Controlling sinusitis through diet

Sinusitis is a painful inflammation of the membranes lining the sinus cavities in the skull. It occurs most often after a cold or in people who suffer from hay fever or other allergies involving the nasal passages. If you're suffering from sinusitis, check out these possible remedies.

Normally, mucus produced by these membranes drains through narrow ducts into the nasal cavity. Acute sinusitis is usually the result of a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Chronic sinusitis is more apt to be caused by allergic reactions or dental infections.

• Regardless of the cause, the sinus lining swells and blocks the passages, resulting in a stuffed-up feeling, possibly swelling and a deep, dull headache.
• A good clue in the ­diagnosis of sinusitis is that the pain tends to worsen whenever you bend over. There may also be a thick yellow or green nasal discharge.
• Depending upon the cause, a doctor may ­prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, anti­biotics or steroids.
• It's a common ailment; more than 40 million North Americans have at least one episode of sinusitis every year.
• Researchers speculate that the ­dramatic rise in the incidence of sinusitis in the last 10 years may be due to increased pollution and increased resistance to antibiotics.

Although nutrition does not play a direct role in sinusitis, some dietary measures may help.

• In one study, patients with chronic sinusitis reported improvement after eliminating milk products from their diets. People trying this approach should ask their doctor about supplements or increase their consumption of non-dairy calcium.
• Fluids can help dilute secretions and promote drainage. Drink at least eight to 10 cups daily of water, juice, tea and even soup.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamin C.
• Citrus fruits (rather than just the juice), grapes and blackberries are useful because they also contain bioflavonoids, plant pigments that have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamin E, too, has anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Dietary zinc is also an important immune booster and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Zinc-rich foods include seafood, meat, poultry, milk, yogurt, beans, nuts and whole grains.
• Some foods are natural decongestants. These include garlic, onions, chilis and horseradish. Decongestant herbs and spices include ginger, thyme, cumin, cloves and cinnamon.

• If you smoke, make every effort to stop. Smoking causes nasal and sinus inflammation, as can second-hand smoke.
• Heat and dry air can produce swollen, dry nasal membranes that are predisposed to sinusitis; a humidifier may be a simple solution.
• For fast relief, cover the face with hot, wet towels to promote drainage and increase blood flow to the area. Steam inhalation also promotes drainage. Hot tea may help reduce congestion; it contains theophylline, a compound believed to ease breathing by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of the airways.

Sinusitis is an unpleasant symptom of allergies and illness. Control your sinusitis with these simple diet changes and consult your doctor for more information.