Supplements That Help In Treating Sinus Problems
As the name suggests, supplements supplement or aid the body to function properly. These supplements help to fulfill the nutrition required by the body to be healthy. These are available in various forms such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.
Although the United States Food and Drug Administration doesnt classify supplements as drugs, these do incur some side effects. Hence, pregnant women or individuals suffering from another health condition should be careful before trying any of these supplements for sinusitis.
Sinus Infection Treatment In Aberdeen Nj
As winter progresses and you battle colds, congestion and allergy symptoms, you become more vulnerable to a sinus infection. A sinus infection forms after fluid is trapped in the sinuses, air pockets located behind your eyes and around your nasal cavity, often after you are done with a cold or allergic reaction.
The Dangerous Truth About Emergen
Emergen-C® is a vitamin C-based powder that you consume by mixing it into a glass of water.
Its heavily advertised as being the ultimate cold prevention and cure and is often given to children.
Although naturally-occurring vitamin C can have great health benefits, the same cannot be said about the synthetic version of the vitamin.
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Health Dangers Of Ascorbic Acid
Whole food vitamins occur in small doses and are not toxic since the vitamin is complete in its integral working form. It requires nothing from the body, and triggers no immune response . If natural vitamin C is consumed in too high a dose, the body simply expels it through urine.
However, synthetic vitamins have many toxic effects from mega-doses and can trigger an immune response. High levels of vitamins C supplements are know to cause :
And thats just the beginning
1. Affects Your Capacity To Exercise
Rather than keeping you in tip-top shape, vitamin C supplementation actually decreases training efficiency. This is because ascorbic acid impairs your muscles mitochondrial function and adaptability to exercise .
2. Increases CVD Risk
Daily intake of 300mg+ of vitamin C increases risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. When compared to food sources of the vitamin, only supplemental vitamin C showed a positive association with CVD mortality .
3. Causes Kidney Stones
In a Swedish study, high-dose vitamin C was linked to kidney stones in men .
The most common type of stone is a mixture of calcium and oxalate, a substance found in many foods.
Some people break down vitamin C into oxalate, which may explain the connection with kidney stone formation.
As little as 500 milligrams per day can be enough to cause a problem, although the study was conducted with 1000mg of the supplement .
4. Causes Organ Damage
Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Cultures
This study was performed at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the local ethics board of Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants.
Human uncinate process was endoscopically obtained from 8 adult patients who had cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, nasopharyngeal angiofibroma or nasal septum deviation, without acute rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinitis.
Primary culture of human nasal epithelial cells was established using an adaptation of the methods published by Nlend et al.. The dissected mucosa was incubated in 0.05% protease in DMEM overnight at 4°C. After protease treatment, epithelial cells were released by vigorous shaking and were harvested by centrifugation. The cells were plated on collagen-coated glass coverslips at a density of 5×105/ml. The medium consisted of DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10 g/ml insulin, 5 g/ml transferrin, 0.36 g/ml hydrocortisone, 20 ng/ml triiodothyronine, 7.5 g/ml endochelial cell growth supplement, 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 g/ml streptomycin. Cells were grown in an incubator at 37°C in 5% CO2. The medium was changed every other day.
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How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask you a lot of questions in order to develop a detailed medical history and find out about your symptoms. They will also do a physical examination. During the exam, your care provider will check your ears, nose and throat for any swelling, draining or blockage. An endoscope may be used to look inside the nose. In some cases, you might be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. If you needed an imaging exam, your provider would order a computed tomography scan.
Flush With A Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation, a traditional Ayurvedic treatment, has been used for thousands of years to treat congestion and sinus problems by removing mucus and debris from the nasal cavities. You can find a variety of nasal irrigation devices at natural grocers or pharmacies. Try a neti pot, a small ceramic pot specially designed to irrigate sinuses, or a squeeze bottle. Fill either one with 1 pint of lukewarm distilled water mixed with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Check the health department guidelines in your area your tap water may contain low levels of bacteria and protozoa that can stay alive in the nasal passages and cause potentially serious infections in some individuals. During the day, keep nasal cavities clear with sprays designed to moisturize and soothe sinuses. Look for formulas made with xylitol, a sugar alcohol derived from fruits and vegetables thats been shown to reduce the risk of sinus infections.
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What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home
Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.
What Can I Take Instead Of Emergen
Cold symptoms can last up to 10 days, which might seem like a long time while youre pregnant. Colds often resolve on their own and dont need treatment, but there are safe cold medication options in pregnancy. Head to our GoodRx guide on safe cold medications during pregnancy to learn more.
As a reminder, always talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new medication while pregnant, even if its an OTC supplement or medication.
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Related Procedures For Sinusitis
If your sinusitis doesnt clear up after a couple of months of antibiotics along with good home care, your doctor may recommend that you see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for nasal endoscopy, a nonsurgical procedure under a local anesthetic. The doctor will use a flexible, lighted telescope-like device called an endoscope to visually inspect your sinuses, then extract a sample of the infected mucus. This procedure detects small abnormalities in the sinuses and helps the doctor determine why the medications are ineffective.
In some cases of chronic sinusitis, your doctor may order a computed tomography scan. This sophisticated x-ray helps find infection hidden in the deeper air chambers. Depending on the results, sinus surgery may be recommended. The surgery uses a tiny fiberoptic scalpel that does not scar and can drain your sinuses, remove any polyps or cysts, or widen the openings into your nasal passages . Most sinus surgery is done under general or local anesthesia. Youll go home the same day. Although surgery is never a guaranteed cure for sinusitis, studies show that the majority of people who have it report fewer symptoms.
Foods That Boost Respiratory Health:
- Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, walnuts, flax, and hemp are associated with improved lung function and decreased symptoms of asthma.
- Apples, onions, citrus fruits, and tea are high in quercetin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and helps prevent sinus problems.
- Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps reduce asthma symptoms and improves pulmonary function.
- Cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, ginger, and horseradish break up congestion, thin mucus, and clear excess mucus.
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When To See A Doctor
If the symptoms persist after ten days without improvement, then it is time to see a doctor. The specialists that treat sinus infections are ear, nose, and throat doctors, who will likely prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines after a thorough check-up.
Also, suppose a person has suffered from multiple sinus infections in the past year. In that case, this is a big warning sign and requires a visit to the physician.
If left untreated, sinus infections can lead to further complications, including eye infections or swelling around the eyes and reduced vision, meningitis, brain abscess, and bone infections.
by Social Joey | Dec 1, 2018 | Family Health, Healthy Living, Urgent Care Clinic, Walk In Clinic
Sinus infections can come with a lot of facial pain. Therefore, you might automatically think you have to go straight to an ear, nose and throat specialist for care.
However, this isnt the case. The qualified physicians at our AFC Urgent Care TN locations are happy to help you with your sinus infection so that you can get back to feeling your best as soon as possible.
Sinus Infection Vs Covid
Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.
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Are Supplements Effective To Treat Sinus Infections
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplements as food and not as drugs. Hence, supplements are not obliged to claim that they can either treat or prevent an illness.
Moreover, the supplements can interfere with the ongoing treatment of another treatment option. Even experts believe that minerals and vitamins deemed necessary for curing sinusitis should be taken in natural forms. In other words, follow a diet plan that includes food to avoidwhen suffering from sinusitis. Also, as a permanent solution you can look into the surgical interventions for treating repeated episodes of sinusitis.
What Are The Different Types Of Sinuses Near The Nose And Eyes
The paranasal sinuses are located in your head near your nose and eyes. They are named after the bones that provide their structure.
- The ethmoidal sinuses are located between your eyes.
- The maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.
- The sphenoidal sinuses are located behind your eyes.
- The frontal sinuses are located above your eyes.
The biggest sinus cavity is the maxillary cavity, and it is one of the cavities that most often becomes infected.
There are different types of sinusitis:
- Acute bacterial sinusitis: This term refers to a sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms . It responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.
- Chronic sinusitis: This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and decreased sense of smell for at least 12 weeks.
- Subacute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms last four to twelve weeks.
- Recurrent acute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.
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What Kind Of Sinus Medication Can I Take
I have a cold and I can feel it starting to get in my sinuses. Is there any kind of sinus medication that I can take to stop it from developing into a sinus infection?
Try plain Mucinex. I get the 12 hour maximum strength one. Its my go to when Im feeling sick or have any sinus pain/pressure. Just remember to drink more water. It helps to get the mucus out. For any pain/pressure use Advil or Ibuprofen.
It all depends on your age, allergies and what your parents preference! All of which I can discuss with your parents if need be
Wow, if only a single medication worked for everyone! I take Advil cold and sinus and double up on the Emergen-C for the week, and it seems to do great. But for my honey, I have to give him Mucinex cold and sinus and double up on the Emergen-C. He also has to use sinus spray. My daughter, gets a saline sinus wash when she starts to feel runny and get a scratchy throat, then some Emergen-C for the week, and hot mint tea sweetened with honey. She doesnt need meds. I think the key is to catch it early, get the vitamin C on board to boost the immune system, and if you are prone to sinus infections, try different antihistamines to see if you can prevent the drainage in the first place.
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Other Natural Remedies For Sinus Infection
Many homeopathic and alternative medicine practitioners recommend dietary supplements as effective remedies for sinusitis. In addition to vitamin C, the most universally recognized remedies include 60 mg of coenzyme-Q10 up to three times daily, 15 mg of zinc up to two times daily, 500 mg of garlic daily and echinacea as directed on the label. As with any alternative treatment, consult your doctor first.
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How Can I Tell If I Have A Sinus Infection Cold Or Nasal Allergy
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection. The common cold typically builds, peaks, and slowly disappears. It lasts a few days to a week. A cold can transform into a sinus infection. Nasal allergy is inflammation of the nose due to irritating particles . Symptoms of a nasal allergy can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and post nasal drip . Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can happen at the same time as a common cold.
If you are fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergy, see your healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history.
How To Prevent Sinusitis From Developing
People who follow poor food regimen and follow a stressful lifestyle are more likely to develop a sinus infection. In order to keep the immune system up, here are some tips that can help-
- Eat a diet rich in animal-based omega-3 supplements as this possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dont eat sugar or grains in excessive amounts.
- Prepare food in coconut oil as this has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects.
- Exercise regularly
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Can Vitamin C Prevent Or Treat Cold Symptoms
Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for colds, or as a way to help prevent colds. But findings have been inconsistent. Overall, experts have found little to no benefit from vitamin C for preventing or treating the common cold.
In a July 2007 study, researchers wanted to discover whether taking 200 milligrams or more of vitamin C daily could reduce the frequency, duration, or severity of a cold. After reviewing 60 years of clinical research, they found that when taken after a cold starts, vitamin C supplements do not make a cold shorter or less severe. When taken daily, vitamin C very slightly shortened cold duration — by 8% in adults and by 14% in children.
In 2010, researchers looked at all studies and found that taking vitamin C every day did not prevent the number of colds that a person got. In some cases, it made symptoms improve.
The results were different for people who were in very good physical condition, such as marathon runners. People like that who took vitamin C every day cut their risk of catching a cold in half.
So what does all this mean?
According to this research, the average adult who suffers with a cold for 12 days a year would still suffer for about 11 days a year if that person took a high dose of vitamin C every day during that year.
For the average child who suffers about 28 days of cold illness a year, taking daily high-dose vitamin C would still likely mean about 24 days of cold illness.
Are There Side Effects Or Risks To Consider
Taking an increased amount of vitamin C for a short period of time is generally considered safe.
Vitamin Cs tolerable upper intake level is 2,000 mg per day for adults ages 19 and older.
Emergen-C packets contain 1,000 mg each. This means that you can probably still consume vitamin C through your diet without hitting the max UL.
Consuming 2,000 mg or more may cause:
Emergen-C contains far lower levels of all of the other vitamins and minerals on its ingredient list. No other ingredient comes this close to the respective UL for adults.
Talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider before use if you:
- take prescription medication
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