Sinus Infection Overview

Sinusitis is a viral or bacterial infection located behind your cheek bones and forehead. These spaces are the sinuses. Usually, they’re free of germs however,  if mucus gets stuck in the sinuses, it may cause a sinus infection.

The sinuses are basically sacs filled with air located in the facial bones of the head. Overall, there are two pairs of sinuses. The frontal sinuses are above the eyes in the region between the eyebrows. The maxillary sinuses are behind the nose bridge, between the cheek bones. The ethmoid sinuses are between the eyes, behind the nose bridge. Finally, the sphenoid sinuses are behind the ethmoid sinuses and the eyes.

Symptoms in Sinus Infection

Sinuses have several functions.  For example, they make incoming air warmer and help the formation of different sounds. When the sinuses flare up and last less than 4 weeks, it’s acute sinusitis. If acute sinusitis becomes persistent and symptoms last longer than three months, it’s chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis can get from a minor annoyance to a serious condition and could require surgery if not treated properly!

Sinusitis can be tricky when trying to spot the symptoms as they’re similar to a cold. Some examples include: a stuffy nose, headache and thick mucus that can range in colour. Green, yellow or blood-tinged mucus are all signs of a sinus infection. Risk factors in sinus infection are allergic rhinitis or nasal allergy (hay fever), nasal polyps, and congenital nasal abnormalities. Additionally, cystic fibrosis, asthma, smoking and compromised immunity are other risk factors.

Treatments in Sinusitis

There’s the option of taking prescription drugs such as decongestants, however, many only bring temporary relief and have unhealthy side effects. In chronic sinusitis, sometimes the only prescribed treatment is endoscopic surgery. This is when a tube (endoscope) goes into the nasal passages and small pieces of bone or tissue that block the sinuses are removed. Surgery is only an option if prescription medication or other therapies fail to provide the desired relief. However, there are long-term natural therapies that are able to greatly improve sinusitis; one of these being salt therapy.

Salt therapy is a great help to people with sinusitis as well as many other respiratory diseases. It strengthens the respiratory immunity to all kind of pathogens, keeping you healthy and energetic. Salt therapy is very easy to use – you just breathe the salty air released from a salt machine. Home salt therapy is usually done during the night when you’re asleep.

Home salt therapy offers you the long-term treatment necessary in a chronic condition. It’s  like breathing the seashore aerosol for an entire night…over and over!  Furthermore, salt aerosol fights bacteria, viruses or fungi and clears secretions, this helps reduce inflammation and IgE levels, strengthening respiratory immunity. Salt helps fluidize sticky mucus, clearing the airways. This way, you can acheive better blood oxygenation and sleep. It helps you breathe better and regain your health, without side-effects!

How Salt Therapy helps in Sinusitis

Salt therapy benefits the sinuses in a variety of ways. For starters, it clears secretions from the sinuses and the entire respiratory system, it fights pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi and reduces inflammation in your airways. Thereby, your airways will open and allow better blood oxygenation. You’ll find that you won’t rely on your medication and inhalers as much and your respiratory system will be as strong as ever! This in turn will keep other infections away, reduce hospital visits and promote better sleep and relaxation. In the end, your overall general health and quality of life will be substantial.

Read more about sinusitis here.