The sinus infection is also called as sinusitis. Sinusitis is involved in the blocking of sinus cavities and nasal passage. The cavities of sinus are situated on the other side of the fore head and they get linked with the respiratory system with the help of nasal passage. The sinusitis results due to the bacterial infection and this will be continued by viral attack and common cold.

Sinusitis is represented by the swelling in the mucus membrane that is forming the lining layer of the paranasal sinuses. This inflammation will be continued with influenza, common cold, and other usual infections. The germs that are infecting will occupy the sinuses or chambers which are present on either side of the nasal passage. This causes the problem in sinuses.

The sinuses are the passages of air that are present as the hollow part in between the facial bones, at the back and in the area around the nasal region. The sinuses are divided into four types.  They are maxillary sinuses that are present in between the cheek bones; frontal sinuses that are present on the eyebrows, behind the eyes are present sphenoid sinuses and the ethmoid sinuses that are present between the eyes.

Sinuses normally are found to be playing role in decreasing the density of the facial bones because they are filled with air. They are also found to be involved in maintaining immunity and vocal ability. In spite of all these details, the purpose of sinuses is not totally understood. Sinusitis is not a very serious condition and the discomfort is caused in great deal by this. Sinusitis is of two types majorly. They are acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis involves the bacterial infection that extends for about four weeks. Chronic sinusitis involves swelling of sinus passages due to bacterial infection. Acute sinusitis will lead to the inflammation of the sinuses which causes a blockage to the flow of mucus from sinuses. This will make the mucus to get accumulated. This is another problem for creation of congestion and blockage that has formed normal breathing very difficult. The pressure that is built can cause severe headaches and pain in the facial region. There is a feeling of pressure and swelling surrounding the eyes and nose.

The sinusitis is stimulated by fungal infections, viral infections, bacterial infections and allergies. Acute sinusitis can be treated based on the reason with which it has occurred or any home remedy can bring much relief to this condition. But, the chronic sinusitis is not easy to be treated as it might lead to serious complications and infections. If the sinusitis symptoms remain for greater than one or two months, then it comes under chronic condition. This is caused mostly by the allergies and structural abnormalities.

The symptoms of sinusitis or sinus infection

The symptoms of sinuses include continuous and extensive sneezing, headache and fever. Sinusitis results in running nose, blockage of nostrils, pressure surrounding the eyes, nose, and face, headache. The headache that results due to sinusitis will manifest near the forehead and below the eyes. The person might be facing discomfort or fever, difficulty in breathing and loss of appetite. The sinusitis symptoms will be specific for the type of infections. Acute sinusitis occurs just after the person is infected with cold and when the cold does not get subsided. Sinusitis also results when the cold symptoms get worsened in five to seven days. The symptoms that are observed during that period are

• Lack of smelling ability
• Halitosis
• Fever
• Severe headache
• Exhaustion
• Pressure
• Sore throat and bad breath
• Nasal congestion accompanied by discharge
• Severe coughing at night
• Pain around the eyes
• Post nasal drip
• Pain worsens when reclining and becomes improved when the head is upright
• Chronic toothache or increased tooth sensitivity
• Low grade headache
• Damage to the sinus area

Chronic sinusitis is a severe and persistent problem.

Causes of sinus infection

• Acute sinusitis usually results from viral infection in the upper respiratory tract
• Acute sinusitis is also caused by allergens and other pollutants
• The inflammation is caused by the viral infection when it destroys the lining layer of the sinus
• The thickened lining will block the nasal passage that forms a continuation to the sinuses
• This blockage will not make the normal process of bacterial removal from the nasal passage
• This makes the bacteria to multiply and attack the sinus walls which further leads to the symptoms of sinus infection to appear
• The same response is observed even in the case of pollutants and allergens
• The acute sinusitis is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis.
• The microbes accompanied by Staphylococcus aureus and other anaerobes are known to be causing chronic sinusitis.
• Fungi are also found to be causing chronic sinusitis in those who are suffering from diseases like diabetes, leukemia and AIDS that weaken the immune system.

Home remedies for sinus infection

• Treatment of sinusitis using mango

Mangoes are considered as effective remedy for the treatment of sinusitis. Healthy epithelium formation in the sinuses is triggered by mangoes and this will prevent the further attacks similar to sinusitis. Mangoes help in the formation of epithelial layer in the sinuses as they have vitamin A as one of its significant ingredient.

• Treatment of sinusitis using garlic and onion

The sinus problems are solved using pungent products like onion and garlic as they act as effective remedy for sinusitis. These products are used in mild concentrations initially and gradually increase their concentrations. These plant parts can also be added in moderate amounts to the everyday meals.

• Treatment of sinusitis using Fenugreek

The fenugreek seeds are also considered as effective remedy for sinusitis. The tea with fenugreek seeds is prepared by mixing the seeds with the 250 milliliters of water until the volume is reduced to its half. This tea will aid in initiating perspiration, discard the toxicity, and reduce the fever. This Tea has to be consumed as four cups per day when the condition is severe and gradually the quantity has to be reduced.

• Treatment of sinusitis using cumin seeds

The black colored cumin seeds are taken in a cotton cloth and closed properly so that the smell can be inhaled. The inhalation of these cumin seeds can provide relief for sinusitis. Alternative to this remedy is that taking internally the grinded cumin seeds (100gm) mixed with honey (200gm).

• Treatment of sinusitis using vegetable juices

The sinus problems can be resolved with the use of the combination of carrot juice, beet and cucumber juices and spinach juice. The preparation of vegetable juices can be done by using 100ml of beet and cucumber juices, 200ml of spinach juice, 300ml of carrot juice and 500ml of mixed juice.

• Treatment of sinusitis using vitamins A and C

The diet that has excess of vitamin A will fight against sinusitis and cold. The mucus membranes are built as healthy with the help of vitamin A. The sources of food which consist of vitamins are                leafy vegetables, carrots, pumpkin, mangoes, tomatoes, papaya, yogurt, egg, yolk, and whole milk.

If the sinusitis problem has arisen long back, it is better to take the vitamin C supplement in high dosages like 25,000 IU in a day. The people with sinusitis are recommended to take vitamin C as one gram per day. The therapeutic dosage that has to be taken is 500mg of vitamin C.

The sinusitis cannot be treated immediately or miraculously in a moment. The natural remedy for sinusitis can create pain relief and relief from symptoms like fatigue, congestion, headache and sore throat.

• Treatment of sinusitis using Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera juice consists of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes. This plant product is known to be successfully involved in the treatment of asthma, acne, sinusitis, burns and indigestion. Aloe Vera juice is prepared and added with honey to use it as treatment for sinusitis infection.

• Treatment of sinusitis using garlic with honey

Garlic is mixed with honey to form syrup. This preparation can be stored for two to three weeks in the refrigerator.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

About three to four table spoons of apple cider vinegar is added to one glass full of water. This mixture is used for curing sinusitis, cold and flu.

• Steam inhalation

To be comfortable and get relief from infection, water is boiled for some time till it gives out intense vapors. Cover the steam along with your face inside a cloth. It is important to inhale the steam by leaning over the vessel. This can be done for about ten minutes to 15 minutes. This will bring a good relief. The water can also be added with Vicks Vaporub.

• Lemonade

Lemon is considered to be consisting of antiviral substances which fight with the sinus infection. Drinking lemon can help in the healing process.

• Oregon grape fruit is also used for battling with sinus infection.

The diet that is recommended for dealing with Sinusitis

Fresh fruit and vegetable juice

When the patient is suffering from fever and the disease is in acute stage, then the person has to stop taking solid foods and should be able to take only fresh fruit juices and vegetable juices.

Well-balanced diet

After the fever is reduced, the diet can be taken with low calories solid food which constitutes raw fruit, vegetable food along with lot of raw juices. If the symptoms of acute sinusitis are subsided, then the person can start taking well-balanced diet that includes grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

The chronic episodes of sinusitis can be handled with fruit juices very often for about a week in a period of two months.

Stop using starchy food and fried food

The patient must stop eating fried foods and starchy foods, cakes, pies, pasta, white sugar and candies.