What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Probiotics for Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the swelling and inflammation of the sinuses and is caused by bacteria, allergies, fungal or viral infections. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become blocked, leading to mucus buildup, which encourages the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Sinusitis may be acute or chronic. Chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks. Probiotics can help prevent sinusitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. Patients with sinusitis are encouraged to take lactobacillus acidophilus supplements because they help reduces chances of developing allergies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Allergy symptoms are a major cause of sinusitis. Probiotics also help replace friendly bacteria that are killed by antibiotics used to treat sinusitis.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Treatment of Sinusitis
Sinusitis caused by bacterial infection is treated using antibiotics. Antibiotics do not treat sinusitis caused by viral or fungal infections. Most cases of bacterial sinusitis improve without antibiotics. Patients with sinusitis caused by allergies are treated using antihistamines. Patients are also treated with nasal corticosteroids to reduce swelling, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and saline nasal sprays.
Prevention of Sinusitis
Sinusitis can be prevented by frequent hand-washing so as to avoid infections, treating allergies, avoiding smoking , drinking plenty of fluids and using a humidifier. A humidifier is necessary in homes where the air is dry. Breathing in dry air can cause hardening of mucus in your nasal passages, which leads to mucus buildup and sinusitis. A humidifier helps add moisture to air. Patients should also rinse out nasal passages regularly using homemade salty rinses or manufactured sinus rinses. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated also reduces the congestion that can cause sinusitis.
Patients with sinusitis are encouraged to take lactobacillus acidophilus supplements because they help reduces chances of developing allergies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Probiotics also help replace friendly bacteria that are killed by antibiotics used to treat sinusitis. Most cases of bacterial sinusitis improve without antibiotics.
- tataks/iStock/Getty Images