Sinusitis Treatment   The primary goals of sinusitis treatment are drainage and killing of microorganisms. Without draining the sinuses, the organisms will still have a place to grow.  Drainage can be accomplished with simple steam inhalation. If steam inhalation is not effective, intranasal sprays of phenylephrine or the administration of oral pseudoephedrine can cause drainage as well.  Antibiotics should be used for both acute and chronic sinusitis.  In cases of severe untreatable sinusitis, surgery can be recommended to clean out the sinus, and in some cases to obliterate the sinus so there is not place for the organism to propagate. [4]   Alternative sinusitis treatment is also focused on improving drainage and eliminating the organisms that cause the inflammation.  It is also focused on preventing the recurrence of sinusitis and breaking the cycle of chronic infections.  This is best accomplished by boosting the immune system and eliminating the chronic nasal congestion that provides the correct environment for certain microorganisms to grow.     Supplements helpful for Sinusitis   N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) NAC is useful for an adjunctive treatment for both acute and chronic sinusitis.  It is a mucolytic, meaning it breaks up mucous.  It is equally helpful for encouraging drainage of the sinus.  NAC is also an effective antioxidant and has been shown to possess some anti-viral activity.  It is not habit forming, and does not cause any side effects.  In one study NAC was proven an effective adjunctive treatment to help clear mucous and drain the sinuses.  Furthermore, NAC prevented chronic sinusitis in children in 98.5% of the cases. [5]   Bromelain Bromelain is a plant enzyme from pineapple.  It is both a mucolytic and fibrinolytic. Bromelain is also purported to have immune modulating activity.  It is anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous, making it very useful for sinusitis.  Bromelain is a natural substance and is non-toxic.  There are no known side effects associated with the supplementation of this enzyme. [6]   Antioxidants Antioxidant supplementation is beneficial in many disease processes.  Antioxidants play a role in the functioning of the immune system and are an integral component in our body's natural defense processes against microorganisms.  Additionally, when tissues are inflamed, oxidative stress is increased.  This oxidation is, largely, due to the formation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals by the microorganisms and our bodies own defenses.   Antioxidant levels were found to be decreased in the nasal tissue of individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis.  Antioxidant supplementation should be an adjunctive treatment for any case of sinusitis and that supplementation may bring a better prognosis to the course of the infection. [7]  Antioxidants that may be helpful include Vitamins A and C, and the mineral, Selenium.   Botanical sinusitis treatments: Historically, many botanical medicines have been used in the treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis.  The biggest problem in botanical medicine is that not a lot of research has been done with applying a particular herb to a particular disease process.  Instead, what research has been done explores only the activities of certain botanicals.  That documented research then allows the medicine to be applied to certain conditions based on its physiological actions.   Sambucas, elderberry Elderberry has historically been used for sinusitis, as well as a medicine to prevent recurrent sinusitis from an upper respiratory infection (e.g. cold, pharyngitis).  In one particular study, elderberry was shown to be antiviral, protecting against influenza A and B, which are common agents that contribute to the development of sinusitis. Individuals in this study had a resolution of symptoms 4 days sooner than individuals in the control group.  This study's participants had no need for the use of stronger medications like antibiotics to resolve the sinusitis. [8]   Andrographis paniculata Andrographis is an immunomodulating herb.  It enhances the immune system, or provides support to the immune system.  In the past, this herb has been used as a common treatment for sinusitis.  In one study, symptoms of sinusitis such as fever, headache, malaise, sore throat, cough, and nasal discharge all improved in participants over controls.  Andrographis was also shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory action in individuals with sinusitis. [9]     Learn More About Sinusitis Introduction to Sinusitis Sinusitis Treatment Products helpful for Sinusitis Go Back Learn More

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