Sinusitis (acute/chronic)

The four paired sinuses (paranasal sinuses) are mucous membrane-lined cavities in the skull that are connected to the nasal cavities. Among them, the frontal and especially the maxillary sinuses are prone to infections and inflammation. From the perspective of conventional medicine, infections caused by common cold or influenza viruses often lead to secondary infections in the sinuses. Due to their narrow openings, inflammatory edema drains poorly, meaning that a sinus infection tends to resolve slowly and often incompletely. As a result, during the next viral infection—such as a cold—the previously infected and inflamed sinuses are affected again. For this anatomical reason, sinusitis has a tendency to become chronic.

The symptoms of sinusitis can vary in both acute and chronic forms and can significantly impact quality of life. While the acute form usually resolves relatively quickly, chronic sinusitis can be prolonged and recurrent.

In Chinese medicine, sinusitis falls under the category of bi yuan (“nasal swamp”) or nao lou (“brain leakage”). Typical symptoms of sinusitis include purulent, yellow nasal discharge that drains through the nostrils or down the throat, nasal congestion, frontal headache, facial pain, and a sensation of heaviness and dizziness in the head. Localized spontaneous or pressure pain over the maxillary or frontal sinuses is also possible. As in conventional medicine, an external factor is considered essential in the development of sinusitis in Chinese medicine and is thus attributed to repeated invasion by external Wind—either Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold. In the nasal cavities, this obstructs the Fei (Lung) Qi and leads to fluid stagnation.

However, people who do not take the illness seriously and fail to rest adequately, as well as those who consume excessive amounts of mucus- and heat-producing foods, are particularly predisposed to developing sinusitis. This dietary pattern can lead to underlying Dampness and Heat, either in the Gan (Liver) and Dan (Gallbladder), or in the Pi (Spleen) and Wei (Stomach). In Chinese medicine, sinusitis is therefore viewed either as a pure Excess syndrome or in combination with Deficiency—most often a Pi (Spleen) Deficiency.

A targeted treatment strategy using Chinese herbal therapy, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments is aimed at resolving stagnation and Dampness, clearing Heat, strengthening underlying deficiencies, and preventing the re-accumulation of phlegm.

We would be happy to advise you on your individual symptoms and the possible therapies.