Anatomy
Four pairs of sinuses, known as the paranasal air sinuses, connect to the nasal passages (the two airways running through the nose):
Frontal sinuses (behind the forehead)
Maxillary sinuses (behind the cheekbones)
Ethmoid sinuses (behind the nose)
Sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes)
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Normally, sinuses are filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose), nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).
Different types of sinusitis
Acute sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 10 to 14 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.
Subacute sinusitis: An inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis: A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer.
Recurrent sinusitis: Several attacks within a year.
Symptoms
Facial pain/pressure, Nasal stuffiness, Nasal discharge, Loss of smell, Cough/congestion, Pus in nasal cavity, Fever, Post Nasal drip.
Additional symptoms may include:
Fever, Bad breath, Fatigue, Dental pain
Acute sinusitis may be diagnosed when a person has two or more symptoms and/or the presence of thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge. People with chronic sinusitis may have symptoms for 8 weeks or more.
My favourite essential oils to use for this condition are:
Peppermint – Expectorant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Microbial, Antiviral, Decongestant
Eucalyptus – Analgesic, Antiseptic, Balsamic, Decongestant, Expectorant, Antiviral
Lemon – Anti Microbial, Bactericidal, Immunity Enhancer
Ti Tree – Anti- Inflammatory, Anti- Bacterial, Anti- Fungal, Anti- Viral, Immunity Enhancer, Expectorant, Anti- Infectious.
Frankincense – Anti – Inflammatory, Antiseptic, Expectorant, Sedative
Oils are used in a personal aroma stick and sometimes treatment is also enhanced by giving client a blend of the above oils diluted at 2.5 to 3% dilution to apply before going to bed as needed.
Aromatherapy treatment can be supported and enhanced by:
- Facial Lymphatic drainage and acupressure massage (Contra indicated when sinusitis is acute, infectious or considered a medical emergency)
- A change in diet mainly increasing vegetables and fruit and decreasing mucous forming food products such as flour products, eggs, chocolate, fried and processed foods, sugar and dairy products.
- Drinking plenty of pure quality water.
- By stopping smoking and avoiding second hand smoking and environmental pollution as much as possible
- Using a Neti pot
Marika Fleri
