Sinusitis Treatment In Chennai: Symptoms And Treatment Options

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Sinusitis Treatment in Chennai: Symptoms and Treatment Options
1. Overview:

● Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the sinuses (air-filled spaces around the
nose, cheeks, forehead and eyes). It blocks drainage and traps mucus.
● Acute: under 4 weeks (usually viral). Subacute: 4 to 12 weeks. Chronic: over
12 weeks. Recurrent: several episodes per year.
● Chennai’s humid coastal climate, heavy traffic pollution, dust, construction and
seasonal changes (especially the northeast monsoon, Oct to Dec) can trigger
allergic rhinitis and sinus flare-ups.

2. Causes and Risk Factors:
● Viral infections (common cold), bacterial infection, fungal infection (less common)
● Allergies (dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander)
● Structural problems: deviated septum, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates
● Air pollution, smoke, strong odors
● Swimming or diving, dental infections (upper teeth)
● Weak immunity, diabetes, asthma
● Frequent air-conditioner exposure and sudden temperature changes

3. Sinus Symptoms:
● ...
... Facial pain, pressure or heaviness (cheeks, forehead, around the eyes), often
worse when bending forward
● Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
● Post-nasal drip, throat irritation, cough (worse at night)
● Headache, especially in the morning
● Reduced sense of smell or taste
● Bad breath, ear fullness, tooth pain
● Fatigue, low-grade fever

4. Nasal Congestion:
● What it is: a blocked or stuffy nose caused by swollen nasal tissues and excess
mucus.
● Effects: mouth breathing, snoring, poor sleep, dry throat, reduced smell, and a
feeling of breathlessness.
● Common causes: colds, allergies, sinusitis, polyps, deviated septum.
● Home relief:
○ Saline nasal rinse or spray
○ Steam inhalation (once or twice daily, carefully)
○ Warm fluids and adequate hydration
○ Sleeping with the head raised
○ Avoiding dust, smoke and known allergens

5. Treatment Options (Modern Medicine):
Option Details Saline irrigation Clears mucus and allergens; use boiled and cooled or distilled water Nasal corticosteroid sprays Reduce swelling; main treatment for chronic and allergic cases
Decongestants Short-term only (max 3 days for sprays) to avoid rebound
congestion Antihistamines For allergic sinusitis
Pain/fever relief Paracetamol as advised by a doctor
Antibiotics Only for suspected bacterial sinusitis (symptoms over 10
days, worsening after initial improvement, or high fever)
Oral steroids Short course for severe inflammation or polyps, under
supervision
Diagnosis tools Nasal endoscopy, CT scan of sinuses, allergy testing
Surgery Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), septoplasty,
polypectomy for chronic or structural cases not responding to
medicines
Who to consult in Chennai: an ENT (otolaryngology) specialist; for allergic cases, an
allergist or pulmonologist. Both government hospitals and private multispecialty
hospitals and ENT clinics in Chennai offer endoscopic evaluation and FESS.
6. Siddha Treatment:

Siddha is a traditional Tamil system of medicine, widely available in Tamil Nadu through
government Siddha hospitals and private clinics (for example, the Government Siddha
Medical College and Hospital in Palayamkottai, and the National Institute of Siddha in
Tambaram, Chennai).
● Siddha view: sinusitis resembles the condition called Peenisam (a disorder
associated with imbalance of the kapha humour, with nasal blockage, headache
and discharge).
● Commonly used approaches:
○ Herbal medicines: preparations using plants such as thoothuvalai
(Solanum trilobatum), adathodai (Justicia adhatoda), tulsi, dried ginger
(chukku) and pepper (milagu) are traditionally used
○ Nasiyam / Mookku podi: medicated nasal drops or snuff
○ Neer kovai / Thalai kaattu: head-related herbal therapies
○ Aavi pidithal: medicated steam inhalation
○ Varmam and yoga/pranayama: for breathing and sinus relief
○ Dietary advice: warm, light foods; avoid cold drinks, curd at night and
heavy dairy
● Safety points:
○ Evidence for Siddha treatment of sinusitis is limited compared with
standard medical treatment, so it is best used as a complement, not a
replacement, especially for severe or recurrent infection.
○ Choose a registered practitioner (AYUSH-registered, BSMS qualification)
and licensed Siddha pharmacies.
○ Tell your doctor about any herbal medicine, particularly if you take other
medicines, are pregnant, or have diabetes or high blood pressure.
○ Avoid unregulated products with heavy metals or steroid adulteration.

7. Home Care and Prevention:
● Saline rinse regularly, especially in dusty or polluted periods
● Use a mask in traffic and construction areas
● Keep bedding clean; wash in hot water to reduce dust mites
● Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
● Manage allergies with prescribed treatment
● Stay hydrated; avoid sudden shifts between hot outdoors and cold AC
● Treat colds early; get flu and other recommended vaccines
● Keep indoor humidity controlled to prevent mold in monsoon season