The use of relevant antibiotics may be necessity in the treatment of some cases of sinusitis - particularly those that are caused by a bacterial infection. The first symptom of a bacterial infection is usually the exudation of yellowish green mucus. The use of these antibiotics especially in the treatment of individuals with sinusitis may not necessarily be the best option as even the current thought in conventional medicine questions the universal application of such medications in the treatment of all bacterial infections - chronics sinusitis cases for example, may not be due to bacterial infection.
The prevention of future sinusitis infections are also not guaranteed by the use of these antibiotics - even when they lead to the treatment of a current sinus infection in an individual. Acute sinus infections can be cleared off by the use of many of the herbal and mineral supplements given here - these alternative medications can be used in combination with the antibiotic medications.
The use of these highly recommended essential vitamins and herbal remedies will be of particularly value to treat individuals who tend to have recurring bouts of sinusitis. Side effects of commonly used medicines like a dry mouth, produced by many of the conventional decongestants and other conventional prescription medicines prescribed for the treatment of sinusitis are not induced by the use of these supplements and herbal remedies.
The strengthening of the body's defenses is one of the best options in successfully preventing and treating sinusitis in individuals affected by the condition - the strengthening of the condition is also an excellent remedy in the fight against pathogenic germs and bacterial infections of all kinds.
Individuals must begin the supplemental treatment with a good choice of the immune-boosting herbs such as the Echinacea herb, the astragalus, the cat's claw, the reishi or maitake mushrooms - these herbal supplements must be used regularly to promote strength in the immune system. The infection present during an acute sinus attack can be cleared away by taking just one of these herbs for as long as required.
In individuals suffering from the chronic form of sinusitis, the herbal remedies are best used by alternating each herb in two-week rotations - such a regimen will successfully build the body and help in maintaining the proper functioning of the immune system aside from guaranteeing future immunity against recurring attacks of sinusitis.
The immune system is also strengthened by using supplements of the vitamin C along with the natural compounds known as the flavonoids, the use of these supplements will offer additional benefits to individuals in whom the occurrence of allergy attacks easily progress into full-blown cases of acute or chronic sinusitis.
The actions of both of these nutrient substances can help limit the effect of the compound histamine-this compound is an inflammatory substance which is normally synthesized by the cells within the human body in response to the presence of pollen or other allergens inside the body.
It is also suggested that patients take regular supplements of the natural herbal decongestant ephedra - Chinese medical name -Ma huang. This herbal remedy will widen the width of the blood vessels serving the respiratory tract of the individual, this property of the herb acts in bringing about relief from attendant congestion and swelling along the sinuses.
The use of this herbal remedy is suggested only for those cases of sinusitis which prove persistent and resistant to the effects of other kinds of treatments. The herb must be used to treat only strong or acute cases of sinusitis as it possesses some side effects - including an ability to induce nervousness in the patient, side effects can also include trembling of the body, it can induce insomnia, and cause heart palpitations when used in the long term.
Commonly used essential oils for sinusitis:
The best precaution against sinusitis is to quit smoking and to avoid cigarette smoke or places that may expose to excessive dust in the air. It is very important to ensure that you do not become dehydrated during an attack of sinusitis and make sure that you drink plenty of fluids and water daily.
Whenever you find yourself staying indoors, try to increase the water content of the room by the use of an appropriate humidifier or by using a cool-mist vaporizer at all times of the day and night. To help open up the sinuses on the face, carefully place some warm compresses on the face for sometime each day - this will serve as a direct topical treatment against the sinusitis.
A mechanical device known as a sinus irrigator, which can be brought easily in many health-food stores and pharmacies, can be used - this device utilizes saltwater to flush out the excess mucus accumulated in the sinuses on the face.
Astragalus, 200 mg two times daily between meals.
Ephedra, 130 mg thrice daily. Ephedra can cause insomnia. Do not take ephedra if you have anxiety, high blood pressure, or heart disease, or take an MAO inhibitor.
Cat's claw, 250 mg two times daily. Take between food. If you are pregnant, do not use it.
Echinacea, 200mg four times daily.
Vitamin C / Flavonoids, 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 500 mg of flavonoids thrice daily. If diarrhea develops, reduce the dose of vitamin C.
Reishi / Maitake mushrooms, 500 mg reishi and/or 200 mg maitake mushrooms thrice daily. If you are on anticoagulants, avoid reishi mushrooms.
See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies
Children affected by sinusitis can be treated using a combination herbal tea containing a tablespoon of the fenugreek herb, a tablespoon of the thyme, a single tablespoon of the rose hip, and finally half a tablespoon of the licorice herb as a sweetener and active ingredient. The congestion in the sinuses and the nasal passages are relieved and cleared away by the action of the fenugreek and thyme herbs.
The high vitamin C content of the rose hips herbs is excellent for the treatment of this condition. The licorice herb is to sweeten the otherwise tasteless tea for children. Children with sinus problems can be give one dose of this herbal tea, two times every day, and its use is especially suggested during the acute phase of the sinusitis infection - this herbal tea is one of the best ways to beat back sinusitis in children.
Attention: the licorice herb must not be added to the herbal tea if the child with sinusitis also suffers from high blood pressure.
A topical herbal remedy can also be given to children affected by sinusitis, this usually consists of an herbal vapor inhalation treatment prepared by mixing together four to five drops of the herbal oils of rosemary or eucalyptus herbs in a sink filled to the top with water, a large pot of water can also be used for the water.
Infections in the sinuses and the nasal passages are cleared away by the Echinacea and goldenseal herbs, these helpful herbs have the ability to stimulate the immune system and enable the body to deal effectively with any infection within the sinuses. The bactericidal effects of these helpful herbs enable the rapid clearing of infection and their actions also soothe the irritated and inflamed mucous membranes within the nasal passages.
Children with sinusitis must be given a single dose of the combination Echinacea and goldenseal herbal formula, once every two hours, and whenever the physical symptoms - which may include persistent fever and pain in the sinuses - become acute, the dosages can be repeated for a total dose of six during the entire treatment period. Children can also be given doses following the resolution of the acute phase of sinusitis; children can be given a single dose, thrice every day, for a treatment regimen lasting up to ten days at a time.
Attention: children must not be given doses of the Echinacea herb daily for more than ten days at a stretch; this is because the effectiveness of the herb tends to wane if doses are repeated, regularly beyond this time period.
The infection induced by sinusitis can also be treated using the common garlic; this herb has excellent antibacterial properties and helps in beating back the infective pathogens present in the sinuses. For children, may be a better option to use the odorless capsule variety, these capsules can be given to the affected child, and the dosage must be undertaken according to the directions for dose given on the product label, dosages can be repeated for up to ten days at a time using this treatment alone.
The infection along the respiratory passages can be cleared away by taking Menthol lozenges, such lozenges are also preferred by children. The chemical compound menthol is the purified and refined form of herbal peppermint oil, which is made up primarily of this chemical. It is suggested that the unsweetened menthol lozenges be used during the treatment of the affected child. Children with sinusitis can be given a single lozenge every hour, to a total of three or four lozenges any given day of the treatment, and the dosage can be repeated as and when necessary.
For your information: allow for an interval of at least one hour, when giving children menthol lozenges while treatment is also being done with the homeopathic preparations. This is to prevent the very strong smell of the lozenges from interfering with the effectiveness and total action of the homeopathic remedy being used.
The immune system stimulating ability of shiitake mushrooms is also an excellent way to beat back sinusitis in children. Children above twelve years of age can be given one capsule, thrice daily, for a treatment period lasting one week and following full recovery from the acute infection phase of sinusitis.
Commercially sold "mucus solvent" Alkalol can also be used during the treatment of the sinusitis, this compound is made from saltwater in combination with different herbal aromatic oils. The action of this compound is very soothing to the irritated sinus membranes and aids in the rapid clearing of any infection present in the sinuses. This compound can be diluted using an equal amount of water and this diluted solution can be used to gently flush the sinuses of the affected child - this treatment can be repeated three or four times every day as long as necessary.
