Due to the increase in environmental pollution, rhinitis is a common disease in the present era.
Definition
Sinusitis means congestion and pain in one or more cavities in the bones around the nose
called sinuses. Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus.
Normally, healthy sinuses are filled with air. When it becomes blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria and viruses can grow and cause an infection.
As nose is in direct contact with external environment, it is exposed to many
microorganisms and pollutants. Due to increase in environmental pollution and today's busy lifestyles, rhinitis is a common disease in the present era. Improper management at this
stage leads to sinusitis, which may later become chronic.
The features of the disease ‘Dushta Pratishyaya’ are similar to that of chronic sinusitis in
modern science. Both these diseases are characterized by nasal blockage, nasal discharge, headache, heaviness in the head, etc.
Causes of Sinusitis | |
|---|---|
Poor digestion | Frequent cold and flu attacks |
Poor nutrition | Viral or bacterial infections |
Toxins accumulating in tissues which blocks circulation. | Allergic rhinitis/Asthma |
Physical and mental stress | Damp weather along with nasal polyps |
Low immunity | Excess humidity |
Pungent smells of perfumes, petrol, polishes and paints | Continuous exposure to cold air |
Excessive mucus secretions | Alcohol and smoking |
Classification
Acute sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as the runny, stuffy nose and facial
pain that do not go away after 10 to 14 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.
Subacute sinusitis: An inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis: A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer.
Recurrent sinusitis: Several attacks within a year.
Signs and symptoms
Acute sinusitis | Chronic sinusitis |
Headache | Facial congestion/fullness |
Pain between the eyes, cheeks, upper jaws and teeth | nasal obstruction/blockage |
Puffiness of face | Pus in the nasal cavity |
Nasal stuffiness/running nose | Fever |
Ear ache | Nasal discharge / discoloured postnasal drainage |
Loss of smell | Headaches |
Cough/congestion | Bad breath |
Fever | Fatigue |
Bad breath | Dental pain |
Treatment modalities
Biopurification methods | Yogasanas, Pranayama and tips |
Vaman- medicated emesis | Surya Bhastrika: In this inhale and exhale only from right nostril |
Swedan- Steam can be very helpful for decongestion. | Surya kapalbhati: Close the left nostril and breathe out with right nostril without putting effort to breathe in. |
Snehan- oleation therapy | Suryabedhana Pranayama : Breath in with right and exhale with left nostril. This is called as suryabhedana which removes cold and coughing. |
Abhyanga- Massage on face | Valuka Swedan |
Nasya- it is the chief procedure among all | Lepan - application of certain herbs on sinus and forehead areas relieves sinusitis. |
Dhoompaan- medicated herbal smoking | |
Do’s and don’t’s
Drink lukewarm ginger water 3 times a day
Avoid dairy products like cheese, butter, milk, etc
Take light but spicy food having chilly, mustard, ginger, garlic, etc.
Avoid daytime sleep after a meal
Avoid cold drinks, ice cream, or chocolates
Avoid spending much time sleeping in AC rooms and do not sleep directly under the fan.
If traveling in the cold season, give protection to your ears by plugging them with cotton.
Massage with sesame oil on both sides of the nose.
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