Sinusitis-Sinus Infections

Sinus infections generally represent in the body as symptoms of sinusitis. Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the internal membranes lining the paranasal sinuses— which are small air-filled spaces positioned in the bones of the head just around the nose. Sinusitis can be usually caused by an infection or other health problem, and symptoms generally include facial pain and nasal discharge.

There are generally two types of sinusitis-

• Acute sinusitis – this usually lasts up to 4 weeks
• Chronic sinusitis – this lasts for more than 12 weeks and can continue for months or years

As per Ayurveda, Sinusitis can be correlated with the condition called as Peenasa. It is a Vata-Kapha dominant disease. There is avarodhatmak samprapti (causes obstruction) in the disease.

The causes of sinusitis are the repeated common colds, any bacterial infections, air borne allergies, asthma, and other health conditions.

While most people with sinusitis may have facial pain or tenderness in several places, their symptoms will not point out which sinuses are inflamed.

Sinusitis causes pain because the trapped air in the sinus and mucus together put pressure on the membranes of the sinuses and the bony wall surrounding them. Additionally, the swollen membrane at the opening of a sinus prevents air from entering into the sinuses, thus creating a vacuum that causes pain.

Often, sinusitis will result in thick nasal secretions (either white, yellowish, greenish, or blood-tinged). And sometimes they may drain in the back of the throat – called as post-nasal drainage/drip.

Some other less common symptoms of sinusitis are

• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Decreased sense of smell
• Cough that worsens at night
• Sore throat
• Foul breath
• Fever

Basic ayurvedic treatment for sinusitis is directed towards shodhana (Expulsion of toxins) of Pranavaha Strotasa (Respiratory system).2 In addition to that, a combination of ahar or diet, vihar or lifestyle changes, and medicines or aushadhi helps manage the condition effectively.

• Ayurveda advises avoidance of Kapha aggravating foods and activities – Cold food, drinks and places, foods which are oily, sweet, sour and salty in taste, heavy to digest foods, etc
• Take seasonal fruits like pomegranate, orange, sweet orange, papaya, apple, pears etc
• Avoid milk, sugar, coffee, fried products, refrigerated products, sweets, oily products, dishes prepared with flour, fast food, carbonated drinks, cigarette, chocolates, white flour, liquor, meat, bread, junks etc
• Garlic and onion as a part of diet
• Follow Vata-Kaphapacifying diet. They are responsible for accumulation / stagnation of morbidity in the body (sinuses in this case).
• Eat foods that are neither too hot nor too cold.

• Avoid cold water shower or bath, especially head bath, day sleep, excessive sleep, sedentary life.
• Stay away from Cigarette or tobacco smoke
• Protect self from air pollutants using a paper/cloth mask etc.