Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, occur when the sinuses—the hollow spaces behind your forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nose—become inflamed or infected. While most sinus infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, functional medicine takes a holistic approach to uncover the root causes, focusing not only on the infection itself but also on factors that contribute to sinus congestion and inflammation.
What Are Sinus Infections?
A sinus infection happens when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed, blocking the sinuses and preventing mucus from draining properly. The main symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion and stuffy nose
- Facial pain or pressure (especially around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead)
- Thick, yellow, or green nasal discharge
- Cough, often worse at night
- Headaches or feeling of fullness in the head
- Fatigue or feeling generally unwell
Sinus infections can be acute (lasting less than 4 weeks), subacute (lasting 4-12 weeks), or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks). Chronic sinusitis can be particularly challenging, often recurring and leading to long-term discomfort.
What Causes Sinus Infections?
Sinus infections can be triggered by a variety of factors. While the immediate cause may be an infection, functional medicine looks deeper to identify underlying imbalances that may predispose someone to recurrent or chronic sinus issues.
- Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the nasal passages, often caused by environmental factors, such as allergens, pollution, or irritants, can make the sinuses more susceptible to infection.
- Immune System Dysfunction
A weakened or imbalanced immune system, whether from autoimmune diseases or nutrient deficiencies, can impair the body’s ability to fight off infections, leading to chronic sinusitis.
- Allergies
Allergic reactions to things like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander can cause the sinuses to become inflamed and blocked, leading to sinus infections. Histamine responses from allergens can also contribute to congestion and irritation.
- Dietary Factors
A diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, or dairy may increase mucus production, making sinus congestion worse. For some, food sensitivities (like to gluten or dairy) can also trigger inflammation in the sinuses.
- Structural Issues
Physical obstructions, such as deviated septum or nasal polyps, can contribute to chronic sinus infections by obstructing the drainage of mucus.
- Infections
Both viral infections (like the common cold or flu) and bacterial infections can cause sinus inflammation and lead to sinusitis. If the sinuses become blocked during an infection, bacteria can grow and multiply.
- Environmental Factors
Exposure to smoke, pollution, and dry air can irritate the sinuses, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, frequent travel or changes in weather can trigger sinus issues in sensitive individuals.
How Functional Medicine Helps Sinus Infections
In functional medicine, we don’t just treat sinus infections as a single, isolated issue. Instead, we focus on restoring balance in the body to reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and prevent future infections.
Your Personalized Plan May Include:
- Comprehensive lab testing to identify possible food sensitivities, infections, or immune dysfunction
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition to support healthy mucus production and reduce sinus inflammation (e.g., reducing sugar, dairy, or processed foods)
- Immune system support using herbal remedies like echinacea, elderberry, and vitamin C to strengthen the body’s defenses
- Gut health optimization (since a healthy gut supports a healthy immune system)
- Allergy management through environmental control and natural antihistamines like quercetin, stinging nettle, and probiotics
- Sinus irrigation (e.g., using a saline rinse or neti pot) to help clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages
- Herbal remedies and supplements to reduce nasal congestion and inflammation, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and oregano oil
- Breathing exercises and steam therapy to promote sinus drainage and improve airflow
Listen to our patient talk about her experience:
