Dr.'s Blog

Sinus congestion

Yup. We’ve ALLLLLLLLL been there.

Nose is all clogged up, you’re congested, you sound like a frog, everyone is on your butt about sounding sick, having a tough time doing… ANYTHING… sleeping sucks.. and you’re sick, of being sick.

Sinus issues are no fun!

Well, just know… YOUR BODY IS DOING THE RIGHT THING. It needs to flush things out, and in a way, is helping clear things that you do not want lingering around. ‘Sickness’ is not something to be feared. Your body is expressing these symptoms for a reason. And although it’s unfortunate in the moment… once you heal, your immune system will actually be in a stronger state than before!

In most cases, pumping yourself full of drugs is NOT the answer.

Nyquil, Tylenol, Mucinex.. whatever it may be, is not a necessity.

Is there a time and place for drug intervention? (ex. antibiotics) Sure. And thank goodness for those interventions, at the right times. But, in a society that has been inundated for decades with the idea that drugs are the first and only line of defense… it can go against our

Natural Remedies

Nasal Irrigation:

Use a saline nasal rinse or a neti pot to flush out mucus and irritants from your nasal passages. This can help reduce inflammation and promote drainage.

Steam Inhalation + Essential oils:

Inhaling steam, or at least using a humidifier can provide relief by moistening nasal passages and helping to clear congestion. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil to hot water and inhale the steam.

Other high quality brands (DoTerra, Young Living, etc) will have respiratory blends that would be a solid choice too!

Some of these other oils may include:

Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara.

Hydration:

Drink plenty of water to keep your body and mucous membranes hydrated. This helps in thinning mucus and promoting drainage. Make sure you include plenty of good salts into your food and/or water.

Dietary Changes:

Consider an anti-inflammatory diet that includes fruits, vegetables, high quality proteins and fats. Some people find relief by eliminating dairy products, seed oils, processed foods, gluten, soy, and other common allergens (as well as others that may not be so obvious) as they can contribute to increased mucus production.

Quercetin:

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in certain foods (onions, apples, berries) and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce sinus inflammation.

Bromelain:

Found in pineapple, bromelain is an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce sinus swelling and improve breathing.

NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine)

Premier NAC promotes optimal detoxification at the liver and has the ability to help chelate heavy metals.* It also supports respiratory health through its beneficial action on mucus secretions. *

NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) is a key amino acid derived from L-cysteine. It is a powerful free radical scavenger which helps replenish glutathione,a critical tripeptide for antioxidant defense.* 

(PRLabs.com)

Gut health & a healthy biome :

Maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria with gut healing foods, probiotic supportive foods, as they play a role in the immune system and may have an impact on sinus health.

Vitamin C:

Boost your immune system with vitamin C-rich foods or supplements. It is commonly touted as an essential nutrient to your immune system functioning optimally, and, for good reason. Your best sources will come from whole, real foods. Otherwise, choose a supplment that sources from real foods (ex. camu camu)

Local, raw honey (and bee pollen)

Turmeric:

Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consider adding turmeric to your diet, or you can supplement with encapsulated forms or liposomal forms.

Ginger:

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with sinus symptoms. You can consume it in tea or add it to your meals.

Bone brother:

Reduce Allergen Exposure:

Identify and minimize exposure to allergens that may trigger sinus symptoms. This could include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, etc.

Adequate Rest:

Ensure you get enough sleep to support your immune system and overall health. I cannot stress this point enough… if you’re not sleeping well, you won’t be well. Time to up your sleep game! Check out other posts on this topic.

Acupuncture:

Some people find relief from chronic sinus issues through acupuncture, which may help improve the flow of energy in the body.

Chiropractic

Improved Nervous System Function:

The essential role of the nervous system in overall health is a foundational component to the very reason why we look to the spine first. If there are any issues with the spine, it can impact nervous system function, which will in turn affect physiological function in respective areas of the body. Your sinuses are controlled by specific nerves, some of which can be impacted by the upper cervical spine (the upper bones in your neck).

Enhanced Cranial Nerve Function:

The cranial nerves, including the facial nerve, play a role in the sensation and function of the sinuses. Chiropractic adjustments, especially those targeting the upper cervical spine, can have a profound impact on cranial nerve function – impacting the function of the sinuses.

Reduced Muscle Tension:

Tension in the neck and upper back muscles may be associated with sinus issues. Chiropractic adjustments, particularly in the cervical spine, aim to reduce muscle tension, which some believe may indirectly alleviate sinus-related symptoms.

Facilitation of Lymphatic Drainage:

Improving lymphatic flow/drainage can help keep lymph fluid moving throughout the body

Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System:

Chiropractic care influences the autonomic nervous system. By balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, adjustments might contribute to overall well-being, potentially affecting sinus function as the immune system is also influenced by this balance.

Correction of Posture:

Poor posture may contribute to sinus issues by affecting respiratory function. Chiropractic adjustments, coupled with posture correction, aim to improve respiratory mechanics and potentially alleviate sinus-related symptoms. Forward head posture can significantly impact respiratory function, by as much as 30%!!

General Info

Prevalence:

• Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, is a common condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 30 million adults in the United States were diagnosed with sinusitis in 2019.

Types of Sinusitis:

• There are different types of sinusitis, including acute sinusitis (short-term inflammation, often associated with a cold or allergies) and chronic sinusitis (lasting for 12 weeks or longer). Chronic sinusitis can be further classified into chronic sinusitis with and without nasal polyps.

Age and Gender:

• Sinus issues can affect people of all ages, but they are more common in adults. Chronic sinusitis is often seen in individuals between the ages of 18 and 45. There may be a slightly higher prevalence in women than in men.

Duration of Symptoms:

• Acute sinusitis symptoms typically last less than four weeks, while chronic sinusitis symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer. Some people may experience recurrent episodes of acute sinusitis.

Risk Factors:

• Various factors can contribute to sinus issues, including allergies, respiratory infections, nasal polyps, deviated septum, immune system disorders, and exposure to environmental irritants.

Impact on Quality of Life:

• Chronic sinusitis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, leading to symptoms such as facial pain, headache, nasal congestion, and reduced sense of smell. It can also contribute to fatigue and affect sleep.

Nebulizing

1. Wash Hands:

• Before handling the nebulizer and medication, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the risk of infection.

2. Assemble the Nebulizer:

• Connect the tubing to the nebulizer cup and the compressor. Ensure that all connections are secure.

3. Add substrate (hydrogen peroxide):

• Diluted hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, iodine .

4. Place Medication in Nebulizer Cup:

• Open the nebulizer cup and place the medication inside. Close the cup securely.

5. Attach Mouthpiece or Mask:

• Attach the mouthpiece or mask to the nebulizer cup. The choice between a mouthpiece and mask depends on the individual’s age and comfort level.

6. Connect Tubing:

• Connect the tubing to the nebulizer and the compressor.

7. Check Airflow:

• Turn on the nebulizer and check to ensure that there is a steady mist coming from the mouthpiece or mask. If using a mask, make sure it fits snugly on your face.

8. Breathe Normally:

• Breathe in and out normally through the mouthpiece or mask. Try to take slow, deep breaths to inhale the medication effectively.

9. Continue Treatment:

• Continue the treatment until the medication is finished, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Some nebulizers may have an automatic shut-off feature.

10. Clean the Nebulizer:

• After each use, disassemble the nebulizer and clean all parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves washing with warm, soapy water and allowing the components to air dry.

11. Storage:

• Store the nebulizer and medication as directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
  

What to put in:

1/4 tsp magnesium flakes in 10 ml of sterile water

Saline solution:

16oz sterile water

1 tsp sea salt

0.1% hydrogen peroxide solution

• 12% food grade dydrogen peroxide (4tsp of 3%)
• 3/4 of tsp of 12% to 16oz saline solution

Add iodine

• 1/2 tsp of hydrogen peroxide solution + 2 drops of 2% lugal’s iodine. Or 1 drop of 5%.

Start with 5-15 minutes. If symptoms are bad – repeat every hour.

HOCL (briotech)

1:2 solution for adults

1:3 solution for kids

CellCore HydrOxygen

2-3 drops w/magnesium and 5ml sterile water

NAC

1/8 of pure NAC capsule in 7-10ml of sterile water

Glutathione 

1/4-1/2 pure glutathione capsule in 7-10ml of sterile water

**These are simply ‘protocols’ that I have come across over the years. This is not medical advice. Feel free to ask your doctor or medical provider for additional info, and do other research.

References and Resources

Nasal Irrigation:

• Rabago D, Zgierska A. “Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions.” American Family Physician. 2009;80(10):1117-1119. PubMed

Steam Inhalation + Essential Oils:

• Inouye S, et al. “Inhalation effects of essential oils on humans.” Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 2006;21(4): 714-721. Wiley Online Library

Hydration:

• Pross N, et al. “Effects of changes in water intake on mood of high and low drinkers.” PLoS ONE. 2014;9(4): e94754. PubMed

Dietary Changes:

• Maslowski KM, Mackay CR. “Diet, gut microbiota and immune responses.” Nature Immunology. 2011;12(1):5-9. PubMed

Quercetin:

• Li Y, et al. “The potential role of herbal products in the treatment of COVID-19.” Globalization and Health. 2021;17(1):47. PubMed

Bromelain:

• Hale LP. “Proteolytic activity and immunogenicity of oral bromelain within the gastrointestinal tract of mice.” International Immunopharmacology. 2004;4(2):255-264. PubMed

NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine):

• Rushworth GF, et al. “Glutathione synthesis is required for platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell proliferation.” The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2005;280(14):11305-11312. PubMed

Gut Health & a Healthy Biome:

• Belkaid Y, Hand TW. “Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation.” Cell. 2014;157(1):121-141. PubMed

Vitamin C:

• Hemilä H. “Vitamin C and Infections.” Nutrients. 2017;9(4):339. PubMed

Local, Raw Honey (and Bee Pollen):

• Al-Waili NS. “Natural honey lowers plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and blood lipids in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic subjects: comparison with dextrose and sucrose.” Journal of Medicinal Food. 2004;7(1):100-107. PubMed

Turmeric:

• Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. “Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health.” Foods. 2017;6(10):92. PubMed

Ginger:

• Prasad S, Tyagi AK. “Ginger and its constituents: role in prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.” Gastroenterology Research and Practice. 2015;2015:142979. PubMed

Bone Broth:

• Erlich SD. “The Healing Powers of Bone Broth: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Most Nourishing Food.” Simon and Schuster. 2018. Amazon

Reduce Allergen Exposure:

• Portnoy J, et al. “Environmental assessment and exposure control of dust mites: a practice parameter.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2013;111(6):465-507. PubMed

Adequate Rest:

• Irwin MR. “Sleep and inflammation: partners in sickness and in health.” Nature Reviews Immunology. 2019;19(11):702-715. PubMed

Acupuncture:

• Kim SY, et al. “Acupuncture for chronic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2016;30(5):16-23. PubMed

Chiropractic:

• Bronfort G, et al. “Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy. 2010;18:3. PubMed