Kris Brooks.com

Studies have indicated that saline nasal sprays may help treat rhinitis and sinusitis.

They are useful at removing airborne allergens, thinning mucus thereby relieving nasal congestion, moisturizing the nasal passages and keeping the cilia in your nose healthy. Cilia are the small hair-like structures in your nose that help humidify air to your lungs, assist in sinus drainage, trap bacteria etc. and aid your sense of smell.

There are two different two different types of saline solution, isotonic and hypertonic. Isotonic saline solutions have the same salt concentration as the cells in the human body. On the other hand hypertonic saline solutions have a higher salt concentration. Hypertonic saline solutions may be more useful for removing moisture from inflamed tissue. However a hypertonic solution with too high a salt content can impair cilia function.

Unfortunately many saline nasal sprays contain additives and preservatives such as benzalkonium which can cause side effects and can even be addictive. Therefore it is important to choose a saline nasal spray that contains no additives or preservatives.

Although saline nasal sprays are useful for many people, they do have their disadvantages. They are not particularly effective at relieving sinus pain, pressure and headaches. They do not kill bacterial and fungal infections, therefore do not help many chronic sinusitis sufferers. They do not reduce histamine therefore many allergy sufferers do not get sufficient relief from their symptoms.

Although saline nasal sprays do help many sinus sufferers, like any product they do not help everyone. A great alternative is Sinusoothe 100% natural nasal spray. This nasal spray is saline based but contains added natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to be effective. Therefore all the benefits of a saline nasal spray are retained plus it has further benefits. It gives instant relief from sinusitis and sinus allergy symptoms since it contains potent natural anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and anti-histamine properties. It also provides a long term solution since it kills infections and desensitizes the nasal passages to allergens. It is doctor recommended and completely safe to use daily for chronic conditions.

Another good alternative is nasal irrigation. A saline solution (isotonic or hypertonic) is administered to the nasal passages using a neti-pot or similar device. The benefits of this over saline nasal sprays is that a far greater quantity of saline solution is used therefore it can be more effefctive at relieving nasal congestion and flushing out allergens. However the downside is that it is not as convenient as the nasal sprays and the process is not to evereyone’s liking.

It is always best to consult your doctor if you have an existing sinus condition or suspect you have one.

Julia has spent many years researching the natural treatment of sinus conditions. If you would like more information on saline nasal sprays or natural nasal sprays please visit her at SinuSoothe’s website where she is always glad to be of assistance.

These natural remedies are increasingly being used in lieu of conventional medicine because they are being proven to be more effective.

Acute sinusitis lasts less than twelve weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than twelve weeks or keeps coming back and people have been known to suffer from it for over fifty years. This can really have a profound affect on peoples quality of life.

When nasal congestion occurs due to swollen sinus membranes, this creates a perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections to take hold.

The common cold usually causes acute sinusitis whereas a variety of reasons cause chronic sinusitis such as; a low immune system, nasal allergies, fungal infections, nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, a sinus obstruction, immune system disease, regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke. All of these can contribute to bacterial and/or fungal infections occuring.

There are many symptoms such as; tenderness, pressure and pain in the face and sinuses, headaches, green coloured nasal discharge, post nasdal drip, sore throat, bad breath, nausea, fatigue and lethargy, blocked nose, cough, poor sense of smell, painful ears, teeth and jaws. You may experience one or several of these.

These natural remedies are extremely effective and have helped many people get rid if their sinusitis.

Natural nasal sprays – SinuSoothe in particular is doctor recommended and contains natural ingredients which relieve inflammation, nasal congestion, sinus pain, headaches, removes airborne irritants etc. SinuSoothe is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and therefore kills any infection present. In addition it contains natural anti-histamines that relieve a runny, itchy nose and sneezing etc. and desensitizes the nasal passages to allergens. It also removes airborne allergens. SinuSoothe can be used long term, is non – addictive and has no side effects. It provides not only a ‘quick fix’ but also a long term solution for sinusitis sufferers.

Saline sprays – Sterimar is one of the main producers of this type of nasal spray. Although not as effective as Sinusoothe for treating sinusitis it does have it’s uses and is particularly useful for removing unwanted allergens and relieving nasal congestion. There are two types of solution , isotonic and hypertonic, which have varying levels of salt content. Sterimar is entirely safe and is not addictive.

Nasal irrigation – A neti pot is used to irrigate the sinuses with either an isotonic or hypertonic solution. An isotonic solution has the same salt concentration as your body. A hypertonic solution has a higher salt content and may be more useful at drawing moisture and mucous from the sinuses. This may help reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion. It is a good practice for keeping your sinuses clean and removing irritants. It is completely safe provided you use the correct saline solution.

Anti-histamines – Sinusitis caused by nasal allergies would greatly benefit from the use of natural anti-histamines. Butterbur, quercetin and stinging nettle are all excellent natural anti-histamines and do not cause side effects. Butterbur has been clinically proven to be just as effective as the over the counter anti-histamines.

Stop getting stressed – A small amount of stress is fine so long as it is not ‘distress’. Pressure is healthy and can provide motivation. When we are overwhelmed we feel stressed out and it contributes to ill health. Relaxation and taking time outs are essential and there are lots of herbs/supplements available which can assist relaxation if you find it hard to switch off.

Regular exercise – Exercise, provided it is not too taxing, can boost the immune system and provides a sense of wellbeing. Also the endorphins released during exercise act as natural painkillers. If you want to have more energy then exercise will provide this.

Imroving immune function – A healthy immune system is beneficial whether you have an existing medical condition or are warding off infections. A good diet combined with supplements such as vitamin C, B complex, garlic, zinc, multi-vitamin etc. can help maintain a healthy immune system.

Anti-inflammatories – The symptoms of sinusitis are caused by inflammation, therefore by reducing the inflammation you will reduce the symptoms. Natural anti-inflammatories such as vitamin C, turmeric, ginger and omega oils can be used on a regular basis.

Pollen barriers – Pollen barriers such as special barrier gel inside the nostrils can catch pollen before it enters the nasal passages thus relieving hay fever symptoms.

Before using new treatments please speak with a doctor first.

Rachel Scott Ph.D. works for SinuSoothe LLC and is a leading expert in the field of sinus infection treatment. To find out more about natural remedies for sinus infections and natural nasal sprays please feel free to visit her website.