Healthy Sinuses

We all like to breathe easily but sometimes we get sinus pressure and nasal congestion and wish there was an easy way to deal with it

There are four pairs of sinuses in the facial region which help to insulate the skull, reduce the weight of the skull and allow for our voice to resonate within it.  The locations of the four pair of sinuses are as follows:

·    Frontal sinuses are in the forehead region

·    Maxillary sinuses are behind the cheek bones of the face

·    Ethmoid sinuses are between the eyes

·    Sphenoid sinuses are behind the eyes

If our body’s defenses are down then viruses, bacteria and fungi can stick to the lining of the cells in the sinuses and cause irritation and infections.  One effective way to maintain healthy sinuses and to clean out the sinuses is the use of a Neti pot or nasal syringe.  

Webmd offers several videos on this subject including the use of a Neti pot http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-tv-10/default.htm?catId=20024&vidId=091e9c5e80516bbd

The video below also provides instructions on how best to use these tools more effectively.

Thermal Imaging is useful in identifying which sinuses may be inflamed and causing you discomfort.

Thermal Imaging Case Study:  Left Jaw Pain

Patient presents for initial breast thermogram and region of interest study on a Saturday in March 2011.  She had no complaints regarding breast health but had noticed a pain in her left lower jaw for the past week prior to her initial scan.  She has been under a lot of stress at work and thinks the pain may be related to night grinding or early TMJ.

Patient requests thermographic evaluation of breast heath and head and neck study to evaluate potential source for jaw pain.  See image and report below.

EMI report was given to patient later the same day.

EMI Interpretation March 2011

Increased activity throughout the central facial region is consistent with sinusitis/rhinitis.  Perioral thermal activity may relate to some degree of diffuse dental or gingival inflammation.  Increase is present towards the right side but no distinct focus is present.

There are no findings with respect to the thyroid gland and this is consistent with normal endocrine function.

There are no thermal finding to indicate TMJ or carotid artery dysfunction.  There is no thermal correlate to symptoms of left jaw pain along with (possible) nocturnal jaw grinding.

Patient Follow Up

By Monday, the patient was not feeling well and called in sick to work.  Further diagnostic evaluation confirmed a severe sinus infection and was placed on a course of antibiotics.  After three days of treatment and bed rest, the patient was able to return to work.

Here's to Healthy Sinuses ... Naturally!