MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS for CHRONIC SINUS and NASAL SYMPTOMS
Prolonged
antibiotics or surgery rarely cures recurrent sinus infections. Surgery does
allow the sinuses a chance to drain, and if obstruction is the cause of the
infections, then a "cure" may be achieved. Of course, there are many
other factors that promote sinusitis. Unless these are addressed, the problem
will remain and unfortunately, the bacteria may only get more resistant to the
antibiotics available. My approach is identify and
correct (as possible) any of the contributing factors:
q
Allergies
– cause the nasal lining to swell preventing sinus drainage and stimulate
excess mucus production. Foods and inhaled allergens can be the culprit.
q
Immunodeficiency
– allow even the weakest of viruses and bacteria to overgrow. May not
always be associated with serious infections. Many
immune disorders have a nutritional basis.
q
Re-infection
– repetitive exposure to infectious individuals raises the risk of
infection. Wash your hands! If you’ve been on antibiotics, replenish your
gut flora and you will reduce re-infections.
q
Gastrointestinal
– as an outgrowth of the embryonic gut, the sinuses share innervation with the gut. Mucus secretion is a natural
response to gastrointestinal irritation and may involve the sinuses
reflexively. A healthy gut includes proper digestion, bacterial flora, mucosal
integrity, etc.
q
Cervical/Neck
– the second cervical vertebrae innervates the sinuses. Irritation of the
nerve roots may promote congestion and mucus secretion that creates a favorable
environment for bacterial overgrowth. A kink in the neck or subluxed
disc could contribute to sinus symptoms.
q
Structural
– an obstructed opening to the sinuses allows mucus and bacteria to
accumulate. Surgically creating or improving the passageway can be curative in
this case. The septum is rarely deviated enough to cause obstruction, however.
q
Membrane
irritation – irritants that injure the mucus membrane give microbes an
entryway past the primary defense barrier into vulnerable tissues. A healthy
mucus membrane is key to resisting infection.
Minimizing irritants with help reduce inflammation and allow healing.
q
Metabolic
– an over-stimulated parasympathetic nervous system may create congestion
& excess mucus. Other conditions promote alllergies,
reduce immunity, etc.
q
Dental–
an infected dental root or implant could be supplying the sinuses with a source
of bacteria.
There are three main goals in
treating sinusitis in the short
run:
- Decrease nasal congestion to allow the mucus to drain from
the sinuses.
- Drain the infected mucus. Leaving mucus will allow the
infection to hide from the antibiotic and allow the bacteria a place to
re-grow.
- Eradicate the infection itself.
q For temporary
relief of throat irritation, gargle with warm salt water or use Sucrets or Chloraseptic spray.
q For sinus pressure
discomfort, a warm moist wash cloth placed over the face and acetaminophen or
ibuprofen.
q For drainage of sinus
mucus and to shrink swollen membranes, rinse the nose and sinus with SINUS
RINSE. This special preparation has been
very effective for both acute and chronic sinusitis.
q The "Breathe
Easy" nasal device may be helpful, as well.
q Since antibiotics
also kill good bacteria in your gut, Kyodophilus and/or an anti-yeast product
is advised.
q Nutritional
support to fortify the immune system, help the mucus membranes heal, and fight
the infection.
