Acupuncture for Sinusitis in Ferntree Gully
Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Post-nasal Drip or Rhinosinusitis is the term most commonly used to describe chronic conditions of sinus congestion, with or without post-nasal drip. People who suffer from chronic allergies are particularly susceptible to sinusitis, because allergies create hyper-reactions in the nasal membranes, leading to postnasal drip, which, in turn, irritates and inflames the sinuses.
Let’s explain a little more the sinus is actually a large open membrane to the outside world, and is thus able to be inhabited not only by a healthy symbiotic microbiota, but also by a number of pathogenic microorganisms. We are learning that, like our intestines, there is an evolved line of immune defences that protect this membrane, including the healthy symbiotic flora and fauna that control the balance of microorganisms that help maintain our health and the health of our sinus membranes, and a balance of antibodies, needed to properly regulate response to allergens.It has been suggested that up to 87% of patients with sinusitis have mixed rhinitis; a combination of of both allergic and nonallergic rhinosinuvitis.
In the sinuses, mucus production – the body’s reaction when it mounts an immune response – can quite readily become a painful problem if we are unable to drain the mucus faster than it is produced. The mucus membrains become inflamed and swollen, leading to blocked nasal passages which are in turn prone to infection, meaning viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens such as moulds can readily grow in a sinus cavity full of phlegm.
Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis
- Aching pressure headache
- Blocked and stuffy nose
- Thick yellow nasal discharge, or thin clear discharge in minor cases
- Referred pain – commonly tooth and jaw pain
- Puffy face and under-eye bags, sometimes bruising
- Post-nasal drip
- Bad breath and/or foul taste in mouth
- Fever
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Stomach upsets/constipation
Diagnosis and medical treatment of Sinusitis
Sinusitis is generally divided into three types,
- Infective – Infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi can be acute or chronics
- Vasomotor (nonallergic rhinitis) – Causes can be widespread including dilation and constriction of the blood vessels, with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, hormonal problems, drug side effects, rebound nasal and sinus congestion brought on by chronic use of decongestants and antihistamines (rhinitis medicamentosa), membrane atrophy (perhaps also attributed to chronic overuse of medications), and gustatory rhinitis (triggered by certain foods or alcohol intake)
- Allergic – Allergic rhinosinovitis is considered the most prevalent type, and a variety of triggers, or allergens, including pollen, mold, fungi, animal dander, dust mites, etc. may be triggering an excessive immune response with histamine swelling. Often, there is more than one allergen involved.
Treatment involve anthihistamines, synthetic steroid hormones, and antibiotics, to control symptoms, each of which is proven to decrease the health of these sinus membranes rather than improve it leading to a commonly seen rebound effect. Many doctors are now hesistant to keep represcribing cources of antibiotics. Some suggest surgery to widen the sinus or correct deviated septums, some often turn to natural alternatives such as Acupuncture.
