Sinusitis Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceProteolytic enzyme that may thin mucus and reduce inflammation in sinuses
Supporting Studies (1)
Mucolytic agent; thins mucus and supports drainage; antioxidant properties
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsAnti-inflammatory enzyme; may reduce swelling and improve sinus drainage
Supporting Studies (1)
Immune support; antioxidant; may reduce duration of respiratory infections
Supporting Studies (1)
Natural antihistamine; anti-inflammatory; may reduce allergic component
Supporting Studies (1)
Immune support; may reduce duration of upper respiratory infections
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, nose, and between your eyes. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting 12+ weeks).
TYPES:
SYMPTOMS:
CAUSES:
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
FIRST-LINE TREATMENTS:
* NAC helps thin mucus for better drainage.
* Serrapeptase and bromelain may reduce inflammation.
* Immune support with vitamin C and zinc.
Expected timeline: Acute sinusitis usually resolves in 7-10 days. Supplements may help with symptom relief and recovery.
Clinical Perspective
Sinusitis: Acute (viral >90%, bacterial ~2%) vs chronic (>12 weeks). Diagnosis: clinical; imaging not needed for uncomplicated acute. Viral vs bacterial: bacterial suspected if symptoms >10 days, double worsening, severe onset with high fever + purulent discharge.
Treatment: Saline irrigation is cornerstone (proven effective). Intranasal corticosteroids for chronic and adjunct in acute. Antibiotics only for bacterial sinusitis (amoxicillin-clavulanate first-line). Chronic sinusitis may need ENT evaluation, CT, consideration of surgery. Supplements provide modest adjunctive support.
* Serrapeptase (C-grade): Mucolytic enzyme. Clinical study: (PMID: 2199676). 60,000-120,000 SPU daily.
* NAC (B-grade): Mucolytic. Review: (PMID: 10793665). 600-1200mg daily.
* Bromelain (C-grade): Anti-inflammatory. Clinical evaluation: (PMID: 16904534). 500-1000mg daily.
* Vitamin C (C-grade): Immune support. Cochrane: (PMID: 23440782). 1000-2000mg daily.
* Quercetin (C-grade): Antihistamine. Review: (PMID: 27187333). 500-1000mg daily.
* Zinc (C-grade): Immune support. Systematic review: (PMID: 28515951). 15-30mg daily.
Assessment targets: Symptom resolution, imaging if chronic/refractory.
Protocol notes: Saline irrigation: most important intervention; neti pot or squeeze bottle; use distilled/boiled water. Nasal corticosteroids: fluticasone, budesonide; safe long-term. Decongestants: limit to 3-5 days to avoid rebound. Antibiotics: wait 10 days unless severe; amoxicillin-clavulanate 875mg BID x 5-7 days. Chronic: consider allergies, polyps, anatomic issues; CT sinus; ENT referral. Red flags: orbital symptoms, severe headache, altered mental status (rare complications). Prevention: allergy management, humidifier, avoid irritants.