Question 1

can manuka honey be used as a sinus rinse for both bacterial and fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

Little research: It is difficult to answer this with certainty as this is an alternative treatment that has not been well studied. In theory it should be helpful for bacterial infections, as manuka honey has been used topically to treat skin infections.  I have found a few studies to support its use for sinusitis, both for bacteria and fungi, but no large scale studies. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21518647.

Question 2

i have chronic sinusitis (opacified sinuses).  i started sinus rinse but have ear pain, shooting pains in my head,  and vertigo after rinse. continue?

Accepted Answer

No: Occasionally sinus rinses will force bacteria or fungus into other areas including the brain. They are not recommended. Gentle saline spray may help or topical steroids. The sinuses can be difficult to treat and sometimes require drainage. Ask for an ENT opinion.

Question 3

when using manuka honey in sinus rinses for chronic or recurrent sinusitis, for how long do you recommend treating?

Accepted Answer

I Wouldn't: I wouldn't recommend using manuka honey.  I do recommend the use of saline rinses and neti pots (with saline), but the studies with manuka honey are limited and primarily lab based.  There are too many things that could go wrong with use in your sinuses (contamination, purity, ineffectiveness, etc.).

Question 4

i have bought a sinus rinse,  how long do i need to boil the water in my kettle to kill of any potentially harmful bacteria. ?

Accepted Answer

Sinus rinse: you could consider buying distilled water for this purpose

Question 5

what is a good sinus rinse to get rid of bacteria that causes odor?

Accepted Answer

OTC prep: We often recommend first the neil-med sinus wash or neti-pot system. But remember, you must always use distilled water, saline, or boiled water for the solutions, never tap water, as that can potentially cause bacteria in the sinuses to migrate to the brain and result in a sometimes fatal brain infection.

Question 6

following a ct scan and mri scan there is a suspicion of fungal sinusitis in my sphenoid sinus, how is this treated, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Urine test for toxin: The most common source of fungal sinusitis is the presence of mold toxins. There is urine testing available to identify which mold toxin is present and how much.  The remedy for mold toxins is the binder Cholestryamine.

Question 7

what is the best rinse for recurrent sinusitis? xylitol, xylitol plus saline, manuka honey plus saline?

Accepted Answer

Neilmed sinus rinse : The neilmed sinus irrigation kit is the best rinse regimen for chronic  sinusitis patients.  It is isotonic so your nose and sinuses don't dry out too much.  Also the bulb syringe is better because it moves mucus and allergens out.

Question 8

used grapefruit seed extract in a sinus rinse bottle and after using it, i noticed a foul smell coming from my nose...what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

SINUSITIS :  Yes you should rest irrigate sinuses with saline/take a nasal spray like Nasonex (mometasone) and finish a 2-3week course of antibiotics ie bactrim/augmentin /cipro.  I avoid abrupt changes in pressure. Ie flying/scuba/swimming if diving or snorkeling is undertaken. These activities may increase risk of worsening sinusitis and potentially rupturing ear drum.

Question 9

how often is it safe to do an otc sinus rinse?

Accepted Answer

Daily: Once daily is ok.

Question 10

i can't stop sniffing after doing a sinus rinse. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Normal: After you insert something in the nose, the body's normal reaction is to try to expel it. That may last for up to an hour afterwards. Make sure you use sterile water with the sinus rinse.

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Doctor answers about:

Can manuka honey be used as a sinus rinse for both bacterial and fungal sinusitis

A member asked:

Can manuka honey be used as a sinus rinse for both bacterial and fungal sinusitis?

A member asked:

I have chronic sinusitis (opacified sinuses). i started sinus rinse but have ear pain, shooting pains in my head, and vertigo after rinse. continue?

A member asked:

When using manuka honey in sinus rinses for chronic or recurrent sinusitis, for how long do you recommend treating?

A member asked:

I have bought a sinus rinse, how long do i need to boil the water in my kettle to kill of any potentially harmful bacteria. ?

A member asked:

What is a good sinus rinse to get rid of bacteria that causes odor?

A member asked:

Following a ct scan and mri scan there is a suspicion of fungal sinusitis in my sphenoid sinus, how is this treated, what to do?

A member asked:

What is the best rinse for recurrent sinusitis? xylitol, xylitol plus saline, manuka honey plus saline?

A member asked:

Used grapefruit seed extract in a sinus rinse bottle and after using it, i noticed a foul smell coming from my nose...what does that mean?

A member asked:

How often is it safe to do an otc sinus rinse?

A member asked:

I can't stop sniffing after doing a sinus rinse. is this normal?

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