Sinusitis Ayurvedic Treatment

The inflammation of lining tissue of sinus cavities is called sinusitis. Sinuses are 4 paired cavities in head which are situated at above eyebrows, sides of nose and cheeks. Normally they are filled with air, and when an infection occurs, mucous fills in them resulting in blockage of sinuses.

Sinusitis Signs and Symptoms

Sinusitis causes running nose/ nasal congestion, headache, pain, tenderness or feeling fullness above eyebrows/ around eyes/ cheek bones/ teeth etc, fatigue, fever, bad smell in mouth etc.

Sinusitis Ayurvedic Analysis

The type of kapha located in organs of head (like nose, eyes, ears) is called Tarpaka. It helps in the normal functioning of sense organs and nourishes them. Vitiation of Tarpaka kapha in uttamanga (head) leads to heaviness of head and face; and feeling of fullness in nose, forehead, around eyes and cheeks. Suryavartha is a condition mentioned in Ayurveda which is characterised by increasing pain, tenderness and swelling over temples, above and around eyes, sides of nose and cheeks, blocked or running nose, sneezing etc from morning to noon. These symptoms often got relieved after noon. The dosha vitiated in Suryavartha are mainly pitta and vata.

Sinusitis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it may be caused by excess intake of cold, sweet and heavy food; exposure to cold, wind, dust, pollution; stress; suppression of tear; krimi (infection); altered sleep patterns etc.

Possible Complications of Sinusitis Disease

Untreated sinusitis may lead to spreading of infection to nearby structures (like brain and spinal cord) resulting in diseases like meningitis.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other health issues like allergies, asthma, nasal polyp etc before planning treatment.

Sinusitis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medication along with local snehana (oil massage over face), mild swedana (eg: steam inhalation, local kizhi), nasya (nasal instillation of medicines), vamana (emetic therapy), gandusha (gargling with suitable oil or decoction), dhoomapana (inhalation of medicated fumes through mouth), lepana (application of pasted medicines over forehead or other sites of pain) etc are the common treatments given for this condition.

Diet

Avoid cold and spicy food. Take more vegetables, fruits, fresh fruit juice etc to reduce inflammation.

Exercise

Strenuous exercise is not recommended during inflammation. Mild to moderate exercises (like stretching, bending without causing much movements to head) can be done as per the physician’s guidance.

Sinusitis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Avoid over exposure to cold, wind, mist, dust, allergens etc. Prevent chances of infection. do not suppress tears continuously. Avoid stress, late night sleep and day sleep.

Importance of Diet

Do not consume very cold food during inflammation. Take more semi-solid or liquid food which are easy to digest. Some food items like curd, ice creams etc will worsen the condition.

Lifestyle

The people with chronic sinusitis should avoid exposure to mist, cold wind, dust, allergens etc. Wear cap/ protective measures over head while travelling. Follow a regular sleep-wake pattern. Avoid stress. Eat healthy nutritious diet. Do nasya (with suitable medicine) and gandusha as per the physician’s advice on a regular basis.

Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the head region. There are four pairs of sinuses: two above the eye sockets (frontal sinuses), two below the eye sockets (maxillary sinuses), and two behind the nasal roots (ethmoid sinuses and sphenoid sinuses). When the walls of these sinuses become inflamed, it leads to sinusitis.

Sinusitis can be classified into acute and chronic types. Acute sinusitis typically develops suddenly due to common causes like viral infections, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and throat pain. It often resolves within a few days with simple medications. On the other hand, chronic sinusitis persists for a longer duration and may involve causative organisms such as viruses, bacteria, or even fungi. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include severe headache, head fullness or heaviness, tenderness over the sinus areas, nasal blockage, and nasal discharge, which may be yellowish or greenish in severe cases.

Chronic sinusitis can significantly impact daily life, causing symptoms like congestion, breathing difficulty, and even fever. Moreover, sinusitis can affect neighboring structures such as the middle ear or lead to conditions like conjunctivitis. Conversely, diseases in these structures can also contribute to sinusitis, forming a complex interplay of symptoms.

In Ayurveda, sinusitis is viewed through the lens of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Treatment protocols vary based on the predominant dosha and the specific symptoms presented by the patient. For acute sinusitis, treatments focus on alleviating symptoms and balancing the doshas locally in the nasal cavity. In contrast, chronic sinusitis requires more intensive treatment aimed at draining accumulated fluids and pathogens from the sinuses.

Nasya, a procedure involving nasal drops, plays a crucial role in treating sinusitis by evacuating unwanted substances from the sinuses. Different types of nasya and medications are selected based on factors such as the affected sinus, chronicity of the condition, patient’s constitution, and seasonal variations. Additionally, Ayurvedic treatment considers trigger factors and causative elements to prevent recurrence and address complications in neighboring structures.

Proper management of sinusitis requires a comprehensive approach, including oral medications, external treatments, and lifestyle modifications. Cold climates can exacerbate symptoms, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors in treatment planning.

Ultimately, successful treatment of sinusitis relies on a thorough understanding of the underlying imbalances and tailored interventions aimed at restoring harmony to the body’s systems. By addressing the root causes and employing appropriate therapeutic measures, Ayurveda offers effective solutions for both acute and chronic sinusitis.