A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens, according to MedlinePlus. Although such infections are generally self-limiting and not serious in nature, the symptoms that accompany them can make life miserable until the infection resolves on its own or is otherwise cured. A novel, but effective, approach to combating sinus infections involves wasabi, a potent horseradish-like condiment widely used in Japanese cuisine.
Mechanism of Infection
You can develop sinusitis as a complication of the common cold or some other form of upper respiratory infection. Sinus infections develop when your sinuses become inflamed and swollen, trapping air and mucus in the narrow passageways of the sinuses, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This trapped mucus makes a prime target for various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, which can take up residence and kick off a full-blown infection.
Symptoms
Be aware that sinus infections can be either acute or chronic in nature. Although the symptoms are similar in both types of sinusitis, those you experience during chronic infections tend to be somewhat milder than those seen in acute attacks. According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms may include nasal obstruction or congestion; nasal discharge that is yellowish or greenish in color; impaired senses of taste and smell; pain or swelling in the area of the eyes, nose, cheeks or forehead; post-nasal drip; and a cough that generally gets worse at night.
Incidence
If you're suffering with a sinus infection, you have plenty of company. NIAID estimates that roughly 37 million Americans suffer from some form of sinus infection every year. According to MayoClinic.com, self-care is usually the recommended treatment for acute sinusitis, which is most often a complication of the common cold and will disappear when the cold does.
Fight Back with Wasabi
If you're a big fan of Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi, you're probably already well-acquainted with wasabi, the pungent, green condiment that's produced from the ground-up root of the Eutrema wasabi herb. What you may not know, however, is that a healthy dose of wasabi--in ground-up powder form or as a paste on a piece of bread--can quickly clear up the nasal congestion that's at the root of your sinus infection.
This wasabi cure for sinus infection is actually a form of aromatherapy, according to an article on BottomLineSecrets.com. The article, written by Murray Grossan, M.D., says the principle behind the use of wasabi is the same as that behind the use of the popular--and aromatic--Vicks VapoRub to clear your sinuses. If wasabi is a little strong for your tastes, the BottomLineSecrets article suggests that horseradish may also work. The article suggests that the wasabi or horseradish remedies be used at least twice a day during the winter months, when colds and flu are rampant.
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