I just came across a great article in the New York Times about chronic sinusitis.
Sinus problems are one of the most common issues we see at the Student Health Center (any primary health care provider will tell you the same) and for those people who suffer with them chronically, they can be one of the most frustrating. Literally tons of antibiotics, antihistamines, and decongestants have been prescribed and for a lot of people, they don’t seem to do much.
But there are some scientists out there looking at new theories of what causes this problem and how to treat. I encourage you to check out the article to learn more. Obviously, if you are having problems with your sinuses, be sure to see your primary health care provider for evaluation. But in the mean time, this article should give you some good ideas. Here’s the best one:
The most effective first-line intervention, said Dr. Palmer, is nasal irrigation using a neti pot or saline irrigation bottle, which helps flush out mucus and any inflammatory bacteria or allergens in it. “If you took all the people who say they have chronic sinusitis in the world, and you put them all on nasal saline irrigations, a big proportion would not have any symptoms anymore,” he said.
John A. Vaughn, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University