Diary of a Patient with Chronic Sinusitis|| Health & Wellness Series #3

So I woke up this morning sneezing and grunting like a mad woman. My nose is on fire and I can’t stop rubbing it. My head really hurts too sigh.

I can’t breathe properly.  

“Ahhh—chooo” There I go again! Oh Lord I really hope this isn’t corona virus that ketch me.

Nah it’s probably just my sinuses bothering me from this darn Saharan dust.

Guess I’m gonna have drug up today on some DPH or Zyrtec. But gosh, it makes me so groggy and sleepy.

Maybe I should call in sick today? But I can’t miss work again.

Lord what should I do?                                       

I don’t know about you but can you relate to this diary entry? Ughh yeah!

If I could get a dollar for every time a patient told me “Doc mi just have a likkle allergies/sinus problems” when I asked them if they have any medical illnesses, I’d probably be rich by now lol.

So with this crazy “Saharan Dust Storm” we are faced with now, I thought it was appropriate to tackle a few common respiratory illnesses: allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. We’ll talk about asthma another day.

Even if you don’t have these illnesses still keep reading so that you can better understand your friend or family member who may have their own struggles with them.

I’ve definitely had my fair share of seasonal allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Honestly, I don’t have it as bad as my sister and some other friends I know but I think my least favourite symptoms are the headaches and postnasal drip. And trust me I’ve learnt the hard way that if you don’t address the root of the cause it can lead to worsening of symptoms by bacterial infection and even tonsillitis. Please learn from my mistakes!

So what is allergic rhinitis?

Simply put, it is inflammation (i.e. redness, irritation and swelling due to the body’s immune response) of the nasal membranes caused by an allergen such as dust, pollen, chemicals and certain foods.

Symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the eyes, nose, ears
• Runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
• Headache
• Red eyes
• Drowsiness
• Malaise (i.e. Just not feeling well)

Whereas, sinusitis is specifically inflammation, of the lining, of the para-nasal sinuses. It may be triggered by an allergen or due to a bacterial infection.

Symptoms include:

• Pain over your cheeks and middle of forehead, radiating to the teeth (facial pain)
• Tenderness to pressure over your sinuses
• Redness of nose, cheeks or eyelids
• Postnasal drip
• Nasal congestion
• Persistent Coughing

 

If it’s bacterial infection you may have additional symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Thick postnasal drainage
• Ear fullness/pressure
• Difficulty breathing or smelling
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days

 

In the medical community we usually treat both of these conditions similarly because they usually present together (rhinosinusitis). Treatment includes:

1. Avoiding allergens as much as possible (but we all know that can be hard sometimes lol)
2. Medications: The classic antihistamines and decongestants. Unfortunately if bacterial infection is suspected you would need antibiotics.
3. Additional therapies: Such as humidifiers, warm compresses, staying well hydrated and eating healthy.

Let me just share a few healthy lifestyle tips for nipping rhino-sinusitis in the bud. These have really helped me and other friends and family members.

1. Keep your immune system strong and healthy! We all know that prevention is the best cure, right? So daily lifestyle practices (which we should all know by now because of Ms. Rona) that help to keep our immune systems up include:
   1. 1. Taking daily multivitamins and vitamin C. They contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your body needs to fight infections and other illnesses.
      2. Eating superfoods (here’s that word again) like honey, lemons, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, turmeric etc. which have awesome anti-inflammatory properties to prevent or reduce symptoms.  Did you know that honey has natural anti-bacterial and cough suppressant properties? It’s for the win! I will leave an immune boosting tea recipe below that you can try at the first signs of any symptoms you have.
      3. Avoiding dairy products and sugar. These are well known to weaken our immune system. As I mentioned last week, try to find plant based alternatives as much as possible and reduce your sugar intake.
      4. Healthy stress management is an important key to keeping our immune system up because from my own as experience and from studies done; stress increases your susceptibility to not just mental illnesses but many physical illnesses and infections. A little stress is good for us but TOO MUCH STRESS IS NEVER GOOD! Listen to your body but more importantly listen to the Holy Spirit when He says to rest, make changes or move on.
      5. Rest and sleep! Yes here it is again; our bodies need time to rest and recuperate in order to heal and function properly.
2. Using Essential Oils: I have found that having a steam shower or creating humidification with a boiling bowl of water and essential oils such as peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil really help to clear up my sinuses. Give it a try today!
3. Avoid your triggers! Keep your surroundings clean and dust free as much as possible. Try to avoid keeping carpets which harbor dust. Avoid using products like cleaning agents and perfumes with strong smells and chemicals. Oh yeah and wear your masks outdoors to help with the dust. Isn’t it ironic that we would end up needing masks for corona virus and Saharan dust? Boi these days are rough! P.S. With all these signs and wonders around us, is your heart right with God today? Selah…
4. Lastly, a sea bath! Yesss for those who can, try to get in a sea bath to help clear up those sinuses. The effects of the salty sea water is quite helpful. But make sure to dry your hair properly after though. Also, try using normal saline drops and if you can’t go to the beach,try listening to some relaxing sounds of waves while having your steam bath with essential oils.

 

So those are my few tips for dealing with rhinitis and sinusitis. I hope that these help to make a difference in your struggle! Also, don’t forget to pray!

Plus, for those who suffer with asthma, please please always have your inhalers at hand now, even though you haven’t had an attack in years. Better to be safe than sorry.

God bless you and may you walk in wholeness today!

Yours truly,

Dr. Esther J Trotman

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.” (Psalms 103:2-4 NLT)

Immune Boosting Tea Recipe

Makes one cup of powerful goodness

Ingredients

• 1/2 inch piece of ginger (peeled)
• 1 small clove of garlic (peeled)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1 tbsp of  fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Chop or grate ginger and garlic.
3. Add to boiling water, reduce heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in honey and lemon juice and strain (if desired).
5. Add to favourite mug and enjoy! Best drank first thing in the morning.