There are four pairs of sinuses inside the skull. The Maxillary sinuses are located at your cheekbones. The Frontal sinuses are located at the lower centre of your forehead. The Ethmoid sinuses are located between your eyes at the sides of the bridge of your nose. The Sphenoid sinuses are located behind your nose. Known collectively as the paranasal sinuses these small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead connect to the inside of the nose. The purpose of these hollow, air-filled cavities is to lighten the weight of the head and lend resonance to the voice. These cavities are lined with membranes that make mucus that drains out of the nose to keep the nose (and therefore overall body) clean and free of bacteria. When irritated, infected and swollen (sinusitis) the flow of mucus is blocked creating pressure, pain, a blocked nose and postnasal drip. Sinusitis is diagnosed as acute, sub-acute or chronic. Common causes of sinusitis are infection (bacterial or viral) and in some cases allergic rhinitis may be identified as the original source of irritation. With treatment sinusitis will normally clear within 4 weeks. However, Chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis is an ongoing inflammation that may lead to the formation of nasal polyps – soft, non-cancerous growths in the nasal or sinus passages causing further blockage and discomfort. In some cases, prolonged inflammation can also result in structural changes to the sinuses. For some with sinusitis, it may be a mild irritation of the nasal airways. For others, it can be a serious health condition that affects all aspects of daily life. If left untreated, sinusitis can have severe and long-lasting health impacts. Untreated chronic sinusitis may cause infections that spread from the sinuses into the eyes, bones, brain and spine. More specifically, untreated sinus infections can lead to decreased sense of smell, paranasal sinus mucocele, spread of infection, orbital cellulitis, meningitis and brain abscess, sinus thrombosis. Symptoms of sinusitis include a green or yellow discharge from the nose, a blocked nose, pain and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead. A high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or more. Toothache, bad breath (halitosis) a reduced sense of smell, headaches. A cough and a feeling of pressure in the ears. Snoring at night and sound nasal when speaking. Young children may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and breathe through their mouth. According to the NHS website you can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP. A pharmacist can help with sinusitis decongestant nasal sprays or drops. Visit a GP if you have sinusitis and are very unwell, painkillers do not help or your symptoms get worse or do not get better after 3 weeks. The GP referral criteria to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist includes, sinusitis not cleared after 3 months of treatment, continual infections or only have symptoms on one side of the face. The specialist may carry out further tests including scans and recommend surgery (functional endoscopic sinus surgery FESS). My experience as a Complementary Practitioner who is also a chronic sinus sufferer is that often inflammatory flare-ups can be reduced by avoidance of triggers such as household chemical cleaning products, personal hygiene products (spray deodorants, perfumes etc) air fresheners, perfumed candles etc. Pet dander, feathers and pollens. At this time of year Grass Pollen may be an irritant for some, treat with over the counter anti-histamine or for Homoeopathic help contact Galen Homoeopathics in West Stafford ( 01305 263996) Homoeopathic constitutional remedies will be patient specific. However, general remedies include Kali Bich for stringy catarrh with blocked nose and loss of smell. Pulsatilla for pain in right side of face, above the eyes and blocked nose. Hepar Sulph for tender facial bones, sneezing and yellow catarrh. Certain foods are recognised as mucus forming such as dairy products, chocolate and for some pork. Specialist techniques of Clinical Reflexology have shown to be beneficial in reducing pain and swelling easing congestion and encouraging the flow of mucus. Vit A in the form of beta carotene works on the mucus membranes that line the nose, sinuses and upper respiratory tract. If you think that I might be able to help with symptoms please get in touch. NB check with pharmacist before taking any natural, herbal or homoeopathic remedies if you are taking GP prescribed medications.
