Natural remedy for sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the lining of the sinuses. The sinuses are cavities located inside the skull, divided into four pairs: the maxillary, frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. While the maxillary sinuses are the most commonly affected, inflammation in certain locations (particularly the ethmoid or sphenoid sinuses) can lead to more widespread symptoms and may also affect other organs such as the eyes or the brain. These situations are rare, but if you experience pain, unusual symptoms or eye-related signs, consult your doctor.

Each sinus cavity communicates with the nasal cavities via a small opening. When the mucous membranes become inflamed, the tissues become irritated and swollen. This blocks the passage of mucus. If the mucus is not drained through the nose, it accumulates in the sinuses and causes that painful feeling of congestion, which is the most typical symptom of sinusitis ⁽¹⁾.

Is sinusitis contagious?

The inflammation itself is not contagious, but the virus causing sinusitis is. ENT infections are transmitted through direct contact – via saliva, droplets or hands – or indirectly via objects with contaminated surfaces.

However, it is important to note that not all cases of sinusitis are viral in origin and, in such cases, they are of course not contagious. This applies to allergic or irritant sinusitis (caused by pollution, tobacco smoke, etc.).

We are often familiar with viral sinusitis, which is very commonly associated with the common cold, for example, yet there are other causes that are more or less well known.

A viral cause

This is the main cause: it occurs during a common cold, for example. The inflammation then affects the maxillary sinus, which is the most common form of sinusitis. This can be the result of nasopharyngitis that does not clear up ⁽¹⁾.

During nasopharyngitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes can block the sinus drainage openings, leading to a build-up of mucus which then flows into the maxillary sinuses, which communicate directly with the nasal cavities.

In this case, treatment is often symptomatic. The rapid resolution of sinusitis relies on the body’s natural defence mechanisms and immune system. Regular nasal rinses will help improve your breathing comfort and provide temporary relief from symptoms⁽³⁾.

A secondary bacterial infection

Sometimes, following a viral infection, the local flora becomes unbalanced or our immune system is put under severe strain. Under these circumstances, the condition may progress to bacterial sinusitis. This is referred to as a secondary infection. If you experience a combination of several of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice promptly so that a diagnosis can be made:

• Pain beneath the eyes: it intensifies rather than subsiding, even after 48 hours of symptomatic treatment;

• A throbbing, one-sided sensation: this sensation is more pronounced at the end of the day and when you bend your head forwards;

• A runny nose: the discharge changes and becomes purulent, flowing from just one nostril.

Unlike viral sinusitis, this secondary bacterial infection is not transmitted to those around you. The bacteria involved are part of everyone’s respiratory tract flora. It is the build-up of mucus that facilitates their proliferation and allows them to take hold in an already weakened body.

A dental origin

A tooth cavity or an abscess that has not been properly treated can also cause sinusitis. The infection spreads to the maxillary sinuses, which are situated close to the tooth roots. This is a common mechanism that results in a well-recognised symptom: pain radiating towards the teeth. In this case, consult your dentist without delay.

A neglected abscess or cavity can perpetuate sinus inflammation until the source of infection is treated.

Other causes

Secondary causes can also lead to sinusitis. This is the case, for example, when our body comes into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction (pollen, dust mites, animal hair).

Or when we are exposed to irritants such as pollution or tobacco, which trigger a localised inflammatory reaction.

If you experience persistent pain or symptoms that are getting worse, see your doctor promptly for appropriate treatment.

Symptoms vary depending on which sinus is affected, but certain symptoms occur consistently.

Symptoms of maxillary sinusitis

This is one of the most common types of sinusitis.

• Nasal congestion: the nose is blocked, with a clear discharge or, depending on the stage, a thicker, purulent discharge;

• A feeling of pressure: felt beneath both eyes or across the forehead, which worsens when you tilt your head. The area is tender to the touch;

• Headaches : these are diffuse and moderate, sometimes accompanied by fever or a feeling of generalised fatigue;

• Coughing or sneezing: these are most often a result of the initial cold.

Symptoms depending on the location

Specific symptoms may appear depending on the location of the sinusitis.

• Frontal sinusitis: a throbbing pain above one eye;

• Sphenoid sinusitis: deeper headaches localised behind the eye and more intense at night;

• Ethmoid sinusitis: swelling of a single eyelid – a rare occurrence, but one that requires prompt medical attention.

Signs that should prompt you to see a doctor

In most cases, viral sinusitis will clear up within 7 to 10 days with good hygiene practices (nasal rinsing, etc.). However, in some cases, certain warning signs or complications should prompt you to see a doctor promptly or to consult them again, depending on the situation.

• A fever above 38.5 °C: accompanied by swelling of the face or an eye;

• Eye pain: whether or not accompanied by blurred vision. Seek medical advice immediately;

• Unusual headaches: sometimes accompanied by nausea;

• More severe pain: if this persists despite 48 to 72 hours of treatment, you should see your doctor again as soon as possible;

• A purulent discharge: usually on one side only; see your doctor the same day.

In all cases, you should seek medical advice if there is no improvement in your symptoms after 10 days of treatment, or if your symptoms or general condition worsen following a temporary improvement.

There is no miracle cure for sinusitis. However, alongside medical advice and provided your doctor has not advised against it, you can follow our routine to improve your respiratory comfort. A simple routine repeated throughout the day can improve your comfort during the winter months. Here are 4 steps to incorporate into your daily routine.

Here are some good habits to adopt if you have sinusitis to improve your breathing and wellbeing while you’re suffering from it.

1. Maintain the right temperature: in your living areas, air that is too dry or too hot dries out the mucous membranes. Aim for a temperature between 18°C and 20°C.

2. Ventilate your home regularly : even in winter, this helps maintain air quality by refreshing the air and limiting the concentration of germs in the room.

3. Avoid tobacco and smoke: these weaken the defences of the respiratory tract’s lining. Like pollution or excessively dry air, tobacco also reduces the mobility of the cilia that line the mucous membranes and normally help to clear secretions from the nose.

4. Sleep with your head raised: use one or two pillows; raising your head helps air to pass more easily, particularly if you have associated symptoms such as a blocked nose or a productive cough.

5. Drink regularly and avoid wrapping up too warmly: your body needs to be able to release heat. Staying hydrated helps thin out secretions.

6. Avoid water sports: avoid activities such as swimming or diving until your symptoms improve. Chlorinated water can irritate the sinuses and water pressure can exacerbate pain.

7. Limit the spread: cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, use disposable tissues, wash your hands regularly and avoid kissing a child on the face while you are ill (or anyone else with a weakened immune system).

Here are the steps to follow when carrying out a steam inhalation for sinusitis. This is not a miracle cure for sinusitis. However, it can provide immediate relief and help to moisturise the nasal mucous membranes.

1. Use hot, but not boiling, water; keep a safe distance and never bring your face close to a hot container. Stop immediately if you feel any discomfort. You can pour the water into a large bowl or an inhaler.

2. Add, as desired, 3 or 4 drops of essential oil or a blend suitable for inhalation, or you can also steep a few dried leaves of plants such as thyme, sage or eucalyptus.

3. Remove your glasses and contact lenses, close your eyes tightly, and bring your face close to the bowl or inhaler. If you are using a bowl, you can place a towel over your head to trap the steam.

4. Gently inhale the vapours rising from the bowl for 10 minutes. If you experience any discomfort, stop inhaling.

You can carry out 1 to 2 inhalations a day, but preferably in the evening. The heat from the steam dilates the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa: going out into the cold immediately after an inhalation could temporarily weaken this mucosa. It is therefore best to carry out this treatment at a time when you do not need to go outside again.

This is a physiological effect. The hot water vapour causes local vasodilation (the mucous membranes and blood vessels dilate). When you go out into the cold, the thermal shock will cause a sudden vasoconstriction of the small blood vessels and the mucous membrane, which will disrupt the mechanical defences (the cilia slow down and are less effective at clearing impurities). Between the inflammation caused by a cold and the vasodilation caused by the heat, the mucous barrier is temporarily more permeable.

Precautions: when using essential oils, refer to the package leaflet. Do not use on children, or on pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have any medical conditions, seek advice from your doctor.

When suffering from sinusitis, the immune system and our body can be put under considerable strain. It is important to eat a varied and balanced diet, rich in micronutrients that are essential for our body to function properly. This includes, for example, iron, which plays a role in oxygen transport, and zinc, which helps our immune system to function properly. If, as part of a balanced diet, you find you need dietary supplements, here is our selection to help support your immune system and vitality.

Seasonal comfort

A formula combining black cumin extract and quercetin to improve seasonal comfort and help the body cope with the discomforts of spring. If you are prone to allergy-related sinusitis, this formula—which also contains stinging nettle—helps to support the body’s defences. Black cumin supports respiratory comfort and modulates the immune response, while quercetin helps reduce feelings of discomfort during pollen-sensitive periods.

Recommended use: take 4 capsules a day, swallowed with a large glass of water. The dose may be divided or taken all at once.

Precautions: for adults only. Not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not recommended in cases of heart failure or oedematous kidney failure. If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor.

Discover our Seasonal Comfort – 120 capsules – Food supplement

Organic Propolis Extract

A treasure from the hive, propolis is ideal for prevention as winter approaches, during seasonal changes, or as a way to support the immune system.

Recommended use: take one 1mL pipetteful directly into the mouth or diluted in a glass of water or a teaspoon of honey.

Precautions: Not recommended for people allergic to bee products, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 6 years of age without medical advice. Do not use for more than 3 weeks without medical advice.

Discover our Organic Propolis Extract – 20 ml – Food supplement

Vegan Vitamin D3

It is recommended for supporting the immune system. Also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, it helps the body fight off winter viruses.

Recommended use: the dosage varies depending on the situation. For adults, take 2 to 5 drops per day. Please refer to the package leaflet for other situations (children, pregnant women, the elderly).

Precautions: Do not use in children under 3 years of age; seek medical advice for children over this age. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also seek confirmation from their doctor.

Discover our Vegan Vitamin D3 – 10ml – Food supplement

Zinc

Known for its role in supporting the immune system, zinc supports our body in several ways. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it protects our cells against oxidative stress, contributes to normal protein and DNA synthesis, and supports the normal functioning of the immune system.

Recommended use: 1 capsule per day, to be taken with a glass of water.

Precautions: For adults only. Not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Use should be limited to a few weeks or months. Beyond this period, seek your doctor’s advice.

Discover our Zinc Bisglycinate – 120 tablets – Food supplement

These dietary supplements should be used as part of a varied and balanced diet. They form part of a wider approach and treatment regimens designed to support your immune system. If your symptoms worsen, consult your doctor promptly.

Dietary supplements must be used in accordance with the instructions provided for each product. If in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Essential oils are powerful natural concentrates. Please refer carefully to the intended uses and precautions for use set out on each product information sheet. Store them in a suitable glass bottle, away from light and air. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or on children under 6 years of age. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Please consult the general safety information sheet for essential oils as well as the specific information sheet for each essential oil.

There is no miracle cure for sinusitis, only simple steps you can take which, when repeated regularly, will help improve your breathing comfort while you have sinusitis. You can, however, boost your immune system with a varied and balanced diet. Make sure to include plenty of fruit such as kiwis, or fish such as salmon, which is rich in omega-3 and vitamin D. Here’s an article offering ideas on choosing foods to support your immune system. Don’t neglect your sleep and make sure you get regular exercise in the fresh air, such as walking, for example.

Guillaume is a pharmacy technician specialising in dermocosmetics. With over ten years’ experience in the pharmacy sector, he now helps health and cosmetics brands to write blog articles. Having studied naturopathy, he appears on podcasts to demystify health and cosmetics for the general public.