!44: Sinus Problems Information - Why 31 Million Americans Suffer From Sinusitis

!±8± Sinus Problems Information - Why 31 Million Americans Suffer From Sinusitis

Over 31 million adults suffer from sinusitis (infection of the sinus passages) yearly, and 500 billion doctors visits and 200,000 surgical procedures are attributed to sinusitis. With those numbers it's easy to see why information about sinus problems abounds. But why do so many people struggle with sinus problems and why has it become so rampant? To answer those questions we must first understand what our sinuses are.

Sinuses are air filled spaces within the facial bones over the forehead, check and nose. They serve many purposes but mainly as a filter for the air you breathe. Just as with any other filter you have they can become dirty and blocked by environmental pollutants (antigens). With that in mind it's easy to deduce why so many people have sinus problems; the air quality we breathe has become more and more polluted than ever.

Have you ever "changed" the filter in your sinuses?

The epithelium (cells) that line the sinus cavity are quite special. They are ciliated, meaning they have long thin filaments projecting from the top of them. This cilia acts as the filter, catching the dust in a mucus layer that then, by way of ciliary movement, moves it to your nasal passages and then to your throat to either be swallowed or spit out. Excessive ciliary movement from an environmental exposure)often presents itself often as post nasal drip, a sore irritated throat or runny nose. This is the natural movement of this epithelium, to get these pollutants out of your body.

Very often people suddenly wake up with sinusitis. Stating they went down to bed fine and woke up with congestion, head pain or excessive mucus. This is due to gravity. As we stand upright throughout the day, the epithelium drainage of mucus is aided by the pull of gravity. Laying down at night makes this process much more difficult and the sinuses can be quickly filled with mucus that has not been adequately moved.

One of the best things those suffering from sinus problems can do is a night time irrigation, where water under pressure is introduced into the sinus passageways. This helps clean out the mucus that has not adequately drained throughout the day and also helps remove and foreign antigens. I recommend to my patients that you also use Vitamin C or a slight amount of salt to help in this process. A Neti Pot can effectively do this, unless you have severe mucus buildup then other measures must first be taken to remove this first.

Steam inhalation has also gained a lot of praise from sinusitis sufferers. Again mainly used at night to help the excessive build up of mucus. A warm mist humidifier is a must here. A cold mist will only worsen the symptoms and it makes the mucus thicker and more difficult to drain. I often find those who have not found benefits from a humidifier were using a cold mist. Switch immediately to a warm mist. Also a small amount of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil can be used at night. Their aromatic smells stimulate the epithelium and dilate the nasal passageways to facilitate mucus movement.

Sinus problems can definitely be difficult to solve, but once you understand the natural anatomy of these passageways doors begin to open and relief is just around the corner. Focus on reducing that mucus buildup and you'll quickly get results. As always consult your local physician before making any medical decisions.