Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of sinuses. Sinuses are the air-filled pockets or spaces found in the bones of face, around eyes and nose. They produce mucus, which, under normal circumstances, drains into the nose. Normally the sinuses produce about 1.5 litres of mucus a day and the quantity increases during allergy, inflammation and infection and this also changes the character of the mucus. Infection of sinuses is one of the common health care complaints in the world.

Sinusitis occurs when the mucus-producing lining of sinuses become inflamed and block the opening of the sinuses. Due to this, foreign material cannot get out, oxygen levels drop within the sinus and bacteria in the nasal cavity slither into the sinuses causing the sinus walls to swell and fill with pus. If the infection does not subside, the body sends in disease-fighting cells to kill the bacteria, which in turn can do considerable damage to the sinus walls. These defender cells can damage the cilia, the hair-like structure in the sinuses that help expel foreign matter. In addition, scarring can be caused which can result in the formation of sores.

• Infection due to bacteria, virus, fungi
• Allergy: Most commonest causes are dust, animal dander, smoke, food and pollutants
• Upper respiratory tract infection such as common cold or flu
• Nasal polyps
• Nasal Septum deviation
• Chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis
• Hay fever
• Climatic factors like sudden temperature changes
• Swimming in infected water
• Travelling by aeroplane during upper respiration infection
• Low immunity
• Injury to nasal bones
• Dental causes like an abscessed or badly decayed tooth, following dental treatment
• Inhaling foreign bodies
• Diseases like diabetes and HIV can create a predisposition to sinusitis

Sinusitis can be classified based on the sinus that is involved in the disease process. There are 4 types of Sinuses that are located in the bones of the skull and these are mainly surrounding the nose, hence called as Para-nasal sinuses.

Frontal sinusitis - Involves the Frontal sinuses that are located over the eyes in the eyebrow area Maxillary sinusitis - Involves the Maxillary sinuses that are located inside each cheekbone
Sphenoid sinusitis - Involves the Sphenoid sinuses that are located in the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes Ethmoid sinusitis - Involves the Ethmoid sinuses that are located just behind the bridge of the nose and between the eyes

Sinusitis can also be classified as follows based on the duration of the complaints:

• Acute Sinusitis: This lasts for less than four weeks
• Sub-acute Sinusitis: Lasts 4-12 weeks
• Chronic Sinusitis: Lasts for 12 weeks or more

• Nasal congestion
• Nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose
• Thick nasal discharge (may be yellowish or greenish in colour in case of infection)
• Sensation of fullness in the face
• Sensation of pressure behind the eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Cheeks feel tender and pain may be similar to toothache in upper jaw
• Mild fever and headache over one or both eyes (if frontal sinuses are affected)
• Headache is usually worse in the mornings and made sharper by bending forwards
• Tapping, jolting or jarring the tender area hurts
• Sore throat
• Foul smell in nose
• Nasal sounding speech
• Possibly, pus-like nasal discharge
• Dry tickling cough
• Tiredness
• All symptoms are increased by air travel

Sinusitis is largely diagnosed based on the history and clinical findings of tenderness over the affected sinus. However, the physician may prescribe certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. These are as follows:

• X-rays of the sinuses may show haziness in the area of the affected sinus indicating an inflammation
• CT scan can show swelling in the deep sinuses

Complications arising from Sinusitis are very rare:

• Spread of the infection through the bones of the skull to the covering of the brain- meninges (Meningitis)
• In severe cases, the infection may spread to the brain itself resulting in an abscess
• Spread of the infection to the eyes
• Asthma development
• Loss of smell and taste which may be temporary or permanent
• Aneurysms or blood clots: Infection can cause problems in the veins surrounding the sinuses, interfering with blood supply to the brain

• The condition does not improve in 7 days
• Fever goes above 100.5 oF
• There is severe pain and no improvement within 12 hours of medication
• There are recurrent bouts of sinusitis, that is, more than three bouts in a year with periods between bouts growing shorter
• It develops into an inflammation around eye
• Symptoms of confusion develop
• Neck stiffness occurs

• Steam inhalation 2-3 times in the day is the best remedy for sinusitis
• Use warm compresses on the nose to help open up sinuses
• Do warm water gargles to soothe the throat
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Always use a handkerchief/tissue paper when sneezing
• Blow the nose very gently, one nostril at a time
• Take frequent walks in open air
• Healthy nutritious diet of fruits and raw green vegetables helps stimulate the expulsion of secretions
• Vitamin C, Vitamin A supplements are helpful

• Avoid blowing the nose very hard during the acute stage
• Avoid exertion, take plenty of rest
• Avoid extremes of climate, especially dry climate
• Avoid air travel during upper respiratory infection

• Avoid allergenic substances
• Avoid foods that have preservatives and artificially coloured products; dairy products, wheat, etc. that trigger an allergic reaction
• Avoid cold food and drinks
• Avoid smoking and other environmental pollution if possible
• Avoid swimming at unknown places where chances of contamination are more
• Avoid contact with people who have cold or at least don't share their towels, silverware, beverages etc
• Wash your hands frequently as cold viruses often survive for hours in the open such as on door knobs, money and other surfaces
• Regular moderate exercise helps to strengthen immune system thus preventing colds other infections
• People with diabetes are prone to sinusitis, so keep diabetes under control with proper treatment

Conventional treatment of Sinusitis includes the following:

• Antibiotics
• Nasal decongestants
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Pain-relievers (to reduce headache, congestion, etc)
• Saline nasal sprays
• Inhalers (to relieve nasal blockage)
• Anti-histamines
• Expectorants
• Humidifiers
• Surgery for Sinusitis: Indicated only in rare cases since most cases respond to medical treatment. In case the nose blockage and other symptoms persist for a very long time and do not respond to medical treatment, surgery may be considered. FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is the commonest surgical option used.

Homeopathy has very good scope in the treatment of Sinusitis of all varieties. Acute, sub-acute, chronic as well as recurrent sinusitis, all respond favourably to treatment.

Homeopathy is especially indicated for chronic and recurrent varieties of sinusitis, which do not respond very well to conventional treatment. Homeopathy can assist in improving the immunity in such patients so that the do not fall prey to frequent infections. Over a period of time with continued treatment, the attacks on sinusitis become less frequent and less severe in such patients.

In acute cases of sinusitis also, the response to homeopathic treatment is very good and it prevents the patients from going into chronic or recurrent state of this condition.

Homeopathic treatment can help in avoiding the need for repeatedly taking Antibiotics as well as keep the patient away from surgery. Homeopathy is strongly indicated in all cases of Sinusitis.