Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be acute (short-term), lasting less than a few weeks, or chronic (long-term), sometimes lasting years.

From the viewpoint of physical medicine, acute sinusitis is associated with a bacterial infection, frequently occurring after a cold, with symptoms that usually include a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, headache, and loss of the sense of smell. Sometimes, however, the symptoms don't go away, even after several rounds of antibiotics, and the individual is left with a chronic condition.

How does this happen? Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have now confirmed that the cause of chronic sinusitis may be an immune response to fungus present in the mucus. What the researchers don't address is, what caused the fungus to proliferate in the first place?

It is my belief that the fungus overgrowth is caused by the antibiotics themselves. We know that antibiotics kill off beneficial as well as harmful bacteria, and that it is extremely important to replenish the beneficial bacteria with acidophilus and related products during and after antibiotic therapy. This way, fungus, often present in very small amounts in the body, cannot overgrow areas where beneficial bacteria once held it in check.

Fungus thrives in warm, wet environments, like the sinus cavities, and it is difficult to eradicate once it's entrenched, often leading to years of misery. One of the most important treatments for sinusitis is nasal irrigation with saline solution. Additionally, I find it useful to treat with acupuncture, herbs, and ear coning. Treatment plans, as always, vary from individual to individual.

If you have chronic sinusitis or a health problem that is causing you concern and you would like to know if holistic medicine might help your condition, you are welcome to call me for a free phone consultation at 858/673-1397.

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