Sinusitis is a common condition in which the membranes in your sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen. This inflamation causes a blockage in the nasal passage that inhibits natural draining of mucus from the sinuses. Because the mucus is not allowed to drain, it backs up into the sinus cavities, causing you pressure and discomfort.
Key points for TCM diagnosis
(1) The patient has purulent nasal discharge, accompanying nasal obstruction, dizziness, and hyposmia, etc.
(2) Local examination shows congestion of the nasal mucosa or reddish nasal mucosa and pus in the middle nasal meatus.
(3) Puncture of the maxillary nasal sinus shows pus, which can be diagnosed as maxillary sinusitis.
(4) The X-ray film of the nasal sinus may help diagnosis.
Two syndromes of chronic sinusitis categorized in TCM diagnosis
Syndrome of asthenic cold of the lung Qi
Syndrome of qi deficiency of the spleen