Nasal Wash for Sinusitis, Colds and Flu

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Good Morning!

 

Nasal Wash for Sinusitis, Colds and Flu

 

Chronic sinusitis is a special kind of sinusitis in cases that last a

long time, sometimes even after antibiotics are given. It's the most

frequently reported chronic disease. Acute sinusitis occurs when

bacteria invade the sinus cavities and impair proper drainage of

mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Investigate your sinusitis. It

could be food related, environmental, or reactions due to chemicals

or certain fragrances. Medical science believes the sinuses around

your nose act like small air-quality filter centers. It's their job

to warm, moisten, purify, and generally condition the air you breathe

before going to your lungs.

 

Entering bacteria gets trapped and filtered out by mucus and minute

nasal hairs called cilia. This air-flow system can sometimes slow

down when something impedes the cilia, if a cold clogs the sinus

openings, or if an allergen swells the sinus linings. Then air gets

trapped, pressure builds, the mucus stagnates, and bacteria breed.

Infection sets in and you have sinusitis. When you get clogged up,

you may end up with a permanent thickening of the sinus membranes and

chronic congestion.

 

Those who are cigarette smokers and people who suffer from upper

respiratory allergies are even more likely to develop bad sinus

problems.

 

There are four pairs of sinuses in the human skull that help

circulate moist air throughout the nasal passages.

 

The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to

sinusitis. Acute sinusitis typically causes symptoms of nasal

congestion and a thick yellow or green discharge. Other symptoms

include tenderness and pain over the sinuses, frontal headaches, and

sometimes chills, fever, and pressure in the area of the sinuses.

Chronic sinusitis differs slightly, in that symptoms can be milder

and may only include postnasal drip, bad breath, and an irritating

dry cough. Hay fever, environmental triggers unrelated to hay fever,

food allergens, and dental infections can also lead to sinusitis.

Humidity is the key to keeping the cilia working, the mucus flowing,

and the sinuses drained.

 

Prevention is the key!

 

Twice a day, 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. 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. Just add

4 to 6 drops to a pan of steaming water with a towel draped over your

head and inhale the vapors.

 

Applying moist heat over tender sinuses is an easy way to wash away

sinus pain. Apply a warm washcloth over your eyes and cheekbones and

leave it there until you feel the pain subside. It may take only a

few minutes.

 

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.

 

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. These can be found in most health

food stores.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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