Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the air pockets on either side of and behind the nose. It is traditionally subdivided into acute , subacute , and chronic. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi (molds) and possibly by allergies. About 15-20 % of the population has a chronic sinusitis (meaning lasting longer than 3 weeks). It can cause a tremendous amount of suffering. Acute sinusitis is usually precipitated by an earlier upper respiratory tract infection, generally of viral origin. Virally damaged surface tissues are then colonized by bacteria, most commonly Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Chronic sinusitis, sinusitis that persists for at least 3 weeks, affects an estimated 32 million people in the United States.

Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms. The causes are multifactorial and may include allergy, environmental factors such as dust or pollution, bacterial infection, or fungus (either allergic, infective, or reactive). Non allergic factors such as Vasomotor rhinitis can also cause chronic sinus problems. Sinuses are hollow air spaces, of which there are many in the human body. Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Therapy for bacterial sinusitis should include an appropriate antibiotic.Using heat pads on the inflamed area.

Saline nasal sprays and vaporizers can also help. Apply moist heat by holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a cloth or towel.
Don’t use a nose spray with a decongestant in it for more than 3 days. If you use it for more than 3 days, the swelling in your sinuses may get worse when you stop the medicine. Sip hot liquids and drink plenty of fluids. Surgery should be considered only if medical treatment fails or if there is a nasal obstruction that cannot be corrected with medications. If you have allergies, try to avoid contact with things that trigger attacks. Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin. Avoiding air travel. If you must fly, use a nasal spray decongestant before take-off to prevent blockage of the sinuses allowing mucus to drain.

Sinusitis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Vitamin C is also very beneficial for sinusitis.

2. Vitamins like A and C are very much responsible to treat and to prevent sinusitis

3. Don’t use a nose spray with a decongestant in it for more than 3 days.

4. Fenugreek is considered as most effective home remedy for sinusitis.

5. Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin.

6. Using an oral decongestant or a short course of nasal spray decongestant

7. Using a humidifier during cold weather to stop dry.

8. Sinusitis is well treated by consuming half lit of vegetable juices like carrot, cucumber, beet and spinach.