Is there a natural alternative to antibiotics to treat sinusitis?!
Question:
Is there a natural alternative to antibiotics to treat sinusitis?
I have occasional bouts with sinusitis and sinus infections from flying and traveling from one climate to another within days. This causes face pain, headaches and dizziness as a result of fullness in the ears. The only option physicians seem to offer is antibiotics (up to fourteen days' worth at a time) and decongestants. I understand though that taking antibiotics too often can wear down the natural immune system. Any alternatives?
Answers:
I've suffered from sinusitis for as long as I can remember. In fact, I'm experiencing it now.
I have a couple of things to say:
1) Sinusitis is only occasionally caused by bacterial infection. It can also be viral or fungal. Your decision not to continue anti-biotics, especially if they aren't working, is wise. And to whomever said you could DIE by not taking them is a nut job and has no idea what they're talking about.
2) Decongestants can often make sinusitis WORSE. Why? Because they dry out your sinuses which inflames the sinus membranes more, causing them to produce MORE phlegm (only now its thicker because its dry) which cause more pressure, becomes harder to expectorate and can aggravate the problem long term even if they provide short term relief).
3) My FAVORITE thing to use when I have sinus problems is a neti pot. It looks kind of gross, but it works WONDERS. I use it every day when my sinuses act up, and it clears me out and moistens the linings of my sinuses so that they don't hurt, feel dry, etc. Here is a link with some info: http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/net...
4) Here is the suggested treatment methods from webMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/sinus...
While I do know someone who has had the surgery, I'd be leary of selecting that option unless you have tried everything else ad nauseum. If your bouts are truly "occasional" as you say, surgery may be overkill. Try the neti pot (or similar practice) and read the webMD page first.
Hope that helps!