Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the head that are lined with mucous membranes. The sinuses usually drain easily unless inflammation or infection is present. Sinusitis most often follows a cold or a flu and may also be associated with allergies, an infected tooth (dental abscess), or air pollution. Sinusitis can occur in children, but it is more common in adults.
The key symptom of sinusitis is pain over the cheekbones and upper teeth; in the forehead over the eyebrows; or around and behind the eyes. There also may be headaches, swelling around the eyes, fever, stuffy nose, coughing, or mucus draining down the back of the throat (postnasal drip). In children, coughing, nasal congestion and discharge that last more than seven to10 days along with complaints of headache and facial pain are good signs that the problem is sinusitis, not just a cold or flu.
If the symptoms are severe or continue for more than 10 to 14 days, seeking medical help is necessary, taking antibiotics may be needed. A sinus infection can lead to chronic sinusitis if it is not treated properly or if it is not treated at all.
Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCH)
1. Acupuncture: To reduce nasal congestion and relieve headache
2. Herbal nasal spray and rinse: To clear the nasal congestion, clean local inflammation and infection, wash off the excessive mucus or allergens, moisturize and subside the irritation of inflamed membranes in the nose and sinuses.
3. Chinese herbs: To rebalance immune system, detoxify blood stream, prevent allergy attacks and treat allergy, cold or flu symptoms. Also some herbs have anti-inflammation and anti-infection properties.
For more information please call Dr. Liyan Lu at 661- 513-9265, Ping’s Acupuncture and Herbs Center.