HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF SINUSITIS Fall is a forthcoming season for Sinus infections. Sinusitis is the retribution of a long-term cold or allergy, which can encumber proper nasal drainage. This clogging becomes a breeding floor for infection, which then irritates the sinus lining to become inflamed, fill with pus and form scarring. There are eight sinuses, or air spaces, in the facial bones and skull that are positioned behind the eyes, cheekbones, nose, and forehead. Each sinus is linked through a nasal passage to serve air exchange as well as to drain mucus. Sinuses also impart resonance to our tone when we speak. Sinusitis if not effectively treated, can advance to ear infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Four types of Sinuses: Maxillary Sinuses: These are the largest sinuses that are situated beneath the eyes. They are linked to the nasal passage in a particular position that can make drainage difficult. Untreated cold and allergy can easily distress these sinuses especially in children, causing pressure below the eyes, pain in the cheeks, gums, teeth and upper jaw. Ethmoidal Sinuses: These sinuses are located between the eyes. When irritated these sinuses cause pain between and behind the eyes, with blockage of nose and sensitivity to light. Diving, swimming or riding in cold wind may provoke inflammation of these sinuses. Frontal Sinuses: These sinuses are positioned in the forehead. When inflamed they can get tender and trigger pain in the forehead with heaviness and puffiness above the eyes particularly in older people. Sphenoidal Sinuses: These sinuses are placed in the midline of the skull, behind the nose and on swelling can cause pain all over the head. Cause of Sinusitis: Frequent colds. Rapid change in temperature. Excessive blowing of the nose. Change in pressure in an airplane or while swimming. Nasal allergies. Nasal Polyps. Nasal septum deviation. Large adenoids and tonsils. Abscessed or inflamed tooth. Fungal, viral or bacterial infections. Injury to nose or facial bones. Asthma. Symptoms of Sinusitis: Runny and stuffy nose. Pain and pressure in the face and head. Puffiness around the eyes. Yellow or green discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat. Wet cough. Bad breath. Nasal speech. Fever. Toothache and jaw pain. Reduced sense of taste or smell. Fatigue and weakness. Neck stiffness. Depression. Homeopathic approach to Sinusitis: Homeopathy is strongly indicated in all cases of Sinusitis. Homeopathic treatment en routes for rejuvenating one’s immunity towards such attacks. A constitutional Homeopathic treatment can completely cure the chronicity and recurrence of this disease. Homeopathic remedies facilitate drainage of mucus relieving sinus congestion, reduces inflammation in the sinuses, relieve pain and pressure by clearing the infection. It also prevents the formation of scar tissue and avoids permanent damage to the tissues lining the nose and sinuses. The constitutional approach enhances the vitality of the patient and eliminates the entire allergic predisposition hence impeding recurrent infections. Homeopathic treatment is safe and effective for both children and adults. Homeopathy can be an exceptionally successful approach in decreasing susceptibility in acute and chronic infections, as well as in treating the infection itself. The Homeopathic constitutional approach always considers the illness in the context of the whole person taking into account the mental, emotional, physical symptoms and the circumstances surrounding their lives. Its purpose is balance and harmony on all levels by enhancing the body’s own defenses. Homeopathic remedies are natural, gentle, safe and easy to take, are regulated by the FDA and prepared according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. Some Homeopathic remedies that are commonly used to treat Sinusitis are given below. These are just a few of the commonly used Homeopathic remedies and are mentioned only to create awareness about the effectiveness of Homeopathic medicines in Sinusitis. It is not advisable to resort to self-medication for any disease. Hepar Sulph: This is an exceptional remedy for Sinusitis patients who are apprehensive and annoyed with the slightest cause. There is headache and vertigo on shaking the head or on riding. Eyeballs are sore to touch with pain in the upper bones of the orbit. There is whizzing and throbbing in the ears. Nostrils feel sore and ulcerated with thick offensive nasal discharge. There is dry rattling cough, and symptoms are worse from slightest draft of cool air and better in damp weather and from wrapping head up. Hydrastis: This remedy works great on debilitated patients who have a continous ropy, yellowish mucus nasal discharge with a persisting postnasal drip. They complain of myalgic pain in the head and neck, with muco-purulent discharge from the ears. Their voice is high pitched. These patients have a tendency to blow their nose all the time. Kali Bichromicum: This is a brilliant remedy for Sinusitis, when there is a thick, ropy, greenish-yellowish discharge from nose and ears. The patient has frontal pain especially over one eye. They complain of loss of smell and their symptoms are worse in the morning and in hot weather. Kali Carb: This remedy is best adapted to patients who complain of headaches when riding in cold wind, and get lightheaded on turning. They get stuffy nose on entering a warm room, and get nosebleeds on washing their face in the morning. Mercurius Solubilis: This is another remarkable remedy for Sinusitis. These patients are known as “human thermometers”, as they are extremely sensitive to both heat and cold. All of their symptoms are associated with tiredness, prostration and trembling with a pale, puffy face. They complain of one-sided headache with a band like sensation about the head, which gets worse from lying on right side. Their nasal discharge is too thick to run, nostrils feel raw and ulcerated and they sneeze profusely in sunshine. Natrum Sulph: This remedy is indicated for thick, yellow and salty nasal discharge with piercing pain in the ears and side of the head. Vertigo is relieved as soon as they start sweating on their head. They complain of bitter taste in the mouth and their symptoms are worse from lying on left side and damp weather. Silicea: This is a superlative remedy indicated in patients who suffer from recurrent Sinusitis due to a perforated nasal septum. They have a loss of smell and complain of headache, which spreads over the head and settles over the eyes. Self-Care measures for Sinusitis: Manage your allergies and keep away from known allergens. Avoid exposure to cold air. Reduce stress. Steam inhalation. Drink plenty of fluids. Use appropriate hygiene measures and avoid contact with people who have colds and other viral upper respiratory infections. Avoid cigarette smoke in your home and workplace. Consider using a humidifier. Use saltwater nasal washes to help keep the nasal passages open and wash out mucus and bacteria. Warm salt water gargles. Avoid blowing your nose as this may force thick mucus back into your sinuses and block them. Walk in open air. Hence, discover a natural way to cure Sinus infection by considering Homeopathy. Recuperate the radiance of good health and breathe freely through your nose again with the help of Homeopathic treatment. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ About the author: Neepa Sevak (DHMS, DHom, DIHom, DHM, CCH, RSHom (NA), HMA) is an experienced, registered Alternative Medical Practitioner with the Arizona Homeopathic Board of Medical Examiners. She is currently practicing Classical Homeopathy and is on the Board of International Affairs at the American Medical College of Homeopathy. Her mission is to “Promote Health through Homeopathy with a Holistic, Totalistic, and Individualistic approach”. Phone: (480) 363 0758 Email: homeopathiccure@cox.net Website: www.homeopathic-cure.com