Chronic Catarrh And Sinusitis

The lining of the nose , throat , sinus cavities and upper part of the lungs (trachea , larynx and bronchi ) contains small mucus glands that secrete a watery substance (mucus ) which helps to lubricate the airways and protect us from infection and pollutants that may be inhaled . If the secretions are too productive or if they become thick and infected , the common symptoms of a runny nose , a blocked and stuffed up feeling , together with a cough or even a temperature and facial pain can occur , the sinuses are hollowed out cavities  (four pairs ) in the bones of the face which normally contain air and which are lined by mucus membranes . The mucus normally flows between the nose and the sinuses through little openings and ducts , if these become blocked , neither air nor mucus can flow and infection can set in , leading to dull pain ( face , fore head or nose ) together with a temperature .

The major causes of chronic catarrh that can lead to a condition known as sick building syndrome ) cold viruses and influenza are the commonest cause of episodic catarrh , but allergies especially to pollen (hay fewer ) or house –dust mites , can lead to persistent nasal stuffiness . Some individuals , especially small children , can be allergic to dairy products and wheat , which will also produce an inflammation of the mucus membranes leading to the symptoms described .

The persistent use of anti-histamines or nasal decongestants in hay fewer or other allergies will thicken the mucus initially and may stop the symptoms , but it can lead to blockage of the tiny ducts and actually bring about a sinus infection in addition to those mentioned above . A chronic discharge from the nose yellow or green , occasionally tinged with blood . Watering of the eyes with redness or swelling over the sinuses . facial pain on stooping , bending , coughing or sneezing , soreness in the face which occasionally may be located over the teeth .

Prevention and Self Help Dietary changes :  Avoid mucus producing foods dairy products , including eggs , white flour sugar chocolate . Drink plenty of spring water or fresh juices , introduce a “ whole food diet “including garlic . Environmental changes :   Remove any potential allergic products , keep the room well ventilated , use an ionizer if there is air conditioning in the building , together with a humidifier

Supplementary vitamins and minerals : Vitamin A and vitamin C will help restore the mucus membrane and prevent infection , one tablet a day .

Children :   children should only be given extra vitamin C – half the adult dose , zinc tablets ( one daily ) will some times be suggested by naturopaths

Fasting :    This can often be very helpful (take water or fruit juices only ) but should not be prolonged for more than 48 hours unless under expert supervision , this can be done by children as well

Inhalations :   These are helpful both in an acute attack as well as a preventive measure and can either be done with steam over a bowl of hot water containing Friar’s Balsam , or directly in the form a nasal wash ( use a bowl of warm water , body temperature together with half a teaspoon of salt –the water should be slightly salty like tears ) . Inhale the water through one nostril and let it run out of the mouth , repeat on the other side , special nasal stores to help with this technique .

Homoeopathic medicines :        

These remedies can be very helpful for sinusitis , but it may require the skilled help of a homoeopathic practitioner to identify the right one , the following guide may be helpful for self medication .

Natrum mur—-catarrh is runny , like egg white

Kali bichrom— catarrh is stingy and yellow

Hydrastis ——- continual post-nasal drip

Graphites——–chronic catarrh with irritation of the nose

Pulsatilla———yellow nasal discharge

Hepar sulph—–face is tender and sensitive

Sambucus——–“sniffly “ blocked up nose in children

Bio chemic Tissue Salts :

These are also useful —-kali sulph , being the most commonly used

Sinusitis : Sinusitis is inflammation and infection of the sinuses and produces catarrh , colds and flu may also initiate acute sinusitis , which may lead to bacterial infection .

Chronic sinusitis can be as painful as severe migraine –and as hard to clear .

Gargling and washing the nasal passages with a tea spoon of salt in warm water can help clear catarrh , take supplements of vitamin C and B complex and zinc .

Dietary Therapy : Prevent attacks by avoiding dairy products , bananas peanuts coffee and hot , spicy foods , try to determine if there is an allergic cause of the catarrh .

The Sinuses : these are closely linked to the nasal cavities , the maxillary sinuses enable us to locate ourselves in space , the frontal sinuses in time .

Mezereum – feels disoriented following a move he has lost , all his points of reference and develops chronic inflammation of both the maxillary sinuses .

Thuja – mean while has problems with the frontal sinuses he would like to be in control of every thing , but can’t control the passage of time .