Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To reduce inflammation, promote natural drainage, and support the body's immune response.

• Ensure adequate rest to support your body's healing process.
• Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids to thin mucus.
• Avoid known allergens and irritants that can trigger or worsen sinus inflammation.
• Refrain from smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, which irritates nasal passages.
• Perform regular nasal irrigation with a sterile salt water solution to clear passages and reduce congestion.
• Practice good hygiene and stay home when unwell to prevent spreading infection and aid recovery.

Medicinal Treatment

To alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and treat underlying infections.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage pain and fever.
• Prescription steroid nasal sprays or drops to reduce swelling in the sinus passages, often used for several months.
• Antihistamines may be prescribed if allergic reactions are contributing to your sinusitis symptoms.
• Antibiotics are rarely prescribed, typically only for bacterial infections that do not resolve on their own.

Surgical Treatment

To permanently improve sinus drainage and ventilation for chronic or recurrent sinusitis.

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to widen sinus passages and improve drainage, performed under general anaesthetic.
• Removal of blocked tissue within the sinuses during FESS to clear obstructions.
• Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure where a tiny balloon is inflated in blocked sinuses to open them, then removed.

Surgery is typically considered for patients with chronic sinusitis (lasting over 3 months) or recurrent infections that do not respond to medical treatments.

Ayurvedic Treatment

To balance doshas, reduce inflammation, clear blockages, and strengthen the body's natural defenses using holistic principles.

• Nasya therapy, involving the administration of medicated oils or herbal preparations into the nasal passages to clear congestion and soothe inflammation.
• Herbal formulations like Trikatu, Sitopaladi Churna, and Turmeric known for their anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
• Steam inhalation with specific Ayurvedic herbs (e.g., eucalyptus, ajwain) to open nasal passages and relieve pressure.
• Dietary recommendations focusing on warm, light, and easily digestible foods, while avoiding cold, heavy, and mucus-forming items.