What are the symptoms of sinusitis, and how can I treat it naturally? - #14618

Sinusitis can indeed be tricky to pin down since it shares some symptoms with colds and allergies. Typical signs of sinusitis include a persistent stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure (especially around eyes), and headaches. You might also notice thick nasal discharge that's yellow or green, a reduced sense of smell, or a cough. Sinuses can cause fatigue too. While acute sinusitis might last for around 4 weeks, chronic sinusitis can linger even past 12 weeks, sometimes months. Doctors usually dig into your medical history, may poke around with a physical exam, or use imaging tests to rule other stuff out. But if you're hoping to dodge antibiotics (good call if you don't need them!), Ayurveda's got some neat options. And you're right on track with steam inhalation – it can help clear blockages. A few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water can soothe and open up those air passages a bit. Turmeric milk? That's a classic! Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Just warm up some milk and mix in a spoon of turmeric powder, sip it gently. Maybe once or twice a day. You might consider incorporating ginger tea or tulsi (Holy Basil) – both gems in the Ayurvedic toolkit for respiratory health. Keeping hydrated is key too, helps thin mucus. Prevention tips? Regular nose-cleansing with saline solution or a neti pot does wonders. Keep warm, avoid cold drinks. If your space is dry, throw in a humidifier. And here's a quirky one - oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil, in the morning, sometimes balances doshas and boosts immunity. Honestly, sinusitis might resolve on its own, but sometimes needs a nudge. If you find it's sticking around or you get feverish or feel severe pain, grab a doc. They’ll steer you right. Stay perky!