Sinus Infection : Part I

Sinus infections are also called sinusitis. It is an infection and inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. The sinuses are covered with a mucus layer and cells which contain little hairs on their surfaces. These hairs help to prevent the entry of bacteria, viruses, allergens and pollutants from the environment.

If the normal defence system fails the hairs may allow bacteria or viruses present in the nasal passage to enter inside the sinuses. Once entered the micro organism stick to the lining cells and cause an infection. This is the sinus infection.

The symptoms of sinus infection are headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek or on one side of the head. The other common symptoms include: cough, fever, bad breath and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. There is acute and chronic sinus infection and the common one is the long term, chronic infection.

Acute sinus infection normally lasts less than eight weeks and does not occur more than three times in a year. Each episode can last less than ten days.

Chronic sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks and occurs more than four times in a year. Here each episode lasts more than 20 days

What is the purpose of having sinuses in out body apart from preventing the entry of bacteria, viruses and other pollutants? There are four hollow air-filled-cavities in the human skull and these cavities are called sinuses. They are frontal (in the forehead), maxillary (behind the cheek bones), ethmoid (between the eyes) and sphenoid (behind the eyes) sinuses. They help to insulate the skull, reduce its weight and allow the voice to resonate within it.

To be continued...

What is food irradiation?

The process of exposing food to ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria, viruses, other micro organisms or insects is food irradiation and in several countries it is banned.

Sprout inhibition, delay of ripening and increase of juice yield and improvement in rehydration are the unnatural practices done by the industry, this spoils the food quality and the health risks are unforeseeable.

The ionizing radiation damages the DNA, the basic genetic information for life and thus it stops the malignant or pathogen activities of micro organisms. Ionizing radiation causes damage to the reproductive organs of insects. Irradiated plant foods cannot continue their natural ripening.

Only 40 countries are allowing food irradiation.

The critics say that the food is dead after irradiation. If it is possible, such food must be avoided.

How to avoid infection even if my immunity is reduced?

The immune system is body’s defence against bacteria, viruses and other foreign organisms. It is a very complex system which has to function properly to protect us from the harmful bacteria and other organisms in our environment that may infect body.

If your immunity is reduced for any reason, avoid people who have sore throat, cold, flu, vomiting and diarrhoea and all the possible other infections.

It is important to go outside for physical activity and for fresh air and avoid crowds in public transport and shopping centres. Select your clothes properly if you go out in cold weather or in winter to avoid getting a chill.

It is better to avoid public swimming hall and the chance of getting infected through the water. It is also better to avoid sport performances and other social activities where more people gather together.

If you have pets or work with animals you should be extra careful, wash your hands if you have contact with them and avoid completely animal wastes which can increase the risk of infection.

Avoid all building materials such as bricks, and cement which may contain dust and fungal spores that may cause infection.

If you plan a trip to abroad, contact your doctor for necessary vaccination which is necessary for the visiting country.

The personal hygiene standards must be very high, keep your house and environment very clean and wash your hands when you have been in the toilet and also before preparing or eating food. Take a bath everyday and have your own towels because these are a good source of cross-infection.

When your immunity is low, your mouth is a place of risk for infections; use a soft brush because hard brush might cause the gums to bleed that increase the risk of infection. Consult your dentist for antiseptic mouthwash to be taken after meals which may prevent infection.

The quality of food must be good to prevent infections. Raw or lightly cooked eggs, shellfish or soft cheese may contain bacteria. Therefore, we must be always careful with all the food because the danger of infection may be everywhere.