Sinus Problems Solution Guide

The sinuses consist of four pairs of hollow spaces in the skull behind the face. Sinuses warm, moisten, and filter the air; insulate and lighten the skull; and provide resonation for vocal expression. Normally, the mucus in the sinuses drains freely. However, when inflammation and swelling occurs in the sinuses - this is known as sinusitis - the mucus builds up, providing a breeding ground for infectious bacteria. In many cases, sinusitis is caused by allergens like dust, pollen, and mold, or other environmental irritants; in other cases, it is caused by infectious agents like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Structural abnormalities in the sinus cavities may cause sinusitis; and surgery may be necessary to correct such abnormalities.

Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the mucus membranes in the nose. When both the nose and one or more of the sinuses are inflamed, this is known as rhinosinusitis. Since most cases involve inflammation of the nose and sinuses, rhinosinusitis has become the preferred term among healthcare professionals. Rhinosinusitis may cause congestion, post-nasal drip, facial pain and pressure, headaches, bad breath, and fever. When rhinosinusitis occurs several times a year or lasts a long time, it is known as chronic rhinosinusitis.

Allergy sufferers are more likely to experience sinus problems and develop rhinosinusitis. When allergens cause inflammation and swelling, the sinuses produce excess mucus that can lead to or worsen chronic rhinosinusitis. Dust allergy and mold allergy often exacerbate chronic rhinosinusitis. A 1999 Mayo Clinic study found that allergic fungal sinusitis was diagnosed in 93% of cases of chronic rhinosinusitis. See our Mold & Mildew Solution Guide to learn how to deal with mold allergy. Asthma contributes to rhinosinusitis as well, and 40% - 75% of asthma patients develop sinusitis at least once a year.

"Of all the treatments tried for controlling and curing the symptoms of sinus disease, the one I found to work the best is a saline nasal rinse," says Dr. Ketan C. Mehta, who suffered from chronic sinus disease before undergoing corrective surgery. "As a medical specialist, I saw a tremendous need for a nasal rinse for my patients... An effective nasal rinse would significantly reduce or permanently cure the symptoms of nasal allergies and sinus disease."

Saline, or salt water, gently cleans and refreshes the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Dr. Mehta developed his own sinus rinse kit and NasaFlo neti pot saline rinse kit. In many parts of the world, the neti pot has been used for thousands of years to rinse allergens and impurities out of the nose and sinuses.

Saline sprays and mists also rinse out allergens and restore moisture to irritated membranes. The SinuPulse Elite Nasal/Sinus Irrigation System uses powerful pulses of water to rinse out the nose and sinuses.

Humidifiers add moisture to the air and soothe dry, irritated sinuses; they're especially helpful during the winter months when the air is often dry. However, if mold allergy is contributing to your sinusitis, you'll want to keep your relative humidity below 50% with a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth in your home. Air purifiers remove mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens and impurities from the air, and allergy relief bedding protects your bed from dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Proper nutrition and exercise will also help prevent sinus problems. See our article "Nutrition for Allergy Sufferers" for more information about the importance of nutrition.