Attack of the inflamed sinuses

I've been suffering from sinusitis since I was a freshman in High School and it's been getting progressively worse. I had a sinus infection at the end of September, which cleared up just in time to see the ENT (great, thanks). And here it is, the end of October and I've got another infection.

Normally I beat this thing with day/nyquil, ibuprofen, drinking lots of water and tea, and the sinus rinse.

Unfortunately, we're in a delicate situation playing a waiting game and I can't risk taking normal medications. So it's au natural for me. And it SUCKS.

I've been using hot compress, steam with olbas oil, LOTS of lemon and honey hot water, water, spicy foods like spicy ramen noodle soup, sinus rinse, Mentholatum under my nose, crazy internet concoctions of horseradish root, lemon and honey, you name it I tried it to get this inflammation of my sinuses down.

I'm in pain and have never wanted to drink 2 tbsps of nyquil so bad in all my life.

I guess I better get used to it if we get graced with a little one's presence. If not, I'm so grounding them when they finally do come around.

And for anyone else looking for sinusitis help:

Natural Remedies for Sinusitis Gaiam for life.

Natural Remedies for Sinusitis
What remedies are effective for preventing and relieving the symptoms of sinusitis? Rountree suggests the following natural remedies:

1) An air filter/HEPA filter combination
Because allergies are major culprits in sinusitis, a combination air filter/HEPA filter can eliminate potential allergens such as dirt, dust, pollen, air pollutants and animal dander. It also may help to use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers and install an air filter on your vacuum so that it doesn't distribute dirt and dust.

2) Irrigating sinuses with saline solution
Nasal washes are effective as topical disinfectants. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda in 4 ounces warm water. Use a Neti pot or a bulb syringe to flush out your nose 2-4 times daily. Colloidal silver (1 dropperful six times daily) and commercial nasal washes containing Echinacea and Goldenseal are also effective.

3) Quercetin
Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting bioflavonoid found in the skin of red onions and apples. It helps decrease mucus production and swelling by blocking the release of histamine from immune cells. Quercetin can also be taken as a dietary supplement.

4) N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an altered form of the amino acid cysteine. This antioxidant thins mucus and provides antiviral action. Use of this substance has long been prescribed by medical doctors to treat lung congestion associated with cystic fibrosis.

5) Boosting your immune system
Chronic sinusitis can indicate that your immune system is compromised. Taking an antioxidant supplement containing vitamin C, vitamin E, carotene complex, selenium and zinc can help bolster your immune system. Olive leaf extract and garlic may also help by fighting yeast, which can be linked to sinus infections.

6) Hot towels or ginger compresses to your eyes and cheeks
Hot towels and ginger compresses may help reduce inflammation and open nasal passages.

7) Limiting dairy products, refined carbohydrates and sweets
Dairy products may produce sinus-congesting mucus, while refined carbohydrates and sweets suppress immune function.

In addition to the above recommendations, if you have sinusitis you might try bromelain, an enzyme that has been shown to reduce swelling and inflammation in the sinuses. And, whenever possible, reduce your stress levels. Ivker says that emotional stress is one of the most probable causes of sinusitis because stress lowers immune response in the body. So while you're taking your natural remedies, also consider taking a break.

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Natural Remedies for effective sinus relief The Healthier Life.

8 Natural Ways To Help Overcome The Pain Of Sinusitis Straight Away

Fortunately there are steps you can start taking right now, which offer a safe and natural alternative to harmful medication:

1. Studies have shown that up to 70 per cent of chronic sinusitis sufferers have environmental allergies. So it makes sense to try and avoid breathing cigarette smoke, traffic fumes, dry air and chemicals at home or in the workplace as much as possible. Tackle dust mites in the home by vacuuming carpets frequently.

2. Exercising in moderation helps boost your immunity. Even walking for just 30 minutes three to four times a week can be highly effective -- although you should avoid any form of exercise outside when the pollen count is high, as this may exacerbate the problem.

3. Cut out mucus-forming foods and common allergic foods, such as dairy products, eggs, wheat, fried and fatty foods, pastries, sugar, chocolate, beer and anything containing food additives.

4. Eat more sinus-clearing foods, which aid the breakdown of mucus. These include foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, fish, and hot chicken broth. Foods which are known to be particularly beneficial are garlic, onions, chillies, ginger, horseradish, mustard and pineapple.

5. Drink 2 to 3 liters of still mineral water a day and have hot herbal teas and lemon drinks.

6. For rapid relief, mix 1 teaspoon of grated fresh horseradish root with the juice of a lemon, add boiling water and a little honey and sip slowly.

7. Inhalation is a tried and tested way to relieve blocked sinuses. Add ten drops of Olbas Oil to a bowl of almost-boiling water, cover your head with a towel, close your eyes and inhale for ten minutes.

8. Nasal washing is an old ayurvedic treatment. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, hold one nostril closed and sniff the liquid up the other one until you can spit it out of your mouth. Then repeat with the other nostril.