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Respiratory Disorders
Question #17620
160 days ago
363

FESS surgery - #17620

Mia

For the past few months, I’ve been dealing with constant nasal congestion, facial pressure, and headaches. At first, I thought it was just seasonal allergies, but then I started noticing that my sense of smell was getting weaker, and my nose felt blocked all the time, even when I wasn’t sick. Some days, I wake up with a headache and feel exhausted, as if I didn’t sleep well. I finally went to an ENT specialist, and after some scans, they told me I have chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. The doctor recommended FESS surgery (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) to clear my sinuses and improve drainage. They said it’s a minimally invasive procedure, but I’m really nervous about undergoing surgery. I want to know if there are natural ways to manage this before making a decision. That’s why I started looking into Ayurveda. Can Ayurveda help with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, possibly avoiding the need for FESS surgery? Are there Ayurvedic treatments, herbs, or therapies that can help open up the sinuses and reduce inflammation naturally? I’ve heard about Nasya therapy and steam inhalation with medicinal herbs—do these actually work for long-term relief? Also, I’ve noticed that my sinus issues get worse after eating certain foods, especially dairy and fried foods. Could my diet be making my sinus problems worse? Does Ayurveda recommend specific dietary changes to reduce sinus inflammation? If anyone has managed to avoid FESS surgery using Ayurveda, what worked for you? How long did it take to see improvement? I really want to explore all natural options before considering surgery, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Doctors’ responses

I’m sorry you’re dealing with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps; it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Ayurveda offers several natural approaches that might help alleviate your symptoms before resorting to surgery.

For sinus congestion and nasal polyps, Ayurveda recommends Nasya therapy, which involves the use of medicated oils or herbal formulations applied to the nostrils. These oils, often infused with herbs like Eucalyptus, Neem, and Brahmi, can help reduce inflammation, clear blocked sinuses, and improve breathing. Steam inhalation with herbs like Tulsi and Peppermint can also be very effective in clearing the sinuses and soothing inflammation.

In terms of diet, Ayurveda suggests avoiding foods that increase Kapha dosha, which could exacerbate sinus issues. This includes dairy products, fried foods, and overly oily or heavy foods. You should focus on foods that are light, warm, and anti-inflammatory, such as spices like ginger, turmeric, and garlic, as well as leafy greens and whole grains. Staying hydrated with warm herbal teas like ginger or turmeric tea can also help to reduce mucus buildup and inflammation.

If you decide to explore Ayurvedic treatments, it’s important to be patient, as natural remedies typically take time to show significant results. Some people may experience relief within a few weeks, while others might take a few months of consistent therapy and dietary changes. If you continue to experience severe symptoms, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor treatments to your specific condition might be helpful.

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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
160 days ago
4.83

I’m sorry to hear about your ongoing sinus issues. Ayurveda can offer several natural approaches to help manage chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Nasya therapy, which involves the application of medicated oils (such as sesame or eucalyptus oil) to the nasal passages, can help clear the sinuses, reduce inflammation, and improve drainage. Steam inhalation with herbs like eucalyptus, mint, or turmeric can also be soothing and help to open up blocked sinuses. In Ayurveda, dietary recommendations play a significant role in managing sinus problems—foods that are cold, damp, and heavy, like dairy and fried foods, can increase mucus production and aggravate sinus congestion. It may help to avoid such foods and focus on a warm, light, and easily digestible diet with spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking warm liquids and staying hydrated is also crucial for mucus thinning. Some herbs, like Trikatu (a combination of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger), can aid digestion and reduce sinus congestion. While natural remedies can be helpful, if your condition worsens or you don’t find relief, consulting with your ENT about the surgical option might still be necessary. It’s important to find a balance between natural treatments and professional care.

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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
160 days ago
4.83

I’m sorry to hear about your chronic sinus issues. Ayurveda can offer several natural ways to manage chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps before resorting to surgery. Nasya therapy, which involves applying medicated oils (like sesame or eucalyptus oil) to the nasal passages, can help clear the sinuses, reduce inflammation, and improve drainage. Steam inhalation with herbs like eucalyptus, mint, or turmeric is also commonly recommended to soothe and open up blocked sinuses. These therapies can provide long-term relief by addressing both the physical congestion and the underlying inflammation. Additionally, Ayurveda places strong emphasis on diet to reduce sinus inflammation. Foods that are cold, heavy, or mucus-producing, such as dairy and fried foods, should be minimized, while a diet focused on light, warm, and easily digestible foods is recommended. Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties that can help balance the sinuses. Drinking warm liquids and staying hydrated is also essential for clearing mucus. While these natural treatments can be beneficial, it’s important to monitor your symptoms, and if they persist or worsen, you may need to reconsider the surgical option. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider as well.

13739 answered questions
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It sounds like you’re experiencing significant discomfort from chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Your concerns regarding surgery are understandable, and it’s great that you’re exploring Ayurvedic options for relief. Let’s address your symptoms and lifestyle to create a tailored Ayurvedic approach.

1. Dietary Changes: Your observation of worsening symptoms after consuming dairy and fried foods aligns with Ayurveda, where foods that are heavy and mucous-forming can aggravate Kapha dosha, leading to increased congestion. Shift to a diet that emphasizes: - Avoid: Dairy, fried foods, cold beverages, refined sugars, and overly processed foods. - Include: Warm, light, and hydrating foods like ginger tea, warm broths, and soups made with spices like turmeric, pepper, and cumin, which help to reduce inflammation.

2. Nasya Therapy: This is highly beneficial for addressing sinus issues. Use nasal drops of medicated oils such as Anu Taila or Ksheerabala Taila. Here’s how to use it: - How: Lie down on your back and, with a dropper, place 2-3 drops in each nostril. Do this daily, preferably in the morning. - Benefit: Nasya helps clear nasal passages and reduce inflammation.

3. Steam Inhalation: Try inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus oil or fresh ginger. Here’s how: - How: Boil water and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a slice of ginger. Lean over the bowl with a towel covering your head, inhaling deeply for 10 minutes. - Frequency: Do this 2-3 times per week to help relieve congestion and open sinus pathways.

4. Herbs and Supplements: - Turmeric: Add turmeric to your meals or consume it as a tea to utilize its anti-inflammatory properties. - Triphala: This herbal blend can help promote detoxification and balance the doshas. Take a mile dosage before bed.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments: Engage in regular activities that promote circulation, like yoga and breathing exercises (Pranayama). Focus on Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to help clear nasal passages.

6. Duration for Improvement: Natural approaches can take time to show results. Consistency is key, so allow at least 4-6 weeks to notice changes. Additional monitoring by your ENT specialist is recommended.

Remember, while Ayurveda can greatly assist, consult your ENT specialist before making decisions regarding surgery versus continuing with natural therapies. Balancing both perspectives allows for safe and effective health management. With these strategies, you may find significant relief from your symptoms.

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