Traditional treatment focuses on nasal irrigation and decongestion of the nasal
cavities along with antibiotics and in some cases, surgery is also performed. In homeopathy, potentized doses
of plant extracts, minerals, and other natural substances are given as medicines in order to aid the body's own defenses to fight the condition and improve the immunity of the patient.
Homeopathy does not try to suppress the symptoms of sinusitis. It rather uses the principle of similia similibus curantur to conquer the disease. Since the symptoms
of a disease are the body's response to an infection or a condition, homeopathy gives medicines that mimic these symptoms. This is found to have a great healing power wherein
it strengthens the immunity system of the body and assists natural healing.
Sinusitis is treatable and homeopathy does a very good job of it without the use of antibiotics, steroids, or surgery.
In a recent study, it was found that one in eight Indians has chronic sinusitis. Also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, sinusitis interferes with the drainage in the
nasal cavities and causes mucus to build up. The nasal passages and the cavities become swollen and inflamed.
Its incidence is quite high in India due to the levels of pollution and the unhealthy lifestyles of the citizens. Its prevalence in the rural areas is also high in the
form of fungal rhinosinusitis. It has become a common public health concern and is attributed to the particulate impurities in the air including pollutants, allergens, and germs.
The sinuses are air filled cavities and are present around the face. Anatomy of the sinuses:
- Maxillary sinus
- Ethmoid sinus
- Frontal Sinus
- Sphenoid Sinus
With the presence of other structures like the tear ducts, Eustachian tubes, and adenoids, the sinuses are located in a crowded complex. With the life giving air that we
breathe passing through the nasal complex, the nasal complex is susceptible to infections, allergies and diseases that are air borne. This leads to various types of sinusitis.
Types of sinusitis
- Acute Sinusitis
- Subacute sinusitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Recurrent sinusitis
Anyone is prone to sinusitis and this can even lead to a deviated septum in some cases. While acute sinusitis lasts for around four weeks and is caused due to cold and infections,
chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks and is most likely caused due to nasal polyps. Subacute sinusitis lasts for around eight weeks and has similar symptoms as that of acute sinusitis.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
- Blocked nose
- Pressure sensation on the face
- Nasal discharge
- Congestion in the face
- Accumulation of pus in the nasal cavities
Diagnosis
Often, sinusitis is diagnosed by reviewing the medical history of the patient and by a physical examination. To ascertain the presence of a deviated septum, X-rays, CT scan and an MRI may be suggested by a doctor.
Doctors look for redness and pus in nasal passages and prescribe treatment. If the patient does not respond to the treatment, then X-ray, CT scan and MRI are prescribed.
