Alternative Treatment of Acute Purulent Sinusitis

Suffering from acute purulent sinusitis can be very painful and uncomfortable. People who suffer from this often experience recurring bouts of the illness. Many people resort to traditional forms of treatment, but struggle with side effects and their bodies building up immunity to the medication. In light of this, individuals are turning to alternative treatment for acute purulent sinusitis.

Alternative treatment

• Sinuses are small cavities in our skull that are filled with air and help to keep germs out of our body. When acute purulent sinusitis occurs, the lining of the cavities become inflamed and trap air inside the cavities. This causes infection, pus, pressure and headaches. Acute purulent sinusitis can last up to four weeks and can also be a chronic illness that occurs several times throughout the year. It is important to treat this condition at the onset of the symptoms to help arrest the infection.

  One way to treat this condition is to take daily doses of echinacea. Echinacea is a perennial herbaceous plant. The plant is useful in stimulating the immune system. The exact nature of how echinacea works is not presently known and is under research.

  Echinacea comes in many forms--drops, capsules, extracts, teas and tablets. Dosing depends on what form you use; the container will indicate proper dosing instructions. It is important to drink about 48 to 60 oz. of water per day with any alternative medicine to help flush the inflection from your body.

  Another alternative treatment is a daily dose of saline solution. Saline solution will moisten the sinuses and release debris and mucus trapped in the cavities that can also lead to infections. Saline solution is a product you squirt up into your nasal cavity and is available in most drug and grocery stores. Daily use of this product is also a good preventive measure.

  Another alternative treatment is taking high doses of Vitamin C. Vitamin C can be taken daily as a maintenance supplement in doses that range from 500 to 1,500mg. It comes in capsule and tablet form . At the onset of purulent sinusitis you can increase your daily dose to 2,500mg. The vitamin C dosing can be broken down into three or four doses daily so that you do not have to take the vitamin C all at once.

  If the infection continues for two weeks or more and is accompanied by a fever, then you should consult your physician.