Sinusitis.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages. It can be short term, acute, or long term , chronic. This year’s winter  in Melbourne seems to be particularly bad for sinus problems.

What are sinuses?

Sinuses are the hollow, small cavities in the skull, forehead, cheeks, between and behind the eyes. The cavities are just slightly bigger than a pin head.

What causes sinusitis ?

Blocked sinuses due to a common cold can lead to an infection in the sinuses. Allergies untreated , crooked nasal anatomy, smoking, nasal polyps and overuse of decongestant sprays can all lead to sinusitis. In the craniosacral work that I perform, releases in the frontal bone and all the sinuses, leads to relief from sinusitis. Clients report being able to breathe better through their nose. This decreases the need for nasal sprays. Nasal sprays often have steroids in them. This makes its way into the blood stream through the nasal passages. I personally would feel very uncomfortable putting steroids into my body on a regular basis. Unfortunately, Dr’s prescribe them frequently for their patients.

Have you got any of these symptoms?

Thick, green coloured mucus.

Post nasal drip.

Loss of smell or taste.

Bad breath, bad taste in mouth.

Sore throat or cough.

Tiredness.

Fever.

Facial congestion and pain.

Headache/ toothache.

Sensation of pressure, worse leaning forward.

Obstructive sleep apnoea.

Sinusitis or rhinitis?

Rhinitis is inflammation in the nasal lining, sinusitis is inflammation in the sinuses behind the nose.

Treatments.

Steam inhalation is a great way to start treating yourself!

Netti pot, or pouring warm salt water through the nose from one nostril to another, is a great way of clearing out the blockages.

Addressing the underlying allergies.

Antibiotics if none of the above work.

Surgery as a last resort, to clear out any diseased tissue, polyps or just to drain the passages.

In my clinic I work with many clients, to ease the drainage in the sinuses and to help them breathe better through their nose. Craniosacral works brilliantly for this.