Sinusitis — inflammation of the Sinuses from ANY cause (Viral Infection, Bacterial Infection, Inhalation of fumes, Mechanical Irritation, or Allergies)

There are 4 Pairs of Sinuses (one on each side):
Frontal sinus, Maxillary sinus, Ethomoidal sinus, Sphenoidal sinus and Mastoid Air Cells

5 Steps of treating Sinusitis:
1) Open and clear
2) Drain and Flush
3) Dry mucus production
4) Anti-inflammatory Treatment
5) Moisturize with Humidified air

1) Open and Clear
- For a Quick brief opening of frontal and Maxilary sinuses, roll tongue backwards to roof of mouth and Push finger or thumb between eyes (third eye) for 20 seconds. Also massage upper mid sinus area.
- Peppermint, Pine, Menthol, and Eucalyptus are great natural essence oils that will help open up the sinuses (put a few drop in humidifier).
- Neo-Synephrine (Phenylephrine) OR Afrin (Oxymetaziline) Sprays. ONLY USE ONE OR ANOTHER BUT NOT BOTH. NOT USE FOR MORE THAN 3 days or you will have a severe rebound worsening.
- Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) taken orally works very well. Safe to take for short periods — 1 week. BUT it is a stimulant and is used to make illicit “crank or speed”

2) Drain and Flush
- BLOW your nose and try postural drainage (rotating the head in all directions).
- Flush out Maxillary and Ethmoid sinuses with Saline pH Balanced Salt Rinse. Recommend the Nellie Pot or Neil Med Sinus rinse. Buy the packets and do NOT use regular waters = it will sting if not Osmotical and pH balanced. You can make your own, but not worth the risk of being off with the ratios and infection from water.
- Saline rinse in can will also work, but may not clear as well.

3) Dry Mucous production
- Drowsy side effect Antihistamines: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) , Chlor-Trimeton (Chlorpheniramine), Dimetapp (Bromopheniramine) are usually MORE drying but also very sedating. They have EXTRA benefits by decreasing vertigo and work well to block allergic reactions.
- Non or Minium drowsy antihistamines: Claritin (Loratadine), Allegra (Fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (Certirizine) also work just as well for allergic reactions, but are less drying and sedating

4) Anti-inflammatory Treatments
- All the Above Antihistamines will decreased inflammation by blocking allergies.
- Flonase (Fluticasone) OR Nasarel (Flunisolde) are topical steroids sprayed directly in sinuses.
- Prednisone = strong oral steroid which should be only used if severe and chronic.
- Antibiotics (Amoxacillin, Cephalexin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) again only helpful if sinusitis is chronic (Greater than 4 weeks) with fevers and purulent discharge.

5) Moisturizing with Humidified air
Use humidifier, wet warm washcloth, and hot showers. Also try Ayr Saline Drops or Gel.
Sounds counter productive, but absolute must in sinusitis to keep sinuses form clogging up again. Will absolutely help relieve symptoms.