by: Brittane L. Strahan MSN, RN, CCRP
Allergies and sinusitis can be not only annoying but also painful and lead to other health complications. According to Rupa Health, allergies are caused by an immune response to an allergen. These allergens can be found in foods, in the air (pollen or pet dander), and even in personal care products. An allergic response can occur when these allergens enter the body through the nose. Usually, these responses are fairly mild and may include nasal inflammation leading to pain, pressure, increased mucus (causing congestion or a runny nose), headache, a scratchy throat, or a cough. If allergies cause a buildup of mucus to the point that bacteria or viruses begin to live in and grow in the nasal passages and sinuses, a sinus infection may develop.
A sinus infection is defined as an inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. Several types of sinus infections have been defined and these are diagnosed based on the time for which symptoms have been present. An acute infection has been present for less than four weeks while a chronic infection has been ongoing for at least 12 weeks. If a sinus infection is classified as recurrent, it means that the individual has been experiencing multiple episodes of sinus infections over the course of a year. Typically, these infections, especially the chronic and recurrent forms, are caused by bacteria.
The symptoms of a sinus infection are similar, though likely more severe, than those seen with allergies. Pain and pressure are the hallmarks of a sinus infection and are the symptoms that usually prompt an evaluation by a medical professional. Although allergens were mentioned above, several other factors can lead to sinus infections also. These include:
decreased immune function (which makes one more prone to infections)
undiagnosed food sensitivities or poor gut health (which both decrease the immune system’s functioning)
exposure to environmental irritants and toxins
chronic systemic inflammation
dental infections
Of course, it is important to find the root cause of an individual experiencing sinus infections. Several different tests can be done to rule in or rule out food or environmental causes. These include stool testing, organic acid testing, and food sensitivity testing in addition to the typical skin scratch testing. Stool testing can identify an imbalance in the gut flora and the organic acid test can identify nutrient deficiencies (which may also indicate an unhealthy gut). Of course, food sensitivity testing and scratch testing will identify potential causative agents.
Once the cause is known, specific treatment plans can be designed and implemented for relief of acute, chronic, or recurrent sinusitis. However, what can an individual do to lessen symptoms on their own? Likewise, what can a person do to minimize the discomfort of allergies, especially if the triggers are environmental and hard to avoid?
Care for the nasal passages is the best method of relief and prevention of infection. While supplements can be taken to boost immunity, methods can be taken to minimize environmental triggers, and dietary changes can be made to reduce exposure to triggering foods, one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of allergies and the risk of it turning into a sinus infection is nasal irrigation.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “nasal irrigation is an at-home treatment to rinse your sinuses”. When the sinuses are rinsed with a mixture of water and a salt solution, extra mucus, allergens, and irritants are flushed out. Nasal irrigation is especially useful for:
congestion
increased nasal discharge
an itchy nose
frequent sneezing
difficulty breathing
A word of caution though, if there is ear pain or a history of sinus surgery, nasal irrigation should be used with extreme caution and perhaps should be avoided altogether. Of course, one should consult with their physician before starting a nasal irrigation routine.
There are several devices on the market to be used for this purpose and device type all comes down to user preference. However, several basic facts remain the same regardless of the device used.
Water should be either sterile/ distilled, filtered, or boiled (and cooled) before use.
While there may be an element of fear that you may get a “brain-eating amoeba”, or other dangerous microbe in your sinuses or brain, this is very unlikely to happen if you use sterile, filtered, or boiled water.
Salt solutions should be purchased premade or made with sodium chloride and water following an approved recipe.
This can be done safely every day.
Now, on to the different options. There are neti pots, rinse bottles, and pulsed-water devices. The choice is made based on comfort, ease of use, and perceived effectiveness. A neti pot is shaped like a teapot and the water is poured into one nostril and drains out the other nostril operating strictly on the principles of gravity. On the other hand, the squeeze bottle operates exactly as it sounds. The user holds the tip to one nostril and forcefully squeezes the bottle to push the fluid through the nasal passage and out the other side. This may be a little bit more effective than the neti pot since there is force in addition to gravity. However, the force and pressure of the water moving through the nasal passage may feel a little more uncomfortable. Lastly, there are pulsed-water devices (such as the NavageTM). These devices are battery-powered and use a motorized pump to gently push the water through one nostril while simultaneously aspirating the used water through the other nostril and emptying it into a tank.
Regardless of the device chosen, relief can be felt almost immediately after the procedure is completed and the person blows their nose to remove any excess mucus. This is a perfect way to relieve allergy symptoms or other nasal congestion without medication or invasive procedures. Finally, nasal irrigation is a powerful tool in the toolbelt for anyone interested in natural methods to promote health and prevent illnesses.
References:
A functional medicine approach to sinusitis. (2023, March 3). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-sinusitis?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20893116874&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdTpeN8rWuRip76PblPiTP2_xLKWzfsx3q9zHAvZVoqqMdLfVY1GvmxoCSCIQAvD_BwE
Contributors, W. E. (n.d.). Relieve allergy symptoms without drugs. WebMD. Retrieved June 13, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-relief-without-drugs
Nasal irrigation: Uses, benefits & side effects. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 13, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24286-nasal-irrigation
sawc-appointments. (2023, April 18). Natural remedies for sinus infection relief. Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center. https://www.sinusandallergywellnesscenter.com/blog/natural-remedies-for-sinus-infection-relief-what-works-and-what-doesnt Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board