SELF
Chronic Sinusitis: Beyond the Decongestants Ashley Burkman, ND
or those who suffer from chronic sinus inflammation, it can become life alter- ing. Headaches, postnasal drip and si- nus pressure are just some of the symptoms that chronic sinusitis sufferers report as their norm. With chronic sinusitis being one of the top chief complaints of patients present- ing in doctors’ offices, it is worthwhile to investigate further the reasons for chronic sinus inflammation and available treatment options.
F
Classifications and Symptoms Sinusitis is classified by the frequency
and duration of occurrence. Acute sinusitis being classified as an infection that lasts up to four weeks, usually occurring after a viral upper respiratory tract infection, however, bacteria and fungus can also settle into the sinus cavity, creating symptoms of an acute sinus infection including: • Nasal discharge or post nasal drainage of thick yellow/green mucous • Obstruction of nasal passages • Pain and swelling around eyes • Reduction of smell and taste • Headache • Fever
Acute sinus infections that occur up
to 4 times a year are classified as recurrent acute sinusitis, while sub-acute sinus is clas- sified as sinus infections that last between four weeks up to three months, really stand- ing as the middle ground between acute and chronic sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis is classified as sinus symptoms that do not completely resolve, with acute exacerbations of symptoms sev- eral times a year. Symptoms can be similar to acute sinusitis including: • Chronic headaches, located around eyes and cheeks
• Pain in upper jaw and teeth • Nasal congestion leading to lack of smell and taste • Dizziness • Post nasal drip • Sore throat
• Chronic clearing of throat
Antibiotics, nasal decongestants, anti- histamines and steroid nasal sprays are all among the common treatments for acute sinusitis and acute exacerbations of chronic sinusitis. When it comes to chronic sinus
inflammation, treating the symptoms with a band-aid or suppressive therapies may not bring about true resolution of symptoms. The following are a few of the under investigated causes for chronic sinusitis.
Allergies Allergies are a common culprit when it
comes to chronic sinus congestion. When the body comes in contact with
what it considers an invader, a specialized white blood cell, the mast cell, will release histamine. Histamine is a well-known va- sodilator which increases blood flow to the specific area. The reason for this is to bring other white blood cells to the area to engulf bacteria and clear infectious material and debris.
Normally, this system helps to prevent
foreign invaders from taking hold in our sys- tem, however, when mast cells are continu- ally releasing histamine when coming into contact with non-noxious stimuli like tree pollen, nuts, or grasses for example. This will result in chronic swelling and inflam- mation of the sinus tissues. Pinpointing allergic triggers, avoidance of allergens and using natural mast cell stabilizers including vitamin c, quercetin and bromelain, are all part of managing allergic causes of chronic sinusitis.
Hormone Imbalances
Mucous lined passages, including the sinuses, contain estrogen receptors. Estrogen receptors, like the name implies, bind to es- trogen to become activated. When estrogen binds to receptors on mucous membranes, blood flow increases to the area leading to swelling of tissues. Pregnant women can feel this vasodilating effect of estrogen in the form of nasal congestion and post nasal drip in addition to creating the “pregnancy glow” when superficial blood vessels in the face dilate. With the connection between estrogen-induced vasodilatation, testing for hormone imbalances can be worthwhile in the treatment of chronic sinusitis.
26 Natural Nutmeg April 2013
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