FitSugar

Partner Yoga Pose: Forward Flying

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Soothing partner yoga poses such as Dog Hero, Massage Table, and Double Gate are great for connecting with someone or for a good stretch, but sometimes I'm in the mood for something a little more fun and challenging. You've probably done this flying move with your 2-year-old niece, but it's not just for kids. The reason it's so great when you're older is because the person on the top can utilize the force of gravity to feel deeper stretches, and the person on the bottom experiences an amazing lower-back release from the weight of his or her partner.

To find out how to fly with a partner read more.

The person on the bottom is called the base and the person on the top is called the flyer. Both men and women are strong enough to be the base and lift their partner (as you can see in the video), so if you're practicing this pose with a guy, make sure you have a chance to lift him up too.
The base begins on his back on the floor with his legs in the air. The flyer stands facing him with her toes close to his bum.
The guy on the bottom bends his knees slightly, and the flyer reaches for his feet and places them right below her hip bones. The base makes sure his heels point in, so his toes can wrap around her hips.
Now they hold hands and as the flyer leans into the base's feet, he straightens his legs, and lifts the flyer into the air. It's very important that the person on top keep her feet below her hips at first until they find their balance.
This is the first step in flying with a partner. If both partners are feeling stable, they can go ahead and try some of the moves demonstrated in the video. It helps to move slowly but if they lose their balance and the person on top falls over, it's totally normal. Doing tricks while flying requires a lot of practice, so it may take many attempts before the flyer is able to soar without falling to the floor.

Gifts For the Fly Fisherman

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:04 -0800

Here at Sugar, holiday season is already in full swing - you better believe I've been making my list for who's been naughty and nice! To make gift shopping a breeze for you, we'll be offering up a bevy of gift ideas in the coming weeks for all the special fit folk in your life.

If you're like me, you have a man in your life that likes to fish. As a young girl, I always looked forward to weekend fishing trips with my dad, but I've since traded in my reel for a yoga mat and a day on the rocks. My dad is still going strong, though. Here are a few things I'm scoping out for him that may come in handy for the special fisherman in your life, too.

Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die ($16) Beautiful photographs and descriptions of the 50 best fly fishing spots in the world. This book gives the fish fanatic something to dream about, or inspiration for his next trip.
Tie-a-Fly ($22) Bob Henley's fly kits are an easy and inexpensive way to learn how to tie fly patterns. Each kit comes with enough material to tie 12 flies.
Gallatin Lanyard ($39) Every good fisherman needs to have his gear handy, and a lanyard is an easy way to keep the essentials within an arm's reach. It's padded with foam to keep the neck comfortable, and it has an adjustable length of nine to 27 inches.
Embroidered Clearwater Mesh Vest ($57) Even knee-deep in water, you still gotta look good! No fly fisherman is complete without his vest, and this one gets you remembered for the personal embroidered pocket.
Fly of the Month Club ($60-220) For three, six, or 12 months, the Fly of the Month Club will send that special someone premium flies right to their door.

Partner Yoga Pose: Reverse Bat to Front Walkover

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:30:42 -0700

If you love practicing yoga on your own, why not practice with a friend? Doing partner yoga allows you to do deeper, more creative, poses since you have the support of someone else. Here' a really fun one to try that doesn't take a lot of flexibility, just a love of being upside down.

For detailed instructions on how to do this acrobatic partner pose keep reading

You Asked: Pain in the Ear When Flying

FitSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,
Whenever I fly I get this horrible pain in my ears, right as we're descending, about 15 minutes before we land. It's excruciating and sometimes I can't hear well a few hours after the flight. What causes this and is there any way to prevent it? I am traveling soon for my Summer vacation and am not looking forward to flying.
- Pain in the Ear

Great that you're taking a vacation. They are great for stress relief. It sounds like you suffer the condition aptly named airplane ear. More scientifically it's known as barotrauma or barotitis media, but whatever the name, the pain can be really intense and can cause ringing or bleeding in your ear, dizziness, or temporary hearing loss.

To hear what causes it and how to ease your pain read more.

This condition is pretty common and is caused by rapid changes in altitude or air pressure, which causes an unequal pressure between your middle ear and the air outside your ear. This makes your eardrum bulge outward or retract inward, which hurts, and can even cause a ruptured eardrum. You've probably also experienced it when swimming in deep water or driving through the mountains.

Swallowing or yawning should help ease your discomfort because the Eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your nose, opens and allows air to flow into or out of your middle ear, equalizing the pressure. If you're congested though because of a cold or allergies, this tube can be blocked, causing pain, muffled sound, and temporary hearing loss.

To prevent this from happening on future flights, try taking an over-the-counter decongestant such as Sudafed about 30 to 60 minutes before your flight. This will help to dry up mucus from your nose and sinuses. While you're flying, chew gum or suck on a cough drop. This will encourage frequent swallowing, which helps to activate the muscles that open your Eustachian tubes. Also, don't sleep when the plane is descending, so you can be sure you're swallowing often. I hope this helps and happy travels.

Source

Flying and Nosebleeds

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:05:00 -0700

After a long day of traveling, mostly by plane, I woke up with a nosebleed. The last time a bloody nose roused me from sleep, I was learning long division. I thought it odd, but the dry air in planes can push an irritated nose over the edge and result in a nosebleed, and the altitude doesn't help the situation either. More of a nuisance than a medical problem, nosebleeds are dramatic but not really painful (at least for me). Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't tip your head back, but rather lean slightly forward in a seated position while pinching your nose with your thumb and forefinger for five to 10 minutes. Avoid blowing your nose for several hours after the bleeding has stopped to prevent another nosebleed. If you cannot get the bleeding to stop after 20 minutes, seek medical attention. You should also be treated if your bloody nose is the result of an accident.

If you're suffering from allergies, live in dry place, and are flying in the near future, you should keep the interior of your nose moist with a saline nasal spray. No one wants to start a vacation with a nosebleed, especially a Summer one when so many people are wearing white. Tell me have you ever suffered through a nosebleed?

Source

DrSugar Answers: Flying With a Cold?

DrSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

DrSugar is in the house and answering your questions.

Dear Dr. Sugar,
I’m traveling home to the East Coast for Thanksgiving, but I have a horrible cold and my sinuses are really stuffed up. I've heard that it can be dangerous to fly with a head cold, especially for the ears. Is that right - is it dangerous? Is there anything I can do to make the situation safer for my ears?
- Stuffed Up and Homesick

Since this holiday is the major travel week as well as the beginning of full blown cold season you might be interested to see what DrSugar has to say, so read more.

Flying with a cold can be a horrible and painful experience. Ear pain occurs when sinus congestion or Eustachian tube congestion blocks the ability of air pressure in the inner ear to equalize with cabin air pressure. Symptoms can range from mild pain to severe ear damage depending on the severity of the pressure change and the duration of the flight. For most people, the symptoms are limited to pain, discomfort, and frequent popping of the ears. However, it is possible to rupture the tympanic membrane (ear drum), which can require surgical repair. Other symptoms can include dizziness, hearing loss, and ringing of the ears. I realize this sounds scary, but these are extreme examples. Most problems can be avoided easily with the correct approach to flying with a cold.

My first piece of advice would be to avoid unnecessary flying while sick or congested, however this is often impossible during the holiday season. The key to avoiding problems is to relieve or minimize blockage of the Eustachian tubes. Pressure differences between your ear and the cabin pressure are most severe during takeoff and landing. It is important to clear your ears often during takeoff and landing to equalize this pressure. This can be accomplished by yawning or gently blowing out with your nose plugged and mouth closed. Decongestants can also help to minimize the sinus congestion that commonly leads to pain. Examples include pseudoephedrine or antihistamines and they should be taken at least 30 minutes before takeoff. There are also earplugs specifically designed to prevent ear pain while flying called EarPlanes. While these can be useful in severe cases, they are inconvenient because they need to be worn for the entire flight. If you’re still unsure about flying or are having second thoughts, it is good idea to talk to your doctor or postpone your flight.

If you have a question for DrSugar, send me a private message here and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DVD Review: Bar Method Accelerated Workout

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0800

When it comes to mixing up my strength training routine, I am a fan of the Bar Method, a ballet based sculpting class. Full of deceptively simple exercises with a focus on micro movements, these hour long classes always leave me sore in surprising places. I was excited to try the new 55 minute DVD Accelerated Workout, because sometimes I really enjoy working my fanny in the privacy of my own home.

I think it is great that this DVD workout doesn't require any extraordinary props, just a mat, a set of two to four-pound dumbbells, and a chair to create your home version of a ballet bar. In this well-shot video, Bar Method creator Burr Leonard and three Bar Method studio owners lead you through a series of moves that work your arms, abs, back, legs, and glutes - in other words, your entire body. The instructions are super clear and easy to follow - a joy compared to some over or under produced videos I used in the past - and the workout flies by except for the quad work which always kills me. However, I felt there were less exercises in the DVD than you would experience in a class - I think because a little more explanation is required in the video format for the precise moves.

To see if the workout got my heart rate up too, read more.

Because I love my heart rate monitor, I wore it for the workout and my heart rate stayed fairly low throughout the class (average rate was 99 bpm) so don't count on it as an aerobic workout. As a Pilates instructor, I also don't like working in a "tucked" position, where you draw your bottom of your pelvis forward. The position feels bad on my back, and it is fairly subtle so without a live instructor correcting the placement I worry about other folks will over tuck and compromise their low backs. When I do this work, I mostly work in a neutral spine.

I think this DVD is perfect for someone new to fitness for the exercises are easy to do but will definitely work you, but for someone well versed in the Bar Method, this workout may feel too easy.

You can purchase the DVD directly from the Bar Method website for $20 and start sculpting and stretching.

Partner Yoga: Flying Whale

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:27:32 -0700

If you tried Forward Flying with a partner and loved it, then give this a try. It's a version of backwards flying called Flying Whale. The key is to move slowly to help the person on top stay balanced.

To learn how to do this partner yoga pose, read more.

The person on the bottom is called the base, and the person on the top is called the flyer. In this video, the base happens to be a guy and the flyer is a woman, but both men and women are strong enough to be the base and lift their partner. So if you're practicing this pose with a guy, make sure you have a chance to lift him up too.
The base begins on his back on the floor with his legs in the air. The flyer stands with her heels touching his shoulders. The base holds onto the flyer's ankles and as she arches back, the base shifts his legs forward and gently places his feet on her upper back.
Once the base feels stable, he pushes the flyer's ankles up and lifts her feet off the ground. They stay like this for a few breaths so the flyer can feel the amazing stretch in her spine.
To release, the base can lower the flyer's feet back toward the ground, or he can help her dismount by doing a supported back walkover. He does this by bending his knees so the flyer's hands can lower to the ground. He walks his feet to her bum as she brings her legs in split position. Then he gives her a gentle push to help her kick over.

Sinus headache

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:11 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Sinus headaches cause a dull, deep, throbbing pain in the front of your head and face. They are caused by an inflammation in your sinuses (air-filled cavities around your nose, eyes, and cheeks). Bending down or leaning over generally makes the pain worse, as does cold and damp weather. Sinus headaches often begin as soon as you get up in the morning, and may be better by afternoon. Sinus headaches can be difficult to diagnose, however, because symptoms are similar to tension headaches and migraines.

Signs and Symptoms

Sinus headaches generally have these symptoms:

Pressure-like pain in one specific area of your face or head (for example, behind your eyes)
Face is tender to the touch
Pain is worse with sudden movements of the head and bending forward
Worse pain in the morning (because mucus has been collecting and draining all night)
Sudden temperature changes, like going out into the cold from a warm room, worsen the pain
Headache often starts when you have a bad cold or just after

Other symptoms may be related to sinus inflammation (sinusitis):

Postnasal drip with sore throat (pharyngitis)
Yellow or green discharge from your nose
Red and swollen nasal passages (nasal congestion)
Mild to moderate fever
General sense of not feeling well (malaise)
Fatigue

Migraines can also feel worse when you bend forward and can be accompanied by nasal congestion. But a migraine is more likely to be made worse by noise or light, and to be accompanied by nausea.

Causes

Sinus headaches can be caused by sinus congestion and inflammation (called sinusitis). Sinusitis, in turn, is caused by either a respiratory infection (such as a cold or flu) or allergies (like hay fever). Healthy sinuses allow mucus to drain and air to circulate throughout the nasal passages. When sinuses become inflamed, these areas get blocked and mucus cannot drain. When sinuses become blocked, they provide a place for bacteria, viruses, and fungus to live and grow rapidly. Although a cold is most often the culprit, sinusitis can be caused by anything that prevents the sinuses from draining.

Risk Factors

History of allergies (especially hay fever) or asthma
Nasal polyps (swellings in the nasal passage), nasal bone spurs, nasal or facial tumor, deviated septum, or cleft palate
Climbing or flying to high altitudes
Frequent swimming and/or diving

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask questions in order to distinguish sinus headaches from migraines or tension headaches. If you have had a recent cold, allergy flare-up, and/or symptoms of sinusitis, that helps make a definite diagnosis.

Your doctor will look in your nose to check for congestion and nasal discharge. He or she will also press on areas of your face to check for tenderness. Transillumination (shining a light through the sinuses) is another simple method that your doctor may use to look for sinus inflammation; if the light does not shine through, your sinuses may be congested.

If your doctor suspects chronic sinusitis, he or she may order imaging tests, including an x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If your doctor suspects allergies may be causing your sinusitis, he or she may suggest an allergy test. Sometimes, a referral to a specialist – known as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor or an otolaryngologist – is necessary. This specialist may perform a nasal endoscopy using a fiber optic scope to look at your sinuses.

Treatment Approach

The best way to avoid or get rid of a sinus headache is to treat the underlying sinus inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids. Lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier or irrigating your nasal passages with salt water, may also help. Several dietary supplements and herbs may help prevent colds and flu or shorten their duration, or work together with antibiotics to treat your infection and support your immune system.

Lifestyle

Doing the following things can help reduce congestion in your sinuses:

Using a humidifier
Using a saline nasal spray
Inhaling steam 2 to 4 times per day (for example, sitting in the bathroom with the shower running)
Quickly treating allergic and asthma attacks

Other techniques that might help include:

Stretches for the head and neck
Relaxation techniques (see Mind/Body Medicine section)

Medications

Antibiotics - Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if he or she suspects you have a bacterial infection. are prescribed if a bacterial infection is present or suspected. To treat acute sinusitis, you may take from 10 to 14 days of antibiotics. Treating chronic sinusitis may take longer, usually 3 to 4 weeks.

Nasal corticosteroids - These prescription sprays reduce inflammation of the nose and help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They are most effective at reducing symptoms, although it can take from a few days to a week after you start using them to see improvement.

Beclomethasone (Beconase)
Fluticasone (Flonase)
Mometasone (Nasonex)
Triacinolone (Nasacort)

Antihistamines - Antihistamines are available in both oral and nasal spray forms, and as prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies, to treat allergies. Over the counter antihistamines are short-acting and can relieve mild to moderate symptoms. All work by blocking the release of histamine in your body.

Over-the-counter antihistamines: Include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Tavist). These older antihistamines can cause sleepiness. Loratadine (Claritin), a newer antihistamine, does not cause drowsiness.
Prescription antihistamines: These medications are longer-acting than over-the-counter antihistamines and are usually taken once a day. They include fexofenadine (Allegra) and cetrizine (Zyrtec).

Decongestants - Many over-the-counter and prescription decongestants are available in tablet or nasal spray form. They are often used with antihistamines.

Oral and nasal decongestants: Include Sudafed, Actifed, Afrin, Neo-Synephrin. Some decongestants may contain pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood pressure. People with high blood pressure or enlarged prostate should not take drugs containing pseudoephedrine. Nasal decongestants can cause "rebound congestion," where the nasal passages swell. Avoid using nasal decongestants for more than 3 days in a row, unless specifically instructed by your doctor, and do not use them if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Surgery and Other Procedures

For chronic sinusitis that doesn’t respond to medication, your doctor may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery, which may be done to remove polyps or bone spurs. Enlarging the sinus opening is also sometimes recommended. A newer procedure called balloon rhinoplasty involves inserting a balloon inside the sinus cavity and then inflating it.

Surgical procedures for sinuses are performed by an ENT specialist.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Several supplements may help prevent or treat sinus headaches, either by reducing sinus inflammation or by helping to ward off colds. (See Sinusitis for more details.) Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, they should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Bromelain - Several studies suggest that bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapples, may help reduce inflammation and swelling and relieve symptoms of sinusitis. However, not all studies found any benefit. Bromelain is often combined with quercetin a flavonoid (plant pigment responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables) that may act as an antihistamine. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take anticoagulants (blood-thinners) should not take bromelain without talking to their doctor first. Taking bromelain with ACE inhibitors may cause a drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
Quercetin - Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables. In test tubes, it inhibits the production and release of histamine, which causes allergy symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes. It’s often combined with bromelain, a supplement made from pineapples. However, there is not yet much evidence that quercetin would work the same way in humans. More studies are needed. Some people may prefer water-soluble forms of quercetin, such as hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) or quercetin chalcone.
Probiotics (Lactobacillus) - Probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, may be helpful if you are taking antibiotics for sinusitis. They may also reduce your chances of developing allergies.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

As with supplements, there are many herbs that may help reduce your chances of getting a sinus headache by preventing or treating a cold, enhancing your immune function, or reducing sinus inflammation.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) - Laboratory studies show that eucalyptus oil has strong antibacterial properties. Studies in animals and test tubes also found that eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant (helping get rid of mucus in the respiratory passages, which might help sinusitis). It’s often used to treat congestion from a cold or flu. One study found that people who took 200 mg of an extract of eucalyptus oil (cineole) three times per day had a greater reduction in symptoms of sinusitis than those who took placebo.

Essential oil monoterpenes - A combination of essential oils, including eucalyptus, a citrus oil, and an extract from pine, has been suggested for several respiratory illnesses, including sinusitis. One study found that people with viral sinusitis who took essential oil monoterpenes did better than people who took placebo. However, more studies are needed.

Sinupret (A proprietary formulation containing Sambucus nigra or European elder, Rumex acetosa or common sorrel, Primula veris or cowslip, Verbena officinalis or European vervain, Gentiana lutea or gentian) - In two studies, Sinupret was found to be more effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of sinusitis. The herbs it contains may work by thinning mucus and helping the sinuses to drain, and they may also help strengthen the immune system.

Although adequate research is lacking, other herbs that have been used traditionally to treat headaches include:

Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Willow bark (Salix spp.)

Homeopathy

One of the most common reasons people seek homeopathic care is to relieve chronic headaches. In general, there have been few studies examining the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend treatments for sinus headaches based on their knowledge and clinical experience. In one study of homeopathy for sinusitis, more than 80% of the participants had significant improvement in their symptoms after taking the homeopathic remedy for 2 weeks.

Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. In homeopathic terms, a person's constitution is his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

The following are remedies commonly prescribed for sinus congestion and headache:

Arsenicum album - for throbbing, burning sinus pain that is relieved by lying upright in a cool room with open windows
Belladonna - for throbbing headaches that come on suddenly and feel worse with motion and light; pain is partially relieved by pressure, standing, sitting, or leaning backwards
Bryonia - for headaches with a steady, sharp pain that occurs most often in the forehead but may radiate to the back of the head; symptoms tend to worsen with movement and light touch, but firm pressure alleviates the pain; the person for whom this remedy is most appropriate is usually irritable and may experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation
Hepar sulphuricum - for headaches described as "a nail being driven between the eyes;" these types of headaches are often accompanied by thick, yellow nasal discharge; symptoms tend to worsen with movement and light touch of the scalp and improve with pressure
Iris versicolor - for throbbing headaches that occur on one side of the head, especially after eating sweets; visual disturbances may also occur; these headaches are worse in the early morning, during spring and fall, and symptoms tend to worsen with vomiting
Kali bichromicum - for sinus headaches and congestion; pain often occurs between and behind the eyes; symptoms generally progress throughout the morning, worsen with cold and motion, and improve with warmth and pressure
Mercurius - for raw, swollen nostrils; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals whose pain feels as though the head has been placed in a vise; pain may also extend to the teeth; symptoms tend to worsen at night and the individual may alternate between sweating and having the chills; nasal discharge may be bloody
Natrum muriaticum - for headaches and congestion associated with allergies
Pulsatilla - for headaches triggered by eating rich, fatty foods, particularly ice cream; pain may move around the head but tends to be concentrated in the forehead or on one side of the head and may be accompanied by digestive problems or occur around the time of menstruation; symptoms tend to worsen at night and with coughing and blowing the nose; children often develop these symptoms while at school
Silicea - for sinus pain that improves with pressure, head wraps, and warm compresses
Spigelia - for stinging, burning, or throbbing sinus pain that often occurs on the left side of the head; symptoms tend to worsen with cold weather and motion but may be temporarily relieved by cold compresses and lying on the right side with the head propped up

Acupuncture

Although studies are few and have found conflicting results, some people may find that acupuncture helps relieve symptoms of sinusitis. An acupuncturist diagnoses headaches not as migraine, tension, or sinus, but rather as conditions deriving from "energetic" imbalances. Acupuncturists usually describe sinusitis as "dampness" which creates inflammation and congestion in the mucus membranes. This dampness is cleared by strengthening the spleen meridian and by working with the stomach meridian. Practitioners often perform needling therapy and/or moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points) for this condition.

Chiropractic

Although no studies have examined using chiropractic to treat sinusitis, some practitioners suggest that it may decrease pain and improve sinus drainage for some people.

Mind/Body Medicine

For headaches in general, relaxation techniques can be helpful. That's especially true if the headaches are chronic and recurrent, as sinus headaches can be. You may want to try these techniques:

Biofeedback to control muscle tension
Learn to meditate, breathe deeply, or try other relaxation exercises, such as yoga or hypnotherapy.

Other Considerations

If you are not better in a few weeks, your primary care physician may send you to see an ENT specialist for tests to find the cause of your sinus congestion.

Pregnancy

Sinus congestion often acts up during pregnancy. There are many herbs and medications that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use. Check with your doctor before using any herbs or supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Warnings and Precautions

You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience the following:

Sudden and severe headache that persists or increases in intensity over 24 hours
A sudden, severe headache that you describe as "your worst ever," even if you are prone to headaches
Chronic or severe headaches that begin after age 50
Headaches accompanied by memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, change in speech or vision, or loss of strength in or numbness/tingling in any one of your limbs
Headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting (may indicate meningitis)
Severe headache localized to one eye, accompanied by redness of the eye (may indicate acute glaucoma)

Supporting Research

Adler M. Efficacy and safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic therapy for sinusitis. Adv Ther. 1999;16(2):103-111

Annequin D, Tourniaire B, Massiou H. Migraine and headache in childhood and adolescence. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2000;47(3):617-631.

Baghdikian B, Lanhers M, Fleurentin J, et al. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997;63:171–176.

Blumenthal M. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council. Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:240-243.

Cady RK, Schreiber CP. Sinus headache or migraine? Considerations in making a differential diagnosis. Neurology. 2002;58(9 Suppl 6):S10-S14.

Cummings S, Ullman D. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. 3^rd ed. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1997: 88-89, 217-220.

Folweiler DS, Lynch OT. Nasal specific technique as part of a chiropractic approach to chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995;18(1):38-41.

Friese KH, Zabalotnyi DI. Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis: a double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy. HNO. 2007 Apr;55(4):271-7.

Gobel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D. Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia. 1994;14:228-234.

Guo R, Canter PH, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for the treatment of rhinosinusitis: a systematic review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Oct;135(4):496-506. Review.

Harvey R, Hannan SA, Badia L, Scadding G. Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD006394. Review.

Helms S, Miller A. Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Sep;11(3):196-207. Review.

Jaber R. Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. Prim Care. 29(2):231-261.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 206, 238-239.

Karkos PD, Leong SC, Arya AK, Papouliakos SM, Apostolidou MT, Issing WJ. 'Complementary ENT': a systematic review of commonly used supplements. J Laryngol Otol. 2007 Aug;121(:779-82. Review.

Mauskop A. Alternative therapies in headache. Is there a role? [Review] Med Clin North Am. 2001;85(4):1077-1084.

Melzer J, Saller R, Schapowal A, Brignoli R. Systematic review of clinical data with BNO-101 (Sinupret) in the treatment of sinusitis. Forsch Komplement Med (2006). 2006 Apr;13(2):78-87. Review.

Pryse-Phillips W. Guideline for the diagnosis and management of migraine in clinical practice. Can Med Assoc J 1997; 156:1273-87.

Ullman D. Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1992: 89-93, 120-122.

Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1995: 238.

Review Date:
12/27/2007
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Sinusitis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:51:08 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Sinuses

Sinusitis

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that occurs with a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.

Alternative Names

Acute sinusitis; Sinus infection; Sinusitis - acute

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull (behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes) that are lined with mucus membranes. Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other organisms (they are sterile) and are open, allowing mucus to drain and air to circulate.

When inflamed, the sinuses become blocked with mucus and can become infected. Each year, over 30 million adults and children get sinusitis.

Sinusitis can be acute (lasting anywhere from 2 - 8 weeks) or chronic, with symptoms lingering much longer.

Sinusitis can occur from one of these conditions:

Small hairs (cilia) in the sinuses, which help move mucus out, are not working properly.
The small openings (ostia) from the sinuses to the nose become blocked.
Too much mucus is produced.

When the sinus openings become blocked and mucus accumulates, this becomes a great breeding ground for bacteria and other organisms.

Sinusitis usually follows respiratory infections, such as colds, or an allergic reaction. Some people never get sinusitis, and others develop sinusitis often.

People more likely to get frequent sinusitis include those with cystic fibrosis and those with immune systems weakened by HIV or chemotherapy.

The following may increase your risk for developing sinusitis:

Air pollution and smoke
Allergies
Asthma
Changes in altitude (flying or scuba diving)
Dental work
Deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or polyp
Foreign body in your nose
Frequent swimming or diving
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Hospitalization, especially if you are in the hospital because of a head injury or have had a tube placed into your nose (nasogastric tube)
Overuse of nasal decongestants
Pregnancy

Cystic fibrosis is one of a number of diseases that prevent the cilia from working properly. Other such diseases that put you at increased risk for sinusitis include Kartagener syndrome and immotile cilia syndrome.

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of acute sinusitis usually follow a cold that does not improve, or one that worsens after 5 - 7 days of symptoms.

Symptoms include:

Bad breath or loss of smell
Cough, often worse at night
Fatigue and generally not feeling well
Fever
Headache -- pressure-like pain, pain behind the eyes, toothache, or facial tenderness
Nasal congestion and discharge
Sore throat and postnasal drip

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are the same as those of acute sinusitis, but tend to be milder and last longer than 8 weeks.

Signs and tests

Your doctor will test for sinusitis by:

Shining a light against the sinus (transillumination) for signs of inflammation
Tapping over a sinus area to find infection

Other tests that might be considered include:

Culturing material from the nose
Taking x-rays of the sinuses
Viewing the sinuses through a fiberoptic scope

However, these tests are not very sensitive at detecting sinusitis, and are often considered unnecessary.

A CT scan of the sinuses is a much better test to help diagnose sinusitis. If sinusitis is thought to involve a tumor or fungal infection, an MRI of the sinuses may be necessary.

If you have chronic or recurrent sinusitis, you may need further lab tests. Tests may include:

Allergy testing
Blood tests for HIV or other tests for poor immune function
Ciliary function tests
Nasal cytology
Sweat chloride tests for cystic fibrosis

Treatment

Try the following measures to help reduce congestion in your sinuses:

Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day.
Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.
Inhale steam 2 - 4 times per day (for example, sitting in the bathroom with the shower running).
Spray with nasal saline several times per day.
Use a humidifier.

Be careful with over-the-counter spray nasal decongestants. They may help at first, but using them beyond 3 - 5 days can actually worsen nasal congestion.

Also, for sinus pain or pressure:

Avoid flying when you are congested.
Avoid temperature extremes, sudden changes in temperature, and bending forward with your head down.
Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

If self-care measures are not working, your doctor will consider prescription medications, antibiotics, further testing, or referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays may be used to decrease swelling, especially if you have swollen structures (such as nasal polyps) or allergies. Avoiding your allergy triggers, taking nasal steroids, antihistamines, and allergy immunotherapy (shots) may help prevent further recurrent disease.

Antibiotics are used to cure the infection causing sinus inflammation.

Acute sinusitis should be treated for 10 - 14 days, while chronic sinusitis should be treated for 3 - 4 weeks.

Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may also be necessary, especially in patients with recurrent episodes of inflammation despite medical treatment. An ENT specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, can perform this surgery.

Most fungal sinus infections require surgery. Surgical repair of a deviated septum or nasal polyps may prevent recurrence.

Expectations (prognosis)

Sinus infections are usually curable with self-care measures and medical treatment. If you are having recurrent attacks, you should be checked for underlying causes such as nasal polyps or other problems, such as allergies.

Complications

Although very rare, complications may include:

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

Your symptoms last longer than 10 - 14 days or you have a cold that gets worse after 7 days
You have a severe headache, unrelieved by over-the-counter pain medicine
You have a fever
You still have symptoms after taking all of your antibiotics properly

A green or yellow discharge does not necessarily indicate a sinus infection or the need for antibiotics.

Prevention

The best way to prevent sinusitis is to avoid or quickly treat flus and colds:

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and other chemicals that could boost your immune system and help your body resist infection.
Get an influenza vaccine each year.
Reduce stress.
Wash your hands often, particularly after shaking hands with others.

Other tips for preventing sinusitis:

Avoid smoke and pollutants.
Drink plenty of fluids to increase moisture in your body.
Take decongestants during an upper respiratory infection.
Treat allergies quickly and appropriately.
Use a humidifier to increase moisture in your nose and sinuses.

References

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Evidence-based care guideline for management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children 1-18 years of age. Cincinnati (OH): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; 2006 Jul 7. 17 p.

Slavin RG. The diagnosis and management of sinusitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Dec 2005; 116(6 Suppl): S13-47.

Review Date: 1/23/2008

Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000647