Sinusitis Natural Cures for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the name given to the swelling of the lining of the sinuses — the mucous membranes — that can result in obstruction of drainage and subsequent infection. The fluid produced by the inflammation and blockage feeds bacteria, which can lead to an infection. The most common predisposing factor to acute bacterial sinusitis is viral upper respiratory infection (the common cold).

A dental infection can be the cause 25% of the time when sinusitis affects primarily the maxillary sinuses (the sinuses of the cheek). In chronic cases, low immune function as well as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and food allergies are often important factors.

Although antibiotics are the dominant therapy for acute and chronic bacterial sinusitis, it is of limited value. In fact, there is considerable doubt that most antibiotics provide any benefit at all. A detailed analysis to determine the evidence for the effectiveness of antibiotics in acute sinusitis in adults concluded: “The effectiveness of antibiotics in acute maxillary sinusitis in a general practice population is not based sufficiently on evidence.” The same can be said about chronic sinusitis. In other words, there is no evidence that antibiotics provide any benefit.

Nevertheless, in severe or unresponsive cases antibiotics may be appropriate. Newer, more powerful antibiotics (e.g., lactam antibiotics) appear to be more effective than penicillin, amoxicillin, and other less powerful antibiotics.

In children, there is even less evidence that antimicrobial agents are of some benefit. Overuse of antibiotics to treat children who have sinusitis or otitis media is a growing concern, as it is leading to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial pathogens. According to a 1997 review article, no studies that show antibiotics to be effective have been published.

Clearly, addressing the underlying cause of chronic sinusitis (e.g., low immune function and respiratory or food allergens), along with supportive therapy (e.g., saline nasal sprays, immune-enhancing herbs, and natural decongestants), appears to be the most rational approach.

Helicobacier pylon

An interesting study involved asthma and eczema patients who had symptoms of peptic ulcer and the presence of Helicobacter pylon—the bacteria linked to ulcers. Elimination of H. pylon (using antibiotics) resolved allergy symptoms, including chronic sinusitis, in a significant number of these patients.8 If you have chronic sinusitis, we recommend asking your doctor to screen for H. pylon.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a group of sulfur-containing enzymes, obtained from the pineapple plant (Ananas comusus), that digest protein (proteolytic enzymes or proteases). Patients with acute sinusitis have responded to bromelain therapy. In one study, good-to-excellent results were obtained in eighty-seven percent of bromelain-treated patients, compared with sixty-eight percent of the placebo group.

In cases of acute sinusitis, the therapeutic goals are to reestablish drainage and to clear the acute infection. Various measures can be used: local application of heat, local use of volatile oils and botanicals with antibacterial properties, and immune system support.

Allergy and Respiratory Tract Irritants

Individuals with chronic sinusitis should avoid environmental and food allergens. Studies have shown that between twenty-five and seventy percent of people with allergies have sinusitis. Environmental control requires the use of air-filtering vacuum cleaners and installation of an air cleaner with a HEPA filter. Some particularly sensitive people may need to have all pets removed from the home, along with carpeting and feather bedding.

In addition to allergens, chemicals in the environment that irritate the respiratory tract can often be a problem for patients who have chronic sinusitis. A small portable air purifier as well as live plants may help purify the air.