Natural remedy for sinusitis

Sinusitis (or rhinosinusitis) isinflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses, the cavities located in the forehead (frontal sinuses), above the nose (sphenoidal and ethmoidal sinuses) and on either side of the nose (maxillary sinuses). The sinuses are cavities in the facial bones lined with mucous membrane and communicating with the nasal cavities. Sinusitis most often affects the maxillary sinuses.

Its main cause is viral (during a cold, for example), but it can also be bacterial or caused by an allergic reaction or exposure to irritating fumes (pollution, tobacco, pollen, etc.). Dental abscesses or inflammation can also be the cause.

When you have sinusitis, the mucous membranes lining your sinuses become inflamed, swollen and irritated, which can block the passage of mucus. When the mucus can no longer be transported and eliminated through the nose, it builds up in the sinuses, creating a sensation of painful congestion and allowing bacteria to spread more rapidly.

Sinusitis can be acute, recurrent (more than 3 times a year) or chronic (lasting more than 3 months). Acute sinusitis can last up to 4 weeks.

The symptoms of sinusitis are

• a feeling of pressure on the forehead and face

• nasal congestion (blocked nose)

• nasal secretions (clear or whitish/yellowish)

• headaches (aggravated when you tilt your head forward or exert yourself)

• possible pain between your eyes or behind your cheekbones

• possible fever, cough or toothache

• possible sneezing

• possible photophobia (difficulty for the eyes to tolerate light)

Of course, while you're suffering from sinusitis, get plenty of rest, keep warm and adopt a healthy lifestyle as far as possible to help you get better as quickly as possible.

To soothe your aches and pains and relieve your sinuses:

• Keep rooms damp with a humidifier or a basin of water placed near the radiator at night to prevent your mucous membranes from drying out

• Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke and pollution

• Elevate your head at night with one or two pillows

• Air your living areas regularly and don't overheat them (the ideal temperature is 19°C)

• Avoid draughts, air conditioning, etc.

• Wash your hands regularly and use disposable tissues

If your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks or worsen, consult your doctor as soon as possible. If you are taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before using natural remedies.

Steam inhalation is particularly useful for cases of sinusitis, as the water vapour it releases is introduced directly into the respiratory tract, rehydrating it and decongesting the mucous membranes, soothing inflammation, thinning mucus and making it easier to eliminate through the nose.

How do you do a steam inhalation?

It's very simple:

Stéphanie Catrysse is a naturopath (FENA-certified), a practitioner of well-being massage and lymphatic drainage and a personal development consultant. Passionate about alternative medicine, she takes a holistic approach to health.