That Stuffy Feeling.....

I have seen a significant increase in clients with ongoing sinus issues in the clinic over the past year. Sinus infections or sinusitis occur when your nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed. Usually, your sinuses are filled with air. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid/bacterial infection, Streptococcus, Fungal (candida) or, in some cases, mould can grow and cause an infection. Sinus infections can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks (Acute sinusitis). Chronic sinusitis lasts much longer — at least 12 weeks! Other forms of chronic sinusitis are associated with food allergies/intolerance, allergies and nasal polyps.

Symptoms include

Facial pain and pressure: Sinusitis often leads to pain and pressure in the face, particularly in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes. The pain may worsen when bending forward or lying down.

1. Nasal congestion: Swelling and inflammation of the sinus lining can result in nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. The congestion may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the nasal passages.

2. Sinus headaches: The pressure and inflammation in the sinuses can cause headaches, which are typically felt in the forehead, temples, or the area around the eyes. These headaches can range from mild to severe and may worsen with movement or changes in atmospheric pressure.

3. Toothaches and jaw tightness - Due to the pressure from the swelling on the dental nerves

4. Postnasal drip: Excess mucus production is a common symptom of sinus inflammation. The mucus may drain down the back of the throat, leading to a persistent feeling of dripping or needing to clear the throat frequently.

5. Facial tenderness: The areas overlying the affected sinuses may feel tender or sensitive to touch. This tenderness is often noticeable when pressing on the cheeks or around the nose.

6. Reduced sense of smell and taste: Sinus inflammation can interfere with the sense of smell, resulting in a decreased ability to detect odours. This, in turn, can affect the sense of taste, leading to diminished enjoyment of food.

7. Coughing: Postnasal drip caused by sinusitis can irritate the throat, triggering a persistent cough. The cough may be worse at night or when lying down.

8. Fatigue: Dealing with ongoing sinus inflammation can be physically and mentally draining. Many individuals with sinusitis experience fatigue or a general sense of tiredness.

If you are tired of dealing with recurrent sinus infections that seem to linger on? Sinus infections can be incredibly frustrating. In some cases, antibiotics may be required and helpful for bacterial infections but will not help fungal infections, allergies, or mould infections. A holistic approach to health, focusing on supporting the body's natural healing processes. Here are some natural remedies to help clear your sinuses and provide long-lasting relief from ongoing sinus infections.

1. Nasal irrigation is one of the most effective ways to clear your sinuses naturally. This technique involves flushing out the nasal passages with a saline solution. You can use a neti pot or a saline nasal spray to gently cleanse the nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and remove excess mucus. Be sure to use sterile or distilled water and follow proper instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness. If using plastic nasal irrigation, please replace it every three months.

2. Steam Inhalation is a simple yet powerful method to relieve congestion and open up sinuses. Boil a pot of water, remove it from the heat, and place a towel over your head as you lean over the pot. Breathe in the steam deeply for about 5-10 minutes. You can add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, oregano or Thyme for added benefits. The steam helps to moisturise the nasal passages, loosen mucus, and ease congestion.

3. Staying well-hydrated is essential for thinning mucus and promoting proper drainage. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your nasal passages moist. Additionally, using a humidifier or keeping a bowl of water in your room can increase humidity and prevent dryness, helping to soothe irritated sinuses.

4. A healthy diet can play a crucial role in supporting sinus health and preventing recurring infections. Focus on consuming foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your immune system. Incorporate foods like garlic, ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and probiotic-rich foods into your diet. Avoid inflammatory foods like processed sugars, dairy, and refined grains, as they can exacerbate sinus issues.

5. Humming, a loud range of vibrating tones, can help shift the build-up of mucus and increase airflow between the sinus and nasal cavities, which could potentially help protect against sinus reoccurring infections - Try this in a hot shower.

6. Vitamins C, D and zinc can help improve the immune system; supplements include NAC, Quercetin / Boswellia and serrapeptase (on an empty stomach)

7. Homeopathic remedies such as Heel Euphorbium Comp S Nasal Spray

8. Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs possess properties that can support sinus health and alleviate infections. Some beneficial herbs include:

• Echinacea: Known for its immune-boosting properties, echinacea can help fight off infections and reduce inflammation.

• Horseradish (same family as wasabi) also helps clear the sinuses; you can purchase Horseradish as a supplement combined with aged garlic and vitamin C.

• Elderberry: Rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds, elderberry can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the duration of sinus infections.

Other causes of ongoing sinus issues

Pillows—Your pillow may be to blame if you constantly battle sinus issues, congestion, and other problems. A good pillow should provide your head, neck, and spine with the support they need to keep them properly aligned. Without proper alignment, it’s more difficult for your sinuses to drain. When this happens, mucus can build up in your sinuses and create uncomfortable pressure, causing headaches when you wake up.

Consistent morning headaches could indicate that your sinuses aren’t draining properly.

Find a pillow that helps keep your head, neck, and spine properly aligned, allowing your sinuses to drain at night and reducing headache-causing pressure. Pillows are also breeding grounds for bacteria, mould and dust mites; all of these can impact your sinuses and make you miserable. It is recommended to either wash your pillows in hot water and dry them thoroughly or replace them, especially if you live in a damp house; if a pillow shows any signs of mould, replace it immediately.

Foods - Many foods, including dairy products, can increase your nasal inflammation, as these are catalysts for microbial growth, which can lead to chronic sinus infections.

Refined sugars, such as sweets, soft drinks, and refined grains, can cause your body to become inflamed and produce excess mucus, which can be crucial factors in your sinus health. Some alcoholic drinks, like wine, contain histamines that can swell your sinuses.

Some sinus issues may be caused by a Histamine reaction - Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for removing allergens from your body as part of your immune response,

But if you have too much histamine in your body due to a high-histamine diet, nutrient deficiencies, mast cell activation syndrome, etc, this leads to excess histamine.

This can cause sinus congestion and other symptoms, including allergies, skin issues, headaches, sleep issues, anxiety, digestive issues, hormonal problems, and more. Examples of foods that are high in histamine include cheese, tomatoes, processed and smoked meats, dried fruits, vinegar, miso, fermented food and leftovers.

Mould - Mould is a type of fungus that can flourish in various conditions and locations, particularly in warm and moist environments. The concerning aspect is that even if mould is present in one specific area, its tiny spores have the capability to disperse and spread extensively throughout the house. Exposure to mould and its toxins can have detrimental effects on one's health. It has the potential to cause chronic sinus congestion, respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, cognitive difficulties (referred to as brain fog), fatigue, and other persistent symptoms and can play a role in the development or exacerbation of sinus infections due to its ability to trigger inflammation and allergic reactions in the respiratory system.

When mould spores are inhaled, they can irritate the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to inflammation. This inflammation can block the sinus cavities, preventing proper drainage and ventilation and creating an ideal environment for bacteria or viruses to thrive. As a result, sinus infections can occur or become more persistent. Furthermore, mould exposure can contribute to allergic reactions in some individuals. Mould spores can act as allergens, triggering an immune response that leads to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and facial pressure.

It's important to note that individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, weakened immune systems, or allergies are more susceptible to the effects of mould on sinus health. Taking steps to reduce mould exposure, such as addressing any moisture issues in the home, improving ventilation, and promptly addressing mould growth, can help minimise the risk of sinus infections associated with mould.

In New Zealand, our houses are well known to be damp, and with the recent floods, there is an increase in mouldy homes; if you are unable to eliminate the cause or move, I recommend getting a dehumidifier and having an air purifier with a HEPA filter, I personally use the Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Smart with added HEPA filter from PBTECH, Use this in your bedroom, ensure it is running 24/7. Wash bedding often; as mentioned above, replace any pillows with signs of mould.

How can I help?

There are multiple factors that can cause ongoing sinus issues. It's important to look to see why / what could be done to help reduce symptoms. Fortunately, most of these can be assessed by looking at the health history and through functional testing.

Natural treatments for sinus issues may include diet changes, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicines, and gentle lifestyle changes. Contact me today for an appointment.