Blog
Clinical Corner: Sinus Infection
- January 13, 2025
- Posted by: Plant Prana Calendar
- Category: Clinical Corner
Sinus Infection
Sinus Infections:
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection:
The symptoms of sinusitis can vary depending on its severity and whether it is acute or chronic, but common signs include:
Nasal Symptoms:
Nasal congestion or blockage.
Thick, yellow or green nasal discharge.
Reduced or lost sense of smell and taste.
Facial Symptoms:
Pressure or pain in the face, especially around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, or bridge of the nose.
Pain may worsen when bending over or lying down.
Head Symptoms:
Headaches, often centered around the sinuses.
Ear pain or a feeling of fullness.
Throat Symptoms:
Sore throat caused by postnasal drip (mucus draining down the throat).
Hoarseness or cough, which may worsen at night.
Systemic Symptoms:
Fever (in more severe cases or bacterial infections).
Fatigue and general malaise.
Bad breath (halitosis).
Causes of Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are caused by inflammation or blockage in the sinuses, which creates an environment conducive to infection. Key causes include:
Viral Causes
Colds and Flu:
The most common cause of sinus infections is a viral upper respiratory infection (e.g., cold or flu).
Viral sinusitis often clears up on its own within 10 days.
Bacterial Causes
Secondary Bacterial Infection:
When the sinuses remain blocked for an extended period, bacteria can multiply, leading to bacterial sinusitis.
This type is more likely if symptoms worsen after 10 days or if they improve briefly but then worsen again (“double sickening”).
Allergic Rhinitis:
Allergies can inflame the nasal passages, leading to mucus buildup and sinus blockage.
Seasonal allergens, such as pollen, may contribute to sinusitis during cold and flu season.
Irritants:
Smoke, pollution, and strong odors can irritate the nasal passages, increasing the risk of sinus inflammation.
Anatomical Blockages:
Deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or other structural abnormalities can block sinus drainage pathways, increasing the risk of infection.
Underlying Health Conditions:
Conditions like diabetes, immune deficiencies, or prolonged illness can make individuals more prone to sinus infections.
Other Risk Factors
Frequent Upper Respiratory Infections:
Catching frequent colds or flu increases the likelihood of developing sinusitis.
Cold Weather:
Dry air from heating systems and spending more time indoors during cold and flu season can dry out the nasal passages, impairing their ability to fight infection.
Prevention Tips
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus.
Use a Humidifier: Prevent dryness in the nasal passages.
Avoid Irritants: Reduce exposure to smoke, dust, and strong chemicals.
Wash Hands Regularly: Minimize exposure to cold and flu viruses.
Use Saline Nasal Spray: Keep nasal passages moist and flush out irritants.
Manage Allergies: Use essential oils, herbs, and supplements to manage allergies
Avoid Close Contact: Limit exposure to sick individuals during cold and flu season.
Therapeutic Approach
Choose one or more from the following treatments
1. Rosemary Verbenone
- Take 1-3 drops internally in water
- Sustained inhalations multiple times a day
- Apply to chest in a base of massage oil or lotion
2. Eucalyptus Globulus or Eucalyptus Radiata
- Sustained inhalations multiple times a day
- Apply to chest in a base of massage oil or lotion
- Salt bath with 10-15 drops with a pound of salt in a warm bath
3. Inula
- Reducing mucus through sustained inhalations
4. Mullein Tincture to reduce mucus
- 1-2 droppers full 2x a day
5. Goldenseal to reduce mucus, fight infection, and improve lymphatic function
- take 1-2 droppers full 2-3x a day until symptoms reduce
6. Thyme Gerianol to fight infection
- sustained inhalations several times a day
- 1-3 drops in water taken internally (2x a day)
7. Quercetin
- Take 2-3 tablets 2x a day if mucus is generated by allergies
8. Niaouli for mucus, inflamed ears, inflamed sinuses
- Sustained inhalations
- Ointment applied to the chest
- Take 1-3 drops internally in water 2x a day
9. Peppermint to open sinuses
- Sustained inhalations several times a day
10. Pine, Terebinth – a powerful antiseptic for the respiratory tract
- Sustained inhalations several times a day
- Put several drops in a bowl of hot water and inhale directly into the nose
11. Auric Programming Stack
Auric Program
#19. Immune System
Blend: Immune Support
Standard Approach
Left side of body
Front side of body
Right side of body
Back side of body
Auric Program
#3. Allergies
Blend: Allergy Support
Standard Approach
Left side of body
Front side of body
Right side of body
Back side of body
Auric Program
#40 Sinuses
Blend: Sinus Support
Standard Approach
Left side of body
Front side of body
Right side of body