Tools to Fight Sinus Inflammation

Recurrent sinusitis is a common problem facing many of my patients and I have come to see it as a vicious cycle.  Sinusitis actually just means inflammation of the sinus cavities.  Most people don't realize that this inflammation which causes sinus symptoms including pain, pressure, headaches, and nasal discharge, are not all caused by bacteria, but also by allergies, viruses and environmental triggers.  In addition, with every treatment course of antibiotics for a "sinus infection" the micrbiome of the sinus cavities is shifted towards more pathologic bacteria upsetting the natural balance and causing a predisposition to further infection. 

 

Your sinuses are easily blocked by inflammation because their outlets are narrow passageways coated with sensitive mucus membranes.  Once your sinuses become inflamed you may develop symptoms including facial pressure and pain, ear pain, headache, and difficulty breathing through your nose.  Triggers for inflammation include common allergens like dust, pollen, and viral infections that cause the common cold.  In addition, many patients experience sinus inflammation related to eating dairy products.  Once the sinuses are blocked it is possible for bacteria inside to overgrow worsening the symptoms and causing more systemic illness (which usually causes fever, loss of appetite, and generalized malaise).  The more times you have been treated with antibiotics for a sinus infection the more aggressive and hard to treat the bacteria that colonizes the sinuses becomes, leading to the vicious cycle. 

Lifestyle STRATEGIES to reduce sinus infalmmation

For patients with seasonal allergies remember to wash your hands and face and add an evening shower after being exposed to allergens.  My patients frequently report dramatic improvement in sinus symptoms when they eliminate most dairy from their diet especially when they are experiencing symptoms. (Yogurt may be an exception as it it is full of probiotics.)  Help your body fight infection by getting extra sleep and eating probiotic and anti-inflammatory foods. Using a Neti pot, which is a simple device that allows you to rinse your sinuses, has also proven to be an invaluable tool to keeping infections away. 

Medications that reduce symptoms and can even prevent an infection 

Just because I prefer a natural approach does not mean you have to suffer with sinus symptoms with no medical intervention.  Many medications most of which are over the counter can be used acutely not only to reduce your symptoms but importantly to keep the sinus passage ways open so that bacteria do not become trapped and overgrow.  I recommend the below regimen for when patients first have any symptoms of sinus inflammation. 

  • Start with an antihistamine decongestant combination, such as Zyrtec-D, during the day. (Generic is fine, it opens the sinuses and reduces nasal discharge.) Be aware that decongestants can cause difficulty sleeping, palpitations, and anxiety. You can also take the components of this drug separately. (The D stands for decongestant like Sudafed.)

  • Use a steroid nasal spray like Flonase 2 sprays per nostril 1-2 times per day. (After the shower is a good time as the mucus membranes are moist.)

  • Use Ibuprofen 600mg 2-3 a day with food (this relieves headaches and also has anti-inflammatory effect).

  • In addition, you can add Benadryl 25mg at bedtime to help prevent post nasal drip and decrease cough.

  • There are also beneficial supplements that can help with sinusitis. One is NAC.

  • For recurrent sinusitis, there are prescription medications that can also help. Schedule a visit to discuss those options.