Chronic sinusitis is defined as an inflammation in the nasal passages that extends into the sinuses. There can be accumulations of pus, infected material, allergens, and immune cells. Sometimes the blockage can be so complete that there is little air space left in the sinuses. The normal function of the sinuses is to warm the air that we breathe in. The sinuses do this because of their rich supply of blood vessels. It is this rich blood vessel supply that provides a great number of immune system cells to the area as well. Thus, triggers that excite the immune system can cause a large amount of inflammation and pain in the sinuses. Notably, if there is stagnation in the sinuses, pus, activated immune cells, and debris can accumulate in the closed space, causing further stagnation and pain.     

Common external triggers to chronic sinusitis  

•environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander 

•bacterial or viral infection 

•fungal infection    

Common internal triggers to chronic sinusitis 

•hypersensitivity to individual fungal organisms or mold  

•structural problems 

•lymphatic congestion 

•food sensitivities 

•internal toxicities that contribute to immune system imbalances 

•blood vessel tone and permeability irregularities

Naturopathic Program for Sinusitis 

After an initial history and exam, the most likely acute cause is decided upon and treated. Usually a saline irrigation is taught, but depending on the individual case, an antifungal nasal spray with quercetin added may be used. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine that also has properties of stabilizing some of the immune system cells usually involved in chronic sinusitis. If the case dictates, more interventional treatments of ultraviolet blood irradiation (most useful in bacterial/viral infection), ozone therapy (useful in both infection and immune system disturbances), may be started upon to give faster improvement.   

Naturopathic Assessment for the Underlying Reasons for Chronic Sinusitis 

Treating the consequences of chronic sinusitis alone is not useful. The symptoms of headache, congestion, pain, and mental fogginess are simply the consequences of an underlying condition that made a patient susceptible to manifesting the chronic sinusitis. The naturopathic approach needs to investigate possible internal triggers, external triggers, and the overall condition of the patient in order to diagnose and treat the true causes of sinusitis.   

This may involve investigation into diet, past history of recurring illnesses, chemical and toxin loads, stress, and hormonal or nutritional irregularities.   Some cases may have a cause in impaired detoxification, which has lead to stagnation of the lymph vessels.  If impaired detoxification is the cause, then lymphatic drainage medicines and techniques would be used, perhaps with sauna therapy, to decrease the toxin burden.  The goal of naturopathic detoxification techniques used to treat the underlying causes of sinusitis.   

As with most other conditions, the actual disease is only a red flag that should point to an underlying physiological stress. Identifying, correcting, and understanding the reasons as to why the stress occurred will not only improve the disease, but more importantly, start the journey to optimal health. This is the crux of the naturopathic program.      

Dr Eric Chan (ND) and Dr Tawnya Ward (ND) have certifications in intravenous therapy, chelation therapy (heavy metal detoxification), acupuncture, prescription authority, and oxidative medicine. Clinically indicated treatments individualised to the specifics of the patient’s case may be recommended after a thorough case history, complaint-oriented physical exam, and laboratory analysis.  

 A personalized combination of vitamins, minerals and/or other nutrients may be discussed after a consultation, compliant-oriented physical exam and labs as indicated.  Potential advantages and disadvantages of these treatments would be discussed, as well as expected costs and potential side effects.

 Call to book an initial consultation (new patients) or follow-up consultation (current patients) : (604) 275-0163.