A sinus infection (more commonly known as sinusitis) is an inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. It can be categorized as acute or chronic.
The sinuses are four major pairs of cavities in the human skull. They are air-filled, hollow and they help insulate the skull and reduce its weight, as well as allow the resonance of voice within it, among others. The four major sinus pairs are the frontal sinuses (found in the forehead), the maxillary sinuses (found behind your cheek bones), the ethmoid sinuses (found between your eyes) and the sphenoid sinuses (found behind the eyes).
Sinus infections occur when bacteria enters any of the sinuses due to the disruption of the normal host defenses inside the sinuses. When this happens, the sinus linings become inflamed, thickening with fluid that obstructs the nasal passage. The obstruction, in turn, disrupts the normal process that removes whatever bacteria are normally present in the nasal passage. When these bacteria begin to multiply and invade the sinus linings, you get the normal symptoms of a sinus infection.
While you can have your sinus infection treated by a doctor, there are several self-medications you can do to alleviate your condition.
Treat the infection with zinc. A lot of sinus infections are set off by viral infections. Studies indicate that zinc may have important effects on the human body's immune system, and it may also directly have an effect on viruses. A recent study on a nasal gel that contains zinc glutamate has shown that it has shortened the severity and duration of the cold by about two days. It has been said that zinc supports the antiseptic agents and directly kills the microbes. Zinc also contains the growth of rhinoviruses (those responsible for colds and sinusitis) to take hold in the body by binding to the same cell receptor sites as the rhinovirus.
However, care must be taken not to overdose on zinc. Long-term use of it (daily doses of 100 mg and up) has been linked to anemia, heart problems and other conditions. Zinc side effects also include:
* constipation
* nausea
* severe vomiting
* dry mouth
* dehydration
* allergic response
Zinc may also reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics and, in high doses over a long period of time, it can cause copper deficiency.
Thin the mucus via expectorants. Expectorants are medicines that help clear the mucus in your respiratory tracts. When looking for what expectorants to use, make sure you use the one that contain guaifenesin, like Robitussin. Expectorants help thin the mucus secretions, promoting drainage from the sinuses. Decongestants containing pseudoepherdine also help in thinning out the mucus.
For relieving the pain that comes with sinus infections, medicines that contain ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin are effective ways to reduce pain as well as swelling. Reducing the swelling can help open the airways, giving you relief from clogged breathing.
Reduce the inflammation by using nasal decongestants. The good thing about nasal decongestants is that they take effect immediately by going directly to the source of the inflammation. Over the counter nasal sprays like Afrin and Otrivin work the fastest - about one to three minutes. It should be noted, however, that you should not use these agents for more than a couple of days, since they become less effective and, in due time, more frequent applications are needed in order to achieve the same clarity in breathing as the first dosage. The result is that some people end up overdoing their nasal treatment and soon become dependent on nasal sprays in order to breathe properly.
Also, nasal (and oral) decongestants have side effects including increased heart rate, rise in blood pressure, insomnia, dry mouth, blurry vision and headache. Sometimes, they also cause urination ability problems. It is recommended, therefore, that people with a history of heart and cardiac disease should consult a doctor before using decongestants.
Begin steam treatments and promote drainage. Steam treatment involves inhaling steam two to four times per day to clear your body of phlegm or mucus. Lean over a bowl of boiling hot water with a towel over your head to capture the steam. You can also use a steam vaporizer. Inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Repeat this procedure until your phlegm becomes clear or white. You can also take a hot shower and stay in the shower for a couple more minutes while inhaling the steam. For a more effective steam treatment, adding mentholated preparations like Vicks to the water is advisable.
Promote drainage by sleeping with your head elevated above the rest of your body (6 inches should be enough). Doing so will allow your sinus to drain more than if you lie on your stomach. It will also relieve the pressure of your sinus infection.
Drink plenty of fluids that contain the necessary vitamins and minerals. Your body needs the necessary vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system and fight off the infection in your sinuses. Fluids also sustain your body's hydration as well as build the amino acids needed for your immune system to function properly.
There are instances where the treatments mentioned above will still not work on chronic sinusitis. In cases like this, it may be that a complication has developed in addition to the sinus infection. Often, sinus surgery is recommended. The goal of the surgery is to remove the obtrusive mucosal disease, open the nasal passageway and drain the sinuses.
Sinusitis shouldn't normally pose much of a danger. As long as you get adequate rest, medication and a healthy diet full of vitamins and fluids, you should be able to ride out the condition until it blows over, without any complications at all.
