Sinustis Salt therapy and Sinusitis
What is Sinusitis?
The word Sinusitis derives from the part of the body behind the cheek bones, nose and forehead called the “sinuses” and the infection which is caused in this area when it becomes congested with mucous (or sputum). Sinusitis is usually triggered by a bacterial or viral infection but can also be caused by allergic reactions or other responses to environmental agents.
The skin in the nose has tiny little hairs projecting from it called cilia, which beat in order to move the mucus produced in the sinuses into the respiratory tract. Through an infection the lining of the sinuses becomes swollen, and this in turn will slow down or prevent the flow of mucous. Subsequently the trapped mucous fills the sinuses, and causes an uncomfortable sensation of pressure as the body attempts to extract the foreign bodies.
What are the symptoms of Sinusitis?
If you have sinusitis your symptoms may include:
• pain and pressure in your face, which is worse when you lean forwards
• a blocked nose with green or yellow mucus, which can drain down the back of your nose into your throat and may cause a sore throat and cough
• a headache
• less common symptoms of sinusitis include tiredness, a reduced sense of smell, bad breath (halitosis) and a fever
What are the treatments for Sinusitis?
Over-the-counter painkillers may relieve pain and help to reduce temperature if the patient has a fever. Several nasal sprays such as decongestants and mild steroids can also be effective and are usually available on prescription from your GP. If your GP thinks your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection or you develop a secondary bacterial infection due to your inflamed sinuses, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
How salt therapy alleviates the symptoms of Sinusitis
Quite simply Salt therapy will ease your sinusitis symptoms by opening the blockages in the sinus tract. The overall effect of salt therapy is to reduce the blockage in the sinus area. The salt particles draw out the fluid accelerating the pace of mucus clearance. It will reduce edema of the nasal mucosa, causing nasal blockage which in turn leads to widening of the airway passage in the nose and the tubes of the sinuses facilitating sinus drainage. The other great benefit of salt therapy is it helps to reduce infection by killing bacteria – thus getting to the heart of the infection which triggered the sinusitis in the first place.
Salt therapy has been used in eastern European countries as a complimentary medicine and alternative therapy for skin problems and lung and breathing problems for many centuries. Now the benefits of this ancient natural therapy are becoming known in the western world and here in the United Kingdom. Its greatest asset is it is a natural remedy. A salt room or salt cave recreates the micro climate found in salt caves and mines in a controlled environment.
