100 Ways to Treat & Prevent for Sinusitis

Almost 100 Ways to Treat & Prevent for Sinusitis - Although some will seem unconventional; each has its proponents, and only some are physician recommended. ...a reference list, and anyone pursuing new treatments should follow the 1st idea below:

1. Consult your doctor.
2. Rest and relaxation.
3. Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day.
4. Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.
5. Be more gentle when blowing your nose.
6. Stay away from sick people to prevent illness in the first place.
7. Wash hands diligently and frequently to kill germs that can lead to colds.
8. Inhale steam 2 - 4 times per day (for example, sitting in the bathroom with the shower running).
9. Spray with nasal saline several times per day.
10. Use humidifiers at home and work.
11. Improve ciliary activity by warming with chicken soup or tea.
12. Clear mucus and warm cilia to improve functionality with warm water sinus irrigators.
13. Use mentholated preparations, such as Vicks Vapo-Rub.
14. Use over-the-counter spray nasal decongestants. They may help at first, but using them beyond 3 - 5 days can actually worsen nasal congestion. The generic: Oxymetazoline. The brands: Afrin, Afrin Nasal Sinus, Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duramist Plus, Dristan Nasal Spray, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla, NRS Nasal, NTZ Long Acting Nasal, Oxyfrin, Oxymeta-12, Sinarest Nasal, Sinex Long-Acting, Twice-A-Day.
15. Use pseudoephedrine (Brand name: Sudafed) which is an oral decongestant. It usually requires identification at a pharmacy due to its use in making methamphetamines.
16. Take phenylephrine (Brand name: Sudafed PE) an oral decongestant that is more easily available than pseudoephedrine.
17. Avoid flying when you are congested.
18. Where a mask while flying to avoid other fliers illnesses.
19. Use nasal saline lotions inside your nose when flying.
20. Avoid temperature extremes and sudden changes in temperature.
21. Do not bend forward with your head down to avoid congestion.
22. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce swelling or pain.
23. Use antibiotics for acute sinusitis.
24. Receive allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help prevent the sinus disturbances in the first place.
25. Avoid as many allergy triggers as possible by creating a more sterile environment.
26. Consider nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamines to decrease swelling, especially if there are swollen structures (such as nasal polyps) or allergies. Some relevant brand names include: mometasone Nasal Spray (Nasonex), fluticasone Nasal Inhalation (Flonase and Veramyst), beclomethasone Nasal Inhalation (Beconase AQ), triamcinolone Nasal Spray (Nasacort AQ), budesonide Nasal Inhaler (Rhinocort Aqua), flunisolide Nasal Inhalation (Nasarel), ciclesonide (Omnaris).
27. Treat a runny nose with Atrovent (ipratropium nasal inhaler 0.03% and 0.06%). This medication reduces the secretion of the nasal glands.
28. Treat thick secretions with Guaifenesin (eg Mucinex®).
29. Suck on zinc lozenges. Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral. Claims have been made about its effectiveness in reducing the duration of symptoms.
30. Some people with chronic sinusitis may need special medicines to treat fungal infections.
31. Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may be necessary, especially in patients whose inflammation returns, despite medical treatment. An ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) can perform this surgery.
32. Stand in a shower hot enough to fog up the mirror. Or lean over a pan full of steaming water with a towel draped over your head, creating a steam tent. Inhale the vapors as they waft up toward your nostrils.
33. Eucalyptus oil is often used in a steam inhalation to help clear nasal and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil works similarly to that of menthol by acting on receptors in the nasal mucosa, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of nasal congestion.
34. Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt or sea salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side.
35. Try an Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the same manner with a Netti Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but with a longer, narrower spout for the nostrils.
36. To clear excess mucus from the sinus, combine the juice from the horseradish root with the juice of 3 lemons. Take a 1/2 teaspoon between meals for several months until the mucus in the sinus clears.
37. Some people recommend bromelain, a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is primarily produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan. Local swelling is the releasing of histimines in a localized area causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels.
38. Some use cayenne peppers because they contain Capsaicin, a substance that can stimulate the nerve fibers and may act as a natural nasal decongestant.
39. Natural foods stores sell elderflower for catarrh and sinusitis.
40. Garlic has a chemical similar to that found in a drug given to make mucus less sticky. It may also help with immunity.
41. Horseradish has been mentioned for its properties that may dissolve mucus when eaten.
42. Horseradish tinctures are also used instead of the food variety.
43. Stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) has been said to relieve hay fever symptoms in some people.
44. Wood betony is used in traditional European herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy for those with sinusitis.
45. Some people use BreathEasy which is an herbal tincture combination of Lobelia, Pleurisy, Marshmallow, Mullien, Coltsfoot and Licorice.
46. Some people use Colds & Flu which is a tincture combining Echinacea, Goldenseal and Cayenne.
47. Some people use Echinacea & Goldenseal which is a combination of Echinacea & Goldenseal.
48. A few people have recommended Headache Support which combines White Willow Bark, Feverfew, Chamomille, Pepermint, Scullcap, Catnip and Fenugreek.
49. Another herbal tincture is Immunity which is a combination of Astragalus, Pau D'Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw and Kelp.
50. An herbal tincture that implies protection from illness is called Infection, and it combines Echinacea, Yarrow, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Black Walnut, Marshmallow, Plantain and Cayenne.
51. Allergy Tea is used as to clear up allergy symptoms and relieve asthma related problems. It claims to reduce congestion and open sinuses. It contains Mullen, Echinacea, Burdock, Nettle, Licorice, Fo-To, and Astragalus.
52. Breath of Life Tea is a tea that claims to help with deep congestion and tightness in the chest and upper respiratory region. It includes Feenugreek, Slippery Elm, Wild Cherry, White Pine, Licorice, Astragalus, Ginger, Orange Peel, Oska and Pleurisy.
53. Cough and Cold Tea is a blend that is supposed to nourish the body during cold and flu season. It contains Echinacea Purpurea, Echinacea Angustiotia, Mullen, Catnip, Goldenseal Leaf, Parsley, Fo-Ti, Comfrey, Spearmint and Uta Seed.
54. Immune Builder Tea is supposed to build the immune system using Astrugalus, Echinacea, Hawthorne, Peppermint and Spearmint.
55. Stop Smoking Tea is supposed to reduce cravings for nicotine. It is made of Spearmint, Lobelia, Kudzu, St. John's Wort, Peppermint, Marshmallow Root, Mullen, Licorice Root, Stevia, Clove, Eucalyptus and Orange Peel.
56. Aromatherapy can clear sinusitis by combating infection, opening up nasal passages, reducing congestion and relieving pain.
57. Some people believe that eucalyptus fights bacterial and viral infections.
58. Using a Ginger aroma is said to stimulate the immune system, reduce the drainage of a runny nose and help with respiratory infection.
59. Lavender scents are claimed to clear congestion, stuffiness and soothe respiratory disorders.
60. Marjoram is said to ease respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and sinusitis.
61. Peppermint can be used to clear sinuses and improves breathing.
62. A strong pine scent has been said to encourage the release of mucus; making it easier to breathe.
63. Rosemary has been used to expel phlegm.
64. Tea Tree is a cousin to eucalyptus that is often said to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi.
65. Thyme aromas are said to improve immunity by boosting the production of white blood cells.
66. Pantothenic Acid supplements are believed to help with allergic rhinitis, a significant predisposing factor for sinusitis.
67. Quite a few people use Vitamin C in an effort to reduce histamine levels.
68. Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, has been reported to relieve symptoms of acute sinusitis.
69. Many people try to eliminate milk and milk products from the diet, and report sinus improvements.
70. Do not smoke. Do not spend time around smokers or in smoky environments.
71. Belladonna is an herbal remedy that has been mentioned as helpful for those whose head feels full, as if it could burst. Before the Middle Ages, it was used as an anesthetic for surgery.
72. Kali bichromicum has been mentioned by people dealing with thick, stringy nasal discharge as a homeopathic remedy.
73. Mercurius has been mentioned as a mineral-based remedy when a patient felt his head was in a vise.
74. Homeopathic pulsatilla was indicated for sinus complaints with excess mucous, often yellow or yellow-green mucous that is worse in the morning.
75. A few people with head maladies, such as migraines, general headaches, and sinus infections, used spigelia anthelmia to reduce issues.
76. Exercise may bring relief because it releases adrenaline, which constricts the blood vessels, thereby possibly reducing swelling in the sinuses. A brisk walk with deep inhaling can even work.
77. Traditional Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners.
78. Acupuncture is often used as a therapy for sinusitis. An acupuncturists shared its support to the underlying energetic spheres affected by your sinusitis, helping to resolve the cause or effects of your sinus pain and pressure. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the pressure and blockage experienced by you.
79. Acupuncture - Bitong: Located on each side of the nose, at the bottom edge of the nasal bones.
80. Acupuncture - Yingxiang (LI 20): Located in the groove on each side of the nostrils, at the widest point of the nostrils.
81. Acupuncture - Hegu (LI-4): Located at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand when the thumb and index finger are close together.
82. Many people will avoid certain foods which produce phlegm, such as cheese, ice cream, milk, butter, and fried foods.
83. Massage Therapy has been discussed as a holistic procedure that affects all systems of the body; digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems.
84. Hot Stone Massage Therapy has been recommended as an ancient Ayurvedic therapy with river bed stones which draw out stress, tension and impurities from the body.
85. Reduce irritants from those around you: Stress from a relationship with a loved one or family member can set off your sinusitis.
86. “Speak your peace.” Express what is on your mind. If not verbally, write it out. Holding in emotion can cause stress that generates congestion.
87. Learn to breathe deeply and fully. Your breath is your connection to relaxation and inner peace.
88. Some people chose a relaxation affirmation, such as “I declare harmony surround me at all times!”
89. You can’t always get all of the time you’d like with medical professionals; sharing your own experiences often helps others and yourself.
90. Yoga poses can be good alternatives to "traditional" health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through its healing process.
91. Some sinus sufferers mentioned specific yoga poses including: Child's Pose, Cat, Head to Knee, Knee to Chest, Laying Down Twist, Standing and Seated Forward Bends and Standing Back Bends.
92. Some people described specific exercises for relaxing congestion: Sit up, with your back straight in any position. Place your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise. Exhale completely through your mouth. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. Try to do this breathing exercise at least twice a day. You can repeat the whole sequence as often as you wish, but don't do it more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice.
93. Deep Diaphragm Breathing - Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That's it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breathe deep.
94. Meditation Therapy - Meditation is a time-honored technique that can take you into infinite dimensions of consciousness. One major principle to meditation is in the ability to completely quiet your mind. Quieting the mind comes as a result of meditating over a long period of time, but any time you are looking within, you are meditating.
95. It has been said that Color Therapy can help physical symptoms. Color inteacts with the human energy system to stablize physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions. Purple, Indigo and Violet - Are all associated with the upper Chakra, which are centered in the head. They may influence the pituitary and cerebral cortex and have shown to be helpful with sinusitis in this combination of colored light.
96. Music/Sound Therapy - Vibrational medicine, which validates that everything in the universe is in a state of vibration and the frequency at which an object or person most naturally vibrates is called resonance. The chakras, bones, and organs in the body all possess a different resonant frequency. When an organ or part of the body is vibrating out of tune or nonharmoniously, it is called "dis ease" or disease.
97. Metaphysical Remedies - The power of your mind and your belief system could have something to do with your condition, the speed and the way that you heal. Energy follows thought; program thoughts to be positive and your energy will reflect it.