How to overcome sinusitis

By Mohamad Ali

Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the mucous membrane that line the sinus cavities of the paranasal sinuses and it can be due to bacterial, viral, fungal or allergic reactions. Sinusitis can interfere with normal sinus drainage and causes increased mucus production. It can be chronic or acute (lasting three weeks or less and happening no more than three times per year).It is very common in adults but it rarely occur in children below the age of 5.

Symptoms of sinusitis may include pain and pressure in the face, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose, nasal congestion, and sometimes a fever, a chronic cough that produces mucus, and a reduced sense of taste or smell. Symptoms of this condition, like all types of fungal sinusitis, can be similar to bacterial sinusitis. On examination of the nose, mold spores and areas of dying tissue can be seen.

Sinusitis is often confused with rhinitis, a term used for the symptoms that accompany nasal inflammation and irritation. The incidence of sinusitis has increased dramatically with the increasing incidence of asthma, allergies, and other upper respiratory tract infections.

To reduce and gradually overcome sinusitis, you have to take the following steps:

1. Refrain from consuming excess starches and dairy products as these will cause an increase in mucus production and favors tissue congestion.

2. Start a 3-5 day mucus cleansing diet consisting of mainly fruits and vegetables (fresh fruit, fruit juice, fresh vegetable juice, raw salads with onions).

3. Avoid all irritants including alcohol, coffee, tea, strong spices, salt, sugar, and smoking.

4. Add in the following supplements:

A multi vitamins and minerals tablet once daily
Garlic, 2 capsules 3 times daily
Digestive enzymes containing papain and bromelain. These are mucolytics.
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids 2000 gm daily
Zinc tablet: 25-50mg, twice daily.