of sinus infection are manifold, and the treatment depends on the on the cause and severity of the infection.
Various Symptoms of Sinus Inflammation
Allergies, cold and viral infections are very common. Sinusitis is something that succeeds all these. We have four air filled sinus cavities in our cranium which are connected to nasal passage. Sinusitis is a result of mucous accumulation or blockage in the sinus cavities. Symptoms of sinus infection can vary from mild headaches to severe facial pain and swelling. Sinus infection normally follows a viral one because viral infections cause the sinus membrane to swell.
Though a sinus infection appears to be a normal cold, it is much more than that. A sinus infection can last from two to three weeks to a period of over three months if it becomes chronic. Pus filled nasal discharge, facial tenderness, cough and cold are other common symptoms of sinus infection.
Though sinusitis is fairly easy to detect medical tests like a CT scan are also used at times to confirm the disease. Very few patients start running a temperature which is one of the very rare symptoms of sinus infection. Swelling around the eyes may be visible at times. Redness in the nasal passage also indicates sinusitis.
Most people think that the beginning of a sinus infection is just another normal cold. They try curing it with over the counter medicines. Only when there is no relief, do they realize that it is much more than a common cold. Nausea, upset stomach and fatigue are also symptoms of sinus infection.
Sleeping with an open mouth is another common problem associated with people who suffer from sinus. The nasal passage becomes totally choked therefore a simple task like breathing also becomes a mammoth. A person who suffers from sinus also complains of a disrupted sense of taste and smell. They also have a bad breath. People with sinusitis can also taste their bad breath at times which is very irritating.
Sinusitis is not a rare disease. It is a very common ailment. Though it is fairly easy to cure this disease with medication, there have been extreme cases of chronic sinus infection where people have undergone surgery. It is recommended that a person starts taking relevant medication from the time symptoms of sinus infection are observed.
Herbal Remedies for Sinus Inflammation
Sinus infections are painful and recurring! This is what makes them dreadful. An inflammation of the sinus that leads to trapping of mucus in the cavities is known as a sinus infection or, more commonly, sinusitis. There are a number of treatments available to ease the pain of a sinus infection. Of these, the herbal remedies for sinus infection are the best. Read on to know why.
Though medications like antibiotics, decongestants, nasal sprays and steam inhalers are available as cures for sinus infections, these are gripped in the clutches of demons like side-effects. On the contrary, the various home and herbal remedies for sinus infections, that are available, are natural, more effective and free from the negative side-effects.
The most popular herbal remedy for sinus infection is inhalation of oil of eucalyptus herbs. It carries antiseptic properties that increase the process of shrinking of the inflamed sinuses. Other than inhaling the steam, eucalyptus tea can also be consumed.
Licorice is another herb that acts as a stimulant for the immune system and makes it strong to fend off infections. It also helps in decreasing inflammation. But care needs to be taken to consume licorice capsules meant for strengthening the immune system and not for treating ulcers.
Peppermint soothes the inflamed mucus membrane lining and eases the breathing process. Peppermint can either be taken in the form of peppermint tea or as steam by boiling peppermint.
An age-old wonder herb to cure sinus infections is ginger. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains pain-relieving substances. Hence, it is an effective natural pain killer.
Another herb is the lemon balm which has anti-bacterial properties. It can be taken in the form of lemon balm tea which is obtained by boiling the dried leaves for ten minutes and straining the mixture. It can also be used for gargles to clear the throat.
Common cold is the most common cause of sinus infections. Hence, avoiding it helps in preventing sinusitis. Thus, vitamin C serves as a great herbal remedy for sinus infections as it helps in fighting off cold. It can be taken in the form of capsules or in food supplements.
Thus, herbal remedies for sinus infections are more effective than prescription drugs. But they need to be taken only after a consultation with a doctor.
For more ideas on treating sinus inflammation, watch this video – How to Naturally Unblock Your Sinuses
This article is based on the book, “Kill Sinus” written by Toni B, who was once a victim of chronic sinusitis. In this book, you can find some cheap and simple remedies for acute and chronic sinusitis patients. These methods are 100% safe with no side effects. Everyone can easily use these methods at any time, any place. To find out, visit his website – Treat Sinus Inflammation
