Introduction:

 

Nose is the first opening of the respiratory system. The nasal rhythm is a window to the brain and may prove valuable in treating respiratory and mental disorders.

 

Cause of Sinusitis: 

1. Acute cold is neglected
2. Wrong eating habits and auto- intoxication due to constipation.
3. Persistent nasal obstruction
   

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

Aching in the upper jaw or teeth

• Cold symptoms that last more than a week
• Ear pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Profuse, thick, colored (especially green) nasal discharge
• Bad breath
• Bad-tasting postnasal drip
• Headache when leaning forward
• Reduced sense of smell
• Sore throat (resulting from postnasal drip)
  

Although people with sinusitis typically have pain or tenderness in several locations, certain symptoms may indicate the exact sinus that is affected. These include:

1. Facial pain: Pain when the forehead is touched indicates inflammation of the frontal sinuses (located in the forehead).
2. Pain in the upper jaw and teeth, and tenderness in the cheeks when touched indicate infection in the maxillary sinuses (located behind the cheekbones).
3. Pain between the eyes, swelling of the eyelids and tissues around the eyes. This indicates inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses (located between the eyes), which may also cause tenderness when the nose is touched and loss of smell.
4. Earaches, neck pain and a deep ache at the top of the head indicate infection of the sphenoid sinuses (located behind the eyes).

Symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis:

1. Duration of symptoms: Acute sinusitis tends to occur during a period of a month or less, while chronic sinusitis can stretch on for months and tends to recur.
2. Severity of symptoms: Symptoms tend to be more pronounced in acute sinusitis and subtler in chronic sinusitis.
3. Fever: Acute sinusitis is often accompanied by low-grade fever, but this is rarely the case in chronic sinusitis.
   

Diagnostic methods for sinusitis

 

Accurate diagnosis is crucial: cause of the inflammation, different types of sinusitis require different treatments.  The symptoms of sinusitis are often similar to those of colds and allergies. A nasal endoscopy called as rhinoscopy performed withan endoscope (thin, flexible tube and camera) to help a physician to examine the area where the sinuses and middle ear drain into the nose. If allergies are a suspected cause of sinusitis, allergy skin testing or other diagnostic tests may be used to identify the type of allergies that may be triggering symptoms.

 Medical Treatment:

• Anti-histaminic drugs- give quick relief. (Suppress the allergic reaction) example: Penicillin
• Antibiotics against secondary bacterial infection
• Sinus puncture operation.
  

Drawbacks of medical treatment:

1. Persons suffering from chronic colds, sinusitis very often don’t get any substantial relief or cure by the medical treatment available at present.
2. Painful, time-consuming surgical procedure
3. Temporary relief
4. Reoccurrence
5. Side effects such as drowsiness, which prohibits driving car or performing many of our duties.

 Ongoing research regarding sinusitis

 

It is believed that at least two-thirds of sinusitis cases caused by bacteria. Experts hope that understanding how these germs become infectious may help lead to future vaccine strategies to reduce or eliminate certain types of sinusitis.

 

Yogic Management of Sinusitis

1. By balancing the body’s energy systems i.e. nadis and by throwing light upon the deeper mental impressions and blockages which arise simultaneously with the symptoms.
2. Mediation, yoga nidra and object self-analysis enable the unconscious mechanism of these conditions to be understood and transcended.
3. The foreign particles not only irritate the mucus membranes of nose but gives congestion in the mucus that predispose it to inflammatory reactions.
   

 

Asana:

 

Yoga works by promoting healthy drainage of secretions & boosting a flow of pure blood to sinuses, thus flushing & removing stagnant blood. Fresh blood with O2 & immune cells rejuvenate lining of sinus.

 

All inverted asanas promote healthy drainage of secretions, so that stagnation doesn’t occur. Thus inflammation is prevented. As prolonged standing causes congestion in legs, sinuses do get congested in erect posture.

 

All inverted pose Viparit karni, sarvangasana, shirasasna, and half halasana help to open the mucus through which the sinuses drain their secretions into the nose. Natural puncture occurs. The inverted body poses make sinuses to become very light and infection to other sinuses is prevented. As congestion is relieved, the headache resulting from chronic sinusitis is relieved

 

Standing pose like, Utthita trikonasana clear sinus very rapidly due to release of adrenaline & non- adrenaline.

 

Bhujangasana affects carotid artery. It increases pressure on carotid artery, which leads to increase in circulation towards head & face region. This results in drainage of toxic/ foreign matter from congested area of sinus. Thus helps in clearing the sinus cavity.

 

Pranayama

 

Pranayama particularly Nadishodan helps in excellent muco-ciliary clearance due to steady flow of air in & out of nasal passages. Fresh air aerates the stagnated sinus & creates changes in blood flow in the lining of the cavity, and also decongests the sinus. Due to rhythmic passage of air at a certain force, secondary changes in the nasal cavity that cause the chronic inflammation do not occur. Yoga helps us to avoid nasal puncture operation on the sinuses definitely.

 

 

Asana: Practice 1-3 Times According To your Capacity as follows: Suryanamaskara, Bhujangasana, Pashimottanasana, Halasana, Ardh-Matsyendraasana, Utithita trikonasana, Dhanurasana, inverted pose -Viprit karni, sarvangasana and shirasasna.

 

Avoid: Asana in Febrile Conditions- Fever.

 

Paranayama: Nadi-shodan - Ujjayi without kumbhaka (initially first 2-3 weeks) - ‘slesma dosharam kante’, Kapalbhati, Surya bhedan; Bhasrika (upto 5 rounds of 50 breaths)

 

Kriya (Cleansing processes)

 

Jala neti & Rubber neti:

 

Neti is a cleansing process related to upper part of the respiratory system. It helps for cleansing and opening the nasal passage and to increase the sensitivity of the nasal mucosa.

 

Practice twice a day during attack and later on twice in a week. It is an effective practice to desensitize the nasal mucous membranes. It drains and aerates sinuses. Perform kapalbhati immediately after neti to clear and dry the nasal passages and activate the frontal area of the brain.

 

Kunjal kriya is very beneficial, in both prevention and treatment and to be practiced daily.

Shankaprakshalana should be performed at change of seasons to remove decaying mucus wastes from the digestive system and reset the body thermostat.

 

 4. Relaxation: 

 

Yoga Nidra – practice daily Shavasan, Yoga Nidra and Makarasana. These deep relaxing and therapeutic method, enables the sinusitis sufferer to witness the underlying personal complexes and perception arising from the past conditioning and prior childhood experiences which so frequently initiate these diseases.

 

5. Diet:

• Eat light, non-mucous forming vegetarian diet.
• Eat plenty of fruit (papaya) and raw vegetables.
• A fruit diet – 3 for 4 days is highly recommended.
• Fresh Garlic every day
  

 

Avoid:  Taking cold or iced drinks, milk, ice cream and other dairy products

 

Advantage of yogic therapy over Medical Treatment:

 

1. Sinus troubles respond rapidly to yogic therapy
2. Practice of kriya’s is better method - as it is cheap, easy and enjoyable one. It provides better long-term results. It is a reliable method and there are no side effects.
3. Building natural immunity of the body by regular practice of asana, pranyama, and kriya. It keeps nasal passages free & sinus cavities empty.
4. Practice of pranayama relieves heaviness in the sinuses and collection of phlegm is reduced.
5. Chances of operation of the sinuses can be avoided.
6. There is no age for practicing these asana.

 

Nature Cure Treatment

 

Nature Cure is an art and science of healthy living and a drugless system of healing. It is based on principals of nature. The treatment starts with correcting the proper functioning of digestive system. It considers food as medicine.

 

Diet:

1. Correcting the faulty diet is of utmost importance- Have balanced diet.
2. Increase the intake of food that clears inflammations and prevents mucous production like ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, fennel seeds and asafetida.
3. In acute conditions – drink fresh vegetable & fruits juices. Eat fresh Garlic every day and onion which tend to break mucous congestion in the respiratory tract
4. Diet rich in Vitamin A is best insurance against cold & sinus trouble. You can get from pumpkin, carrot, leafy vegetables, tomato, mango and papaya. Papaya is membrane conditioner as it helps to build healthy mucus membranes in the head and throat.
5. All cooked food should be prepared fresh for each meal. Take milk as it contains calcium. It has effect in overcoming inflammation of tissues.
6. Increase the intake of food that clears inflammations and prevents mucous production like ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, fennel seeds and asafetida.
   

Nature Cure treats through various therapies:

 

1. Fasting Therapy - observe fast for 7 days - take hot honey water with 1 hr. interval. Fast whenever symptoms appear to be increasing. It is an effective means of avoiding attacks. Alternatively, substitute the evening meal each day with ginger, pepper Cinnamon or cardamom tea which heat the body and promote mucus elimination.
2. Hydrotherapy        - Apply Chest Pack on Chest
3. Mud Therapy      -   Mud Pack on Abdomen for Improving the Digestion
4. Magneto Therapy – North Pole used for charging the water, drink it for the whole day
5. Acupressure –          give on the points of eye brows (frontal bone)
6. Massage Therapy-   Local massage on head & face with local steam
   

 

Other recommendations:

1. Take a hot foot bath before going to bed for 15 min.
2. When the attack is on, repeat the hot footbath in the morning also.
3. Steam on face or steam bath is recommended.
4. Have black pepper soup with ginger and salt once a day.
5. Avoid: acidic food. Reduce the intake of salt as it leads to accumulation of water in tissue & expels Calcium from the body. Avoid eating rice, citrus fruits; fried & starchy food, white sugar, white flour, macaroni products, cakes, candies, spices and meat. Abstain all solid foods & eat only fresh fruits & vegetables.
   

Prevention Methods for Sinusitis:

Several precautions can be taken to lessen the likelihood of contracting upper respiratory infections that can lead to sinusitis during cold and flu season. People with seasonal allergies can also take steps to treat or prevent their symptoms.

 Prevent colds and allergies that can lead to sinusitis:

1. Eat nutritious diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are rich in antioxidants and other chemicals that can boost immune system function.
2. Exercise regularly. This helps the body to fight infection and reduce stress which can leave an individual more vulnerable to sickness.
3. Wash hands often, particularly after shaking hands with others.
4. Get a yearly flu vaccine.
5. Drink plenty of fluids. Eight glasses of water or more a day are recommended to keep the body hydrated, which thins nasal secretions and promotes drainage. Avoid Taking cold or iced drinks, milk, ice cream and other dairy products
6. Avoid consumption of caffeine and alcohol. Foods or beverages with caffeine can dehydrate the body, which thickens nasal mucus and makes it less likely to drain. Mucus that fails to drain is a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria that can cause sinusitis. In addition, alcohol can cause sinus membranes to swell which also blocks drainage.
7. Avoid exposure to allergens both inside and outside the home. Patients should make their home environment as allergen-free as possible. Avoid contact with outdoor allergens to the greatest extent possible.
8. Avoid tobacco smoke or polluted air. Both can trigger inflammation of the lining of the sinuses and nose.
9. Install a humidifier in the home, or at least in the bedroom. This keeps the air moist, which may help to reduce nasal congestion. It is important to frequently clean a humidifier to avoid the spread of germs.
10. Avoid blowing the nose with great force. This can push bacteria into the sinuses. Instead, patients should gently blow one nostril at a time, while blocking the other.
11. Patients should avoid air travel when they have sinusitis. If travel must be undertaken, decongestants can reduce pressure inside the sinuses. However, patients should not take any medication without first consulting a physician.
12. Keep the body warm in the winter and monsoon seasons. Particularly make sure that neck and chest are protected from the cold.
13. Take complete rest as soon as symptoms or sinusitis appear. Avoid baths and don’t drink too much water.
14. Cold applications over the sinuses or alternate hot and cold applications will give relief.
15. Steam inhalations at night yield great relief.
16. Smoking should be discontinued.