Cold, Allergies, Congestion

Tis the Season for runny noses and large gatherings of people. But for some of us sinus congestion isn’t a seasonal visitor but more of a full-time roommate. There isn’t one answer for every person but there are some general truths and solutions that work for many. In this post I hope to cover neck posture (cervical spine alignment), lymph node location and drainage, histamine reaction and allergies, structural differences, symptoms vs. causes AND solutions and prevention.

Allergies and how they work. Your body is an amazingly adaptive tool. It will “make it work” no matter the conditions you force on it. Allergies or histamine reactions are a great warning sign. By paying attention to histamine reactions you can tell when your body is over the limit of what it can tolerate. Imagine a glass of water (your immune system) and with every excess food, lack of sleep, stressful event x how long is goes on, illness or over exposure to toxins you add a tablespoon of water to the glass. As the body processes and cleans out the glass empties slowly, but if you continue to be sedentary, dehydrated, or add any other above the glass starts to overflow. This overflow shows up as inflammation, allergies, histamine reaction.

Lymph System and location of lymph nodes. Lymph can stagnate and the nodes can swell. When the lymph nodes in the face swell the sinuses can be blocked. Also, if you are going to resolve an issue the lymph system will be the biggest help in cleaning up the mess left by infection or illness.

Cervical Spine Alignment and Sinus Issues. Western medicine doesn’t have a lot of “proof”  but Alternative medicine has understood the connection between the sinuses and cervical spine alignment for a long time (I would say forever… but you know). Consider the tightness in the neck and then look at where the lymph nodes are. Just this alone should tell you that there maybe a connection between how well your neck works and how stuffy you feel.

In addition to lymph nodes, we know that nerves run everything in your body, they send messages and relay commands. If the pathways are impeded then those messages, commands and the corresponding feedback doesn’t land the way it should. Nerves run through and around the vertebrae in the neck. If there is constriction or compression in the cervical spine the nerves are compromised. Consider taking a look at the neck post to get more information about cervical spine alignment.

When sinuses aren’t full of air (healthy and clear) or moving then mucus stagnates. Here is where infection can be a complicating factor. Viral load can increase and you have a reduction in airway, which we will cover in the next paragraph. Take a Quick Look back at the location of the lymph nodes in the face. Now check out the location of the sinus cavities.

Natural function of the breath. As we breathe out through the nose (it doesn’t work the same way when you

breathe through your mouth) the body releases vessel dilators. As the blood vessels relax they allow blood to move freely and create more space and ease (room) for the sinuses to open and allow air and cleansing of the sinuses. So as you exhale through your nose, your body will accommodate that breath and make it easer to breathe through your nose.

Mucus Membrane in your sinuses. The mucous membrane in the sinuses produces mucus that traps dust, allergens and bacteria and prevents it from being inhaled into the lungs. The mucous membrane also humidifies and warms the air protecting the sinus cavity from irritation. Tiny hairs called cilia move mucus to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed. The mucous membrane keeps tissues from drying out. The mucous membrane is the first line of defense against the air and its contents. 

Keeping the mucous membrane hydrated and healthy ensures that the membrane can do it’s job. There are also recent studies that show a healthy mucous membrane can protect against memory issues and Alzheimer’s in later life, not to mention benefits of avoiding sinus infections.

Keeping the Sinuses Healthy – Prevention.

Nasal Breathing – Adopting nasal breathing can keep the sinuses open and encourage healthy sinuses. But what if you can’t currently breathe through your nose? Use the tools below, and once you are able to breathe through your nose consider using mouth tape to create and keep the healthy habit going.   I have used Somnifix mouth tape for years, but have been looking for something gentler on my skin. If you have sensitive skin try Dream Recovery Tape. * I have been able to get 5-7 nights out of one Dream Recovery tape and 2-3 nights out of the Somnifix tape!

Neck Health – Consider checking out the practices for neck and shoulder health in the On-Demand Library OR see a Chiropractor. I can tell you all of the reason a practice would be better, cheaper longer lasting… but truly finding a solution that will allow you to breathe through your nose is the only thing that matters.

Nasal Oiling – Ayurveda uses nasal oiling to keep mucus membranes healthy and hydrated.  My favorite was made by my Ayurveda Teacher through his company More Life Market. This oil contains eucalyptus. It was brought up by an ENT that Eucalyptus relieves congestion but then actually makes it worse in the long run, but I wasn’t able to find any research noting this complication. I was able to find numerous references that listed eucalyptus as a helpful tool to open sinuses during periods of congestion. But for me the oil is a preventative measure to keep the linings healthy. Eucalyptus will not fix the problem but it will lesson symptoms so that you can breathe and most importantly exhale through your nose. The oil will also keep pathogens moving toward an exit instead of getting stuck in the sinus. Nasal oil is not an antibiotic but eucalyptus has been shown to effectively kill bacteria. Above I touch on the fragility of the mucous membrane, it really is fragile. Anything you put in your nose is just a membrane away from your brain. This includes sprays and oils. Please use oils designed by doctors (Dr. of Ayurveda, MDs or other pros). Please do not put essential oils in your nose. Nasal oil is diluted with moisturizing oils of the highest quality and appropriate concentrations.

Nasal Rinses, Neti Pot and Lavage –  Rinsing the sinuses can be AMAZING once you are stuffed up. We swear by it, in this house. Just like oiling there are important details to remember. Don’t use plain water, don’t use tap water and DO use the saline packets. Nasal Rinsing isn’t for everyday use like oiling. It is a temporary solution for an acute issue, but don’t take my work for it. Read more about what doctors say about nasal rinses.

Nasal Spray – Many of the illnesses that get us down are viruses, but most of the solutions I talk about in this post are for bacterial infections. Both bacteria and viruses are contagious and now we have a way to help reduce viral load! Betadine has nasal spray, throat spray, and gargle solution that reduce viral load! Doctors are suggesting the gargle and nasal spray as preventative measures while traveling. And you know I am ALL ABOUT prevention.

Humidifiers – This is a great but very temporary solution. I find that nasal oiling is more effective and lasts longer. But when you are miserable help is help :)