Sinusitis
is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (air-filled cavities inside the
bones of the skull). The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. They are
located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes. Normal functional
sinuses contain no bacteria or other germs, mucus drains out and air is able to
flow through the sinuses.Anything interfering with the flow of air into and
drainage of mucus out of the sinuses can cause sinusitis, that is when the
sinus openings become blocked or too much mucus builds up.
Classification of sinusitis:
·
Acute sinusitis, can last up to 4 weeks. it is commonly
secondary to either allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or viral infection of the
nasal passages.
·
Sub-acute sinusitis, lasts longer than 4 weeks , but less than
12 weeks
·
Chronic sinusitis, can last longer than 12 weeks or more
Subacute
and chronic forms of sinusitis are the result of incomplete treatment of an
acute sinusitis.
·
Non-infectious sinusitis is usually caused by irritants and
allergic conditions
·
Infectious sinusitis is caused by virus infection and bacterial
growth.
Ayurveda Treatment for Sinusitis:
In Ayurveda, acute sinusitis can be
correlated to peenasa and chronic sinusitis to Dushta Pratishyaya, which is due
to the predominance of Kapha and Vata in the region above clavicle (Jatru
urdwa). It is described as Krichya Sadhya – difficult for treatment.
Causes:
·
Asatmendriya Artha Samyoga - improper life style causing Kapha
and Vata increase for over a period of time, which leads to peenasa, which not
treated effectively leads to Dushta pratishyaya
·
A deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps may
block the opening of the sinuses and lead to sinusitis.
Symptoms:
·
Sneezing
·
Nasal discharge
·
Post Nasal Drip
·
Stuffy nose
·
Headache and pressure and heaviness in head
·
Facial pain with pressure and heaviness
·
Watery eyes
·
Loss of sense of smell
·
Cough/congestion
·
Fever
·
Bad breath
·
Fatigue
·
Dental pain
Ayurveda Treatment for Sinusitis:
·
Correcting Agni
·
Balancing Kapha Vata in the region of head
·
Strengthening the immune system
Treatment:
The
treatment modalities includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal
medications, Advice of food and life style changes.
Panchakarma – Vamana, Nasya
Externally – Abhyanga, Shiro Dhara, lepas
Internally- Preparations
of Indian Goose berry (Emblica officinalis), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) are
considered the best
Activities:
Specific
Asanas, Pranayama, Jala Nethi
Food and lifestyle changes: specific to the individual’s constitution,
nature of work and geographical conditions.
Appropriate
and complete treatments should be done when there are repeated episodes of
rhinitis.