Buteyko Breathing for sinus infection

Sinusitis is caused by swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses, leading to nasal blockage and breathing discomfort. Those seeking natural relief can use Buteyko Breathing for sinus infection as it will help them restore their respiratory hygiene and function.

 

What helps breathing with sinus infection?

Those suffering from sinus infections can find relief through the following methods:

1. Use decongestant essential oils

• peppermint oil, which also has anti-bacterial (ref), and anti-inflammatory properties (ref).

• eucalyptus oil (ref).

• lavender oil, which also has pain-relieving properties (ref).

• tea tree oil, that has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties (ref).

• oregano oil, which can stop bacteria from growing (ref).

• rosemary oil (ref).

• clary sage oil, which acts as an antimicrobial agent (ref).

2. Massage the maxillary sinuses

to encourage fluid drainage.

3. Have a hot bath

Apply a warm compress (towel or water bottle) or breathe over a humidifier as the heat will loosen up the mucus in the nasal cavity.

4. Practice hypercapnic breathing exercises

CO₂ training will help keep your airways open.

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FAQ

Can breathing exercises help sinusitis?

The way we breathe determines our nose’s hygiene. Hyperventilation, mouth-breathing, and erratic breathing are types of dysfunctional breathing that promote inflammation in the sinuses and lead to a blocked nose. The Buteyko Method through the application of basic biochemical principles can help reduce inflammation and restore good respiratory function.

In order to unblock your nose, you need to increase your levels of CO₂ and NO in your nasal cavity.

A quick way this can be achieved is by performing short breath-holds:

Inhale – Exhale – Pinch your nose for 60% of your max capacity – Inhale from the nose – take 3 recovery breaths – repeat x7

The longer the breath holds, the higher the build-up of CO₂ and NO, while the more physically active you are CO₂ will further increase. You can increase CO₂ levels by moving your body from side to side on the spot or walking during the breath-holds. What matters most is to keep the recovery breaths short and nasal.

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Does chronic sinusitis ever go away?

In contrast with acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis is more likely to be caused due to chronic dysfunctional breathing patterns (ref). Increasing one’s Control Pause [video] to 30 sec will be a step in the right direction.

Sinusitis is considered chronic if it persists for 12 weeks or more. The symptoms may include:

• Nasal congestion
• Pus in the nasal cavity
• Runny nose
• headaches, tooth pain, bad breath
• Fever

While the exercise with the short breath-holds described above can still be used, a more structured approach will be needed.

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Can deviated nasal septum cause sinusitis?

If the septum has deviated far enough it may block the nasal passage increasing the chances of sinusitis. The more one uses his nose 👃🏼 the less likely it will be for the nasal passage to get blocked and fluids to back up in the sinus cavity. For that reason, even following an operation, it can be beneficial for the individual to practice some breathwork in line with the Buteyko Method, such as CO₂ Breathing Therapy.

Can sinusitis affect your lungs?

While sinusitis is considered an upper respiratory infection (URI) it is sometimes linked with poor diaphragmatic recruitment or lung function. As the respiratory tract operates as a system consisting of different organs, the function of breathing muscles needs to also be considered in respiratory infections.

In a paper published on the 23rd of March 2020 (ref) 12 patients (7 men and 5 women) with SARS-CoV-2 and symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome at the Jinyintan Hospital showed improved lung function when alternating between pronated and supine position vs supine only.

Most importantly…

The way you breathe on a daily basis is going to play a significant role in the occurrence and severity of sinusitis. You can improve the way you breathe when you are not conscious of it with the 5 day online Breathe Right course.