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Banish those summer snuffles

10/ 7/2006

Look good and stay healthy with Zahida Abbas

Assalamu alaykum readers.
As we are experiencing warmer weather - there will be many of you who will in no doubt will suffer from sinus problems including hay fever which is brought on by a hot summer.

For some, a few days of blowing their nose and feeling rough is the end of it.

But for others, who suffer the misery of sinus problems, the hot season is a bunged up nightmare that can last all summer.

So what causes sinus problems and why are some people affected by it more than others and what are the remedies?

Let's take a closer look at sinuses.
They are air pockets inside the skull, around the eyes and nose.

They help to lessen the weight of the skull and act as resonance chambers for the voice.

Inflammation of the sinus can be triggered by anything from the common cold to allergies, but essentially it occurs when the sinus drainage is blocked and mucus builds up causing pressure on the walls.
This is when we begin to feel that we have a sinus problem.

Sufferers often complain about feeling full in the face or bruised around eyes.
Also they may lose sense of smell. If you suffer from painful sinuses after the initial cold symptoms have worn off, it is advisable to see your GP.
Long term effects of this problem can lead to asthma and migraine - so early diagnosis is recommended.

There are over the counter remedies readily available - but you can try home made remedies too.

They are safe to use with no side effects.
For example, a few drops of ginger and eucalyptus inhaled over steam can bring relief from sinus.

Also try dabbing a few drops onto your fingers and starting from your nose, massage your way along the sinus, pressing gently.

This should help move the mucus.
Sinus often begins when we are allergic to something, pollen, dust mites etc, try to avoid mowing the lawn. Anti-allergy bedding is available from most retail outlets.

Also try dabbing some good old Vaseline on the tips of the nostrils and just under the eyes.
This will help catch minute particles of pollen entering the nose so reducing sneezing and runny eyes.
Self-discipline is key to helping yourself deal with sinus problems. If all else fails, see your GP or consultant. There is medication available for more serious sinus problems.

A good remedy to drink for the summer months is fresh ginger tea.
It's simple to make. Take a small portion of fresh root ginger. Peel and blend it.

Boil a cup of water and mix the blended ginger into the hot water. Cover the cup for 3 minutes to diffuse the essence of the gingerroot into the water. Strain the mixture into a fresh cup and add honey to taste.

Taken once every two weeks this will help to keep the nasal passages clear and clean the blood stream helping to keep out infection.

If you have any recipes you would like to share with us then please feel free to email me at asiannews@gmwn.co.uk