Are you suffering from Nasal Congestion – Rhinitis?
Is your nose congested, stuffy and diving you crazy? Sneezing, itchy eyes and feeling unwell? If you're suffering from a stuffy head and pain in your sinuses while you have a cold or flu, and excess mucus, chances are you're dealing with nasal congestion. Nasal congestion can develop when the blood vessels inside the nose become inflamed, and the nasal tissues swell. Nasal congestion (or “”stuffy nose””) is often called “”rhinitis”” by healthcare providers.“Rhino” is a Greek prefix meaning the nose,and “–itis” refers to inflammation.
Therefore, Rhinitis is the inflammation of the linings of the nasal cavity.Symptoms of nasal congestion – Rhinitis!
If you have nasal congestion – Rhinitis you may suffer from;- Stuffy or runny, dripping nose
- Pain in your forehead
- Pain under your eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Feeling tired
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Sinus congestion
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Asthma
- Skin disorders, such as eczema.
- Green mucus draining from the nose
- Green and Red Tinged mucus indicates chronic infection
- Facial pain
- Pain Ears
- Headache
- Fever
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
How long does nasal congestion last?
If your nasal congestion is due to viruses or bacteria, it will likely continue as long your cold or flu (anywhere from five to 10 days).
If your nasal congestion is the result of allergies, it may last longer.
The body's natural reaction to rid your body of these pathogens, allergens and chemicals is to cause an inflammatory response in the nasal passageways helping your body to eliminate them naturally.
The inflammation and swelling significantly reduce the airflow through the nostrils.
In addition to inflammation, nasal congestion is also the result of dilation (enlargement) of the large blood vessels (veins) in the nose that shrink the volume of the nasal cavity and reduce airflow.
In many cases, nasal congestion is only a temporary problem.
So what causes that stuffed up feeling?
CAUSES OF NASAL CONGESTION!
Common causes of nasal congestion and allergies include reacting to
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Certain foods (e.g. dairy, gluten, sugar)
- Food additives
- Pesticides
- Grasses
- Pollens
- Dust mites
- Chemicals in personal products and cleaning products.
Some of the following conditions can lead to a stuffy nose:
Viral infections
The common cold, which is due to a viral infection, is one of the most common causes of a stuffy nose. Several viruses can cause a cold, with the rhinovirus being the most common.
In addition to a stuffy nose, a cold may also cause sneezing, sore throat, and cough.
If a stuffy nose is due to a viral infection, possible complications include ear infection, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis is very common.
Allergic Rhinitis occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that is usually not harmful. Common triggers of allergic rhinitis include pollen, dust, and pet dander.
Besides a stuffy nose, symptoms may include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. It'sIt's not clear why some people develop allergic Rhinitis, but having a family history of allergies is a risk factor.
Occupational Rhinitis
Occupational Rhinitis is similar to allergic Rhinitis. It can develop when someone reacts to a substance in their work environment. Symptoms may include stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and coughing. People who work around chemicals, wood dust, and grain may be at an increased risk of developing occupational Rhinitis.
Pregnancy rhinitis
Pregnancy affects many parts of the body, and that can include the nose. During pregnancy, hormones, including progesterone and estrogen, increase.
The rise in hormones, along with increased blood flow, can cause swelling of the mucous membranes inside the nose. Symptoms may include stuffy nose and sneezing.
Pregnancy rhinitis can occur at any time during pregnancy. Symptoms usually go away shortly after delivery.
Atrophic Rhinitis
Atrophic Rhinitis occurs when there is thinning and hardening of the mucous membranes inside the nose. The thinning tissues make it easier for bacteria to grow and lead to an infection. Crusts also may form inside the nose.
The condition is most common in people who have had multiple nose surgeries. (1)
TREATMENT OF SINIS CONGESTION – RHINITIS
People who develop any of the symptoms above may want to see their health practitioner to rule out a bacterial infection or any other complication.
Choosing a natural approach and using natural remedies can heal this condition and prevent it from reoccurring so severely.
What Are You Putting Into Your Body?
Common food allergies include gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, and corn.
If you find your allergies flare up after eating any of these foods or your diet contains a lot of these foods, you may benefit from an elimination diet.
An elimination diet involves avoiding certain foods or food groups and then reintroducing them and monitoring allergy symptoms. Talk to us to see if you would benefit from an elimination diet or having a food or environmental sensitivity test.
These days a lot of our food contains high levels of preservatives, additives, and pesticides that can all impact on our immune systems and contribute to allergies.
Consider introducing organic foods to your diet. Organic foods not only taste better, but they also contain higher levels of nutrients which can be beneficial to overall health.
Herbs and Nutrients to Manage Allergies Naturally
Allergies cause immune imbalance.
Pharmaceutical medications may help to reduce symptoms but do not address the underlying cause. The following herbs and nutrients may help to manage symptoms of allergies naturally, as well as rebalancing your immune function.
NUTRIENTS
• Quercetin – Is a bioflavonoid vitamin that beneficial for acute or chronic allergies such as hayfever, hives, and asthma. Quercetin is also an antioxidant.
• Probiotics – There are many different strains of probiotics; the most useful for allergies is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®). This strain is effective in reducing allergies, including eczema.
• Zinc – Plays a vital role in regulating the immune system and is a common deficiency. Optimal zinc levels are crucial in any allergy treatment.
• Vitamin C – Boosts the immune system, improves lung function and decreases allergy symptoms.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils – Antimicrobial essential oils such as
- eucalyptus,
- peppermint,
- lavender and
- thyme used in a sinus spray can provide relief from nasal and sinus congestion that occurs with hayfever and upper respiratory tract infections.
HERBALS MEDICINE
- Albizia (Albizia lebbeck) – The anti-allergy properties of the herb albizia are helpful for hayfever, asthma, sinus congestion and allergic skin conditions such as eczema and hives. It also helps to strengthen the lungs and clear mucus.
- Skullcap
- Feverfew
- Cayenne
- Echinacea – Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea,
- Eyebright – Euphrasia species
- Goldenseal – Hydrastis canadensis,
- Goldenrod – Solidago virgaurea
- St Mary’s Thistle – Silybum marianum,
- Plantain – Plantago major
- Nasturtium – Nasturtium tropaeolum majus
- Mullein – Verbascum thapsus
- Marshmallow – Althaea officinalis
- Myrrh – Commiphora molmol
- Poke root – Phytolacca decandra
- Blue Gum – Eucalyptus globulus,
- Greater Celandine – Chelidonium majus
TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
- JOIN THE ENERGY PLUS PROGRAM – reducing mucus-producing foods & ALLERGENS from your diet and eating immune-boosting foods.
- Eat a nutritious wholefood healthy diet 80/20!
- Reduce caffeine, stimulants and alcohol intake.
- Maintain a healthy sleep routine (7 – 9 hours).
- Regular Exercise
- Reduce Stressors in all areas of your life!
- Create a healthy playtime!
- Turn off your electrical devices, reduce screen time, remove social media from your phone and switch off from social media. Monitor your gaming time. Get outside and have fun!
- Use ”Prescription Only” Star Botanical Herbal Medicines
- Use Tissue Salts, micro-mineral-dosing to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Use ”Prescription Only'Only' Nutraceuticals
- Find time in the day for ”relaxing”, read books, listening to music, pampering yourself with a long bath, meditation, mindfulness. Whatever feels right for your emotional wellbeing!
- Aim to improve “Your Style of Life” & find a Healthy Balance!
Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health, lifestyle and wellbeing.
Click on the headings and the blue links within this document for health tips and natural treatment information.
For personal advice and individualised treatment, please book a Naturopathic Consultation.
I am looking forward to helping you!
