Sinusitis is a disease that is indicated by inflammation of the sinus wall located in the structure of the facial bones. Sinus has a role in producing mucus that can filter out bacteria or particles that enter our nose while we breathe. When a blockage occurs, fluid in the sinuses, including phlegm, pus, and other fluids will be trapped, which causes the sinuses to swell.

In general, sinusitis is caused by bacterial and viral infections, or allergies. However, several factors such as smoking and some disease such as flu, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and asthma can also increase the risk of sinusitis. The symptoms of sinusitis that often occurs are swelling in the eye, facial pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and change in nasal fluid colour into greenish. There are several treatment methods that can be done to treat sinusitis, one of which is by using a spray that is useful to reduce swelling.

Not always relying on drugs, experts have recently discovered that a ‘good’ bacterium, Lactobacilli, can help reduce the risk of chronic sinusitis. As we know, the bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus is one of the ‘good’ bacteria in the body that plays a role in protecting the body from infection and increasing the immune response. Not only in the digestive system, ‘good’ bacteria are also commonly found in the nasal region. According to the results of a study published in Cell Reports, patients of acute sinusitis have ten times lower amounts of Lactobacilli compared to those who are healthy.

From the results of the study, researchers developed a spray drug containing the Lactobacilli bacteria to observe its effectiveness. Involving 20 participants, the test was carried out for two weeks, with a dose of twice a day. No side effects were found during the trial period. In addition, researchers also did not find any change in the number of Lactobacilli bacteria after two weeks of follow-up. This shows that spray is effective to be used as a probiotic treatment for people with sinusitis.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Boeck, I.D., Broek, M.F.L., Allonsius, C.N., et al (2020). Lactobacilli Have a Niche in the Human Nose. Cell Reports, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107674.
• Medical News Today - Friendly nasal bacteria may protect against sinusitis (2020). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/friendly-nasal-bacteria-may-protect-against-sinusitis, 22 June 2020.