What is sinusitis?

It is the inflammation of sinuses, which are hollow air spaces located within the skull or bones of the head surrounding the nose.

What is sinus and how is it associated with sinusitis?

Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus, and each sinus is joined with the nasal passage by a continuous mucous membrane lining. Therefore, anything that causes a swelling in the nose, either an infection or an allergic reaction, can also affect the sinuses. For example, air, pus, or other secretion trapped within an obstructed sinus can cause pressure on sinus wall, leading to intense pain.

What are some symptoms of acute sinusitis?

Depending on the location of the sinuses being inflamed, pain can reflect at different areas. Most common symptoms are headache upon wakening in the morning, pain at forehead, upper jaw ang teeth, cheeks, and corners of eyes. Swelling of the eyelids, tenderness around nose, loss of smell, and stuffy nose are also common complaints of those suffering from sinusitis. Less common but possible symptoms are earaches, neck pain, fever, weakness and tiredness, cough more severe at nighttime, runny or obstructed nose.

What is the cause of sinusitis?

Sinusitis is caused by the inflammation of sinuses, due to common cold, virus or other infections such as fungal. Although abundant, these organisms are usually harmless to healthy people. If the body’s defense system is weak, then the natural resistance system can be attacked by these infections causing acute sinusitis.

How can acupuncture treat acute sinusitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes this condition to the pathogenic factors wind and cold attacking the lungs and disrupt the cleansing function. Alternatively, it could be due to the heat accumulation, or toxins, in the lungs. Treatment is directed toward clearing the lungs and nasal cavities and remove toxins.

How can I prevent from acute sinusitis?

It is very important to maintain a strong immune system to prevent ailments. Regular acupuncture and herbal treatments can achieve the goal of health maintenance, as prevention is emphasized in our practice. Avoid cigarette smoke or other air pollutants, alcoholic beverages, dusty areas, pollen or even specific types of food. Most important, boost the immune system

ACUTE RHINITIS

What is acute rhinitis?

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose.

What are the symptoms of acute rhinitis?

Common symptoms are the swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose and nasal discharge. It can be accompanied with fever, muscle aches, discomfort from sneezing, watery eyes, obstructed breathing through the nose, and inflammation of the throat and sinuses. Once being infected with bacteria, the nasal discharge becomes thick and yellowish or even greenish.

What are the causes of acute rhinitis?

Most of the time, viruses, bacteria, and allergens are responsible for its varied manifestations. Many factors assist the invasions of the nasal mucous membrane by bacteria, such as allergens, excessive dryness (turning on the heater during winter), dampness and cold weather, and inhalation of dust.

How can acupuncture treat acute rhinitis?

The treatment principle of TCM is aimed at eliminating the primary cause of the disease, usually directed toward dispersing the Excess (pathogenic evils) in order to prevent future reoccurrences. Clearing the nasal cavity to restore breathing and reduce the inflammation to relieve irritation and congestion can immediately alleviate discomfort naturally by acupuncture treatments.

What is the benefit of acupuncture treatment?

Acupuncture does not only reduce symptoms, but is directed at the root cause of the disease and prevent the possibility of becoming chronic rather than just acute rhinitis. At the same time, the body’s immune system is strengthened during the treatment and can benefit overall well-being.

ACUTE TONSILLITIS

What are tonsils and their physiological functions?

The tonsils are a part of the lymphatic system which aid the body in fighting infections and invasions of foreign matters. They act as filters of bacteria to guard the entrance to the throat and nasal passage. They are the first line in regards to our self-defense system.

What is acute tonsillitis?

It is the inflammation and enlargement of tonsils which causes slight discomfort. It is usually not a concern unless it becomes a source of chronic infection or interferes with swallowing or breathing.

What are some symptoms of acute tonsillitis?

In mild case, sore throat is the most common complaint. If the disease progresses without proper or delayed medical attention, tonsils become very swollen and the throat becomes severely sore. Other symptoms include fever, rapid pulse, general weakness, and difficulty swallowing.

What is the cause of acute tonsillitis?

Tonsils can become enlarged while filtering out mild infections from the body, a natural self-defensive action. The most common cause of tonsillitis is by the streptococcal infection of the throat.

How can acupuncture treat acute tonsillitis?

TCM attributes acute tonsillitis to the collection of Heat (toxins) in the Lungs and Stomach meridians in the body, complicated by an attack of Wind. Treatment is directed toward the dispersing of Wind factor, and eliminating Heat. Strengthening of the immune system is also an important role of the treatment plan to boost the body’s self-defense system to prevent reoccurrences of the disease. Ear acupuncture and herbal therapy are relatively utilized according to the severity of the disease.

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