Sinusitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the sinuses. The sinuses are small, air-filled spaces in cheekbones and forehead. Inflammation blocks the sinuses so mucus cannot drain into nose as usual.

Sinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection. It’s common and usually gets better within 2 to 3 weeks.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Sinusitis usually occurs after an infection, such as a cold. Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• A green or yellow discharge from nose
• A blocked nose
• Pain and tenderness around cheeks, eyes or forehead
• A high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or more
• Toothache
• A reduced sense of smell
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Children With Sinusitis May:

• Be irritable
• Breathe through their mouth
• Have difficulty feeding
• Sound nasal when they speak, as though they have a stuffy cold
• The symptoms of sinusitis often clear up within a few weeks (acute sinusitis). Occasionally they can last 3 months or more (chronic sinusitis).

Things that can be done to lessen symptoms

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids including hot liquids
• Steam can be taken
• Hold warm packs to your face
• Avoid direct exposure to cold air

What causes sinusitis?

Sinusitis is usually caused by a cold or flu virus spreading to the sinuses from the upper airways. Only a few cases are caused by bacteria infecting the sinuses. An infected tooth or fungal infection can also occasionally cause the sinuses to become inflamed.

Chronic Sinusitis

It’s not clear exactly what causes sinusitis to become chronic (long-lasting), but it may be related to:

• Allergies and related conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma and hay fever
• Nasal polyps (benign growths inside the nose)
• Smoking
• A weakened immune system
• Controlling underlying conditions like allergies improves the symptoms of chronic
sinusitis.

Homoeopathic medicines for Sinusitis

What can be better for treatment of sinusitis than homoeopathy! Homoeopathy clears
the inflammation of sinuses along with improving the immune system. Though
complete cure is only possible after taking thorough history by a homoeopath, but
some of homoeopathic medicines can be taken for its treatment are :

Allium cepa – in acute condition when there is severe sneezing along with
burning discharge from nose.

Belladonna – also in acute sinusitis when there is marked congestion ,
inflammation and fever.

Kali bi – in acute as well as chronic Sinusitis when the patient is very sensitive to
cold. The discharge from the nose can be drawn in strings.

Hepar sulph – oversensitive to cold, profuse discharge with headache.

Silicea – chronic Sinusitis with weak immune system. Exposure to cold air
aggravates the patient.