Sinusitis And Headaches
Sinusitis And Headaches
The inflammation of the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid and maxillary sinuses is called sinusitis. These sinuses are collectively called as the paranasal sinuses. They connect with and drain into the nasal cavity and the upper region of the pharynx. The frontal sinuses are located in the forehead above each eye. The ethmoid sinuses are clusters of air pockets in the roof of the nasal cavity. The sphenoid sinuses are behind the nasal cavity, and the maxillary sinuses are on each side of the nose in the cheek region.
The inflammation of the paranasal sinuses or sinusitis may be caused by any condition that interferes with the ventillation and drainage of the sinuses, such as allergies, polyps, cyst, common cold, influenza, and pneumonia.
The symptoms of sinusitis, in many cases are so mild as to cause discomfort that they clear without treatment. In severe attacks, symptoms may include headache, pain in the affected area, fever, thick discharge of mucus, and occasionally some pus into the nose or pharynx.
The treatment of the above symptoms may include medications to combat infection and to relieve the pain. Water treatment can also be given to clear badly congested sinuses by steam inhalation, hot compress on the sinuses, and hot foot bath. It is very essential to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, or take some fruit juices during the day. Avoid eating sweet and oily foods. Milk and all dairy products should be removed from the diet because they are mucus forming.
Herbal medication can also be given to reduce or relieve discomfort. Crush 5 fresh leaves of Indian chrysanthemum (mansanilya) and mix with 2 drops of coconut oil. Heat the leaves on the fire without burning them. Apply over the affected area while still hot for 30 minutes. Elumea leaves or sambong can also be heated and applied to the affected area. Replace the cold leaf with the new one until all 5 leaves are completed. Do this 2 times a day.