Antibiotics are the treatment choice for most physicians across the United States for sinusitis, but with the estimated millions of sinusitis sufferers not getting relief it's time to take a look at that treatment.
The issues revolves around bacteria, is that the most common causes of sinusitis? The answer is no.
Research says that bacteria accounts for only about 15% of the sinusitis, in in those cases it is classified as a secondary infection.
Meaning there was irritation or inflammation in the sinuses first that then led to the bacteria infection.
So you can see why so many sinus sufferers aren't finding relief; the most common treatment used only treats the minority of the causes of sinusitis.
Why my fellow colleagues in medicine can't understand this is just beyond me.
I think it stems from medical school where young inspiring doctors are preached to by "real doctors" to memorize instead of thinking for themselves.
I see it happen in many areas Let's get back to sinusitis.
So what is the cause of your sinusitis? Well It depends on your symptoms.
In my office our mantra repeated daily is "individualize every patient.
" That in reality is the only way to combat and cure your sinusitis.
Having a physician really getting asking what the cause is instead of just diagnosing it is the best solution.
Let's take a look at a couple of common causes and their symptoms.
Many sinusitis issues are caused by allergies, of which most people already know if they are allergic air born pollens or not.
Symptoms such as a frequent runny nose, dark circles under the eyes, extra long eye lashes, eczema and itchy skin would point to allergenic induced sinusitis.
Focus on reducing pollen exposure to cure your sinusitis symptoms.
A lot of attention has been given to sublingual immunotherapy as a great way of stopping your allergies permanently.
I currently have just started this therapy in my practice and the results have been positive so far.
Recent research though has pointed to a new group of allergies driven by foods as an under diagnosed cause of sinusitis.
These allergies are mediated by a different part of the immune system, what is called IgG.
It is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, meaning you can eat a food but symptoms won't appear for 24-48 hours and the symptoms are heavily focused in the mucosa layers of our alimentary canal (nose to anus).
The most common foods associated with this is dairy and wheat.
You can get a simple blood test to have the diagnosed but you'll need to go to a specialist to get these done as mainstream medicine has yet to fully accept this type of allergy.
I usually suggest trying a dairy free (except eggs) diet for one month.
I am always surprised of how well that symptom avoidance for a month can make such a big difference.
Most stores now carry many dairy substitute milks and cheeses, so its quite easy.
Another common cause of sinusitis that is often overlooked is fungal colonization of the sinuses by molds and spores.
Basements and swamp coolers are notorious for contributing to this.
Molds and spores love wet and moist places, which your sinuses are exactly that.
Through inhalation, they can set up a nice growing colony causing mucosal irritation and sinusitis.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has suggested that in the majority of chronic sinusitis, molds and spores are frequently the culprit.
Symptom suggesting a fungal causation include: abdominal bloating or constipation, eczema, living with a swamp cooler or unfinished basement, living near bodies of water or in very wet climates, onychomycosis, ridging of your toenails, fatigue and a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis.
I suggest spending your time and money on figuring out your specific cause to your symptoms instead of bouncing from therapy to therapy.
That is the best way I have found to cure sinusitis with my patients, and I am confident it is for you to.