What is Sinusitis?  

Chronic Sinusitis is a condition when the sinuses get swollen and affects the nose drainage or stuffy nose. As a result, breathing becomes difficult, and the face becomes swollen or tender.  

Sinusitis can be different types depending upon the nature of symptoms:

• Acute Sinusitis – acute Sinusitis lasts up to 1 month. The condition usually starts with symptoms of running or stuffy nose associated with tenderness in the face.  
• Subacute Sinusitis – subacute cases is considered when the Sinusitis lasts for around 12 weeks. It interrupts the regular activity and is associated with heaviness in the head and nasal secretions, green or yellow.   
• Chronic Sinusitis – chronic sinusitis cases last more than three months. It can continue further. The symptoms of Sinusitis become worse and hinder the day to day activities.  
• Recurrent Sinusitis – occurs several times within a short span during a year.  
• Bacterial Sinusitis – very rare but can occur as a result of viral infections. It causes severe facial pain and nasal discharge with pus. 

What is the root cause of Sinusitis?  

The sinuses get inflamed when there is a blockage to drain the mucous out of them.   

1. The common causes for sinus blockage include – common cold, allergies, smoking, continuous use of nasal sprays.  
2. Any extra growth in the nose, like the nasal polyp, can create a blockage in the sinuses. The presence of tumors also blocks the sinuses. 
3.  Dehydration in the body is regarded as another rare cause. The mucous secretions become thickened due to less water in the body.  
4. Intake of a few medications like antihistamines can also dry up the mucous content. 
5. Immunosuppressed patients can easily catch Sinusitis. Risks of bacterial or viral infections are high in these cases. Commonly blocked sinuses are ethmoid or maxillary sinuses. 
6. Any direct trauma to the nose can also be a cause of sinus blockage. 
7.  Seasonal change – people who are already suffering from allergies when exposed to a cold climate catch sinus infections. 

What are the symptoms of Sinusitis?  

Tenderness in the face: pain in the site of sinuses is the most common symptom of Sinusitis. The areas commonly affected are below the eyebrows, between the eyes, on either side of the nose, and near cheekbones. 

• Nasal discharge: during sinus infections, there are more chances of getting nasal secretions which can be either watery or thick discharge. 
• Nasal congestion or stuffy nose. 
• Sinus headaches: severe headaches or heaviness in the head is associated with Sinusitis. The headaches are more in the morning hours as there is an accumulation of fluid for the whole night. 
• Irritation in the throat and cough can occur, which worsens in the night and hamper the sleep. 
• Sore throat and hoarseness in the voice – throat pain associated with itching in the throat is experienced during sinus inflammation. 

Can Ayurveda cure sinus?  

Ayurveda correlates Sinusitis as Dushta Pratishyaya, where Kapha is the primary afflicted dosha. The aggravated Kapha affects the Prana Vayu and blocks the normal functions. Sinusitis can be jointly treated with panchakarma procedures, oral medications, diet and lifestyle modifications.   

Sinusitis treatment at Sitaram Beach Retreat 

Nasya: Nasya is the main line of treatment for Sinusitis in Ayurveda. It is one of the five detoxification procedures mentioned in Ayurveda. In Nasya, the medicated oil or powder or fresh juice of herbs are administered through the nostrils to clear the Kapha lodged in sinuses. The oil travels through the nasal passage, penetrates the nasal mucosal lining and scrapes out the accumulated Kapha in the sinuses. Depending upon the patient condition, ayurvedic medicine for the sinus is chosen. Some of the best ayurvedic nasal drops are Anu taila, Shat Bindu taila, Ksheerabala 101, Tila taila, Coconut oil etc.   

Dhoomapana: Post Nasya treatment, a procedure called dhoomapana is prescribed. The patient is asked to inhale the fumes of a medicated Varti (prepared from medicated powders) and exhale it through the mouth. Any left out doshas or Kapha will be easily pushed out after Dhoomapana. The drugs used to prepare the varti are strong and can pull out the lodged Kapha.  

Gandusha: Oil pulling in Ayurveda is referred to as Gandusha. It is an effective method to cleanse the oral cavity as well as to detoxify the area. Oil pulling also helps to dislodge the excess mucous and clears the pathway to the nose and throat. 

Lepam – Medicated pastes are recommended for headaches due to sinus infections. These pastes are made from medicated powders or fresh herbs and are applied over the forehead. This calms the headache and provides quick relief.  

Steam Inhalation – Steam inhalation is another best way of sinusitis treatment in Ayurveda. At Sitaram, we add special medicated oils to the boiling water that helps pull excess mucous from the sinuses. In acute conditions, steam inhalation is done 2-3 times a day.   

Diet for Sinusitis  

Avoid consumption of food that increases Kapha. Excess sugar, cheese, creams, milk, banana, oily, fried and junk food. Avoid taking fruits in the night if you suffer from Sinusitis. Drink warm water and avoid consumption of cold liquids. Breathing techniques are taught to reduce the symptoms, and regular practice helps to prevent further recurrence.