Can you exercise with a sinus infection?

Is this a sinus infection?

• EVERYONE I knew was getting sick; both parents, everyone in my classes, etc. I washed my hands as much as possible, but it was only a matter of time before I caught it. I woke up this morning with horrible throat pains, ears hurt, eyes water, and sneezing a lot. I've noticed in between my eyes and right under my eyes hurts so badly, I cannot breathe out of my nose at the moment because when I do, it has this burning sensation (almost as if when you exercise, that burning feeling you get in your throat). Is this a sinus infection or a combo of things? And what can I do to help get rid of this? I'd stay home from classes, but our college program is intense, and if we miss any minute of it, we have to physically make it up..we go 8-4 daily, and I normally work 6-midnight after that. Thanks to anyone that helps.

• Answer:

  Hey Scorpio, sounds like you have the flu but it might be a sinus infection too. Flu is more than just a bad cold. You know you have flu if you have a fever, chills, aching muscles, a headache and often a sore throat and cough together. In most cases you might be ill for about a week, but it may linger longer, or bring further health complications. If it is the flu here's some help...Natural flu remedies can really help your immune system attack the virus which causes flu, and hopefully give the flu the kick up the backside it deserves! Anti-viral herbal remedies are some of the most useful natural health remedies in the fight against flu. Some herbs which are used traditionally to treat viral illnesses like flu, are: that old favorite garlic. Garlic capsules can be taken, or raw cloves of garlic, if you aren't too worried about the smell. You can also use liquorice, which is especially effective if you have a sore throat or cough with your flu. If you have a sinus infection...over 90% of all sinus infections have an underlying fungal cause. That's right-most people who have sinus problems are carrying a fungal (yeast) infection. Ever had a yeast infection ladies? Or how about jock itch boys? Well, you have the same thing living in your sinuses right now-and that is why you never really get over the infection. Once you know the true (fungal) cause you realize that antibiotics can't be the cure. Antibiotics are known to destroy your body's healthy bacteria-Clearing the way for a fungus or yeast infection to grow like wildfire! Here are some treatments you can try... A Neti pot: After the acupuncturist was done poking me all over with needles she told me about how she thought a neti pot would help. It's a strange little pot you use to rinse out your sinuses. If you are reading this you could probably use one-I got mine on ebay. Sea Salts: These go in the neti pot to make a gentle saline solution. Apple Cider Vinegar: I drink it-and sometimes put just a teaspoon in my neti pot water if I think a sinus infection is trying to flare up. It tastes extra nasty and burns like you know what. But neti pot + Apple Cider Vinegar = Home Sinus Infection Treatment That Works! Garlic Capsules: This is another tip from the pin cushion lady. She said garlic changes your body chemistry just a little-making it hard for the sinus infection to take root. I believe her. Other anti-viral herbs which can be used to treat flu are: shiitake (the mushrooms, in capsules, or as a foodstuff), Astralgus or Panax Ginseng or Siberian Ginseng. Echinacea is another real favorite for treating colds and flu for many people. As a flu treatment, it is best used in higher doses, throughout the course of your illness, rather than as a long term preventative treatment. One of the most comforting ways to take natural flu remedies is as a herbal tea. Herbal teas really allow the warming, relaxing sensation to flow through you, making you feel better, and then allowing the anti-viral properties of the herbs to get to work. Some of my favorite herbal teas for flu are: Lemon Balm, Hyssop or Yarrow, Blackcurrant and honey or Horehound. If you are unfortunate enough to be suffering from flu, you should keep an eye on your temperature. You should always consult your doctor promptly in cases of very high fever. Moderate fevers can be lowered by natural health remedies, such as applying cool water compresses to your legs, and cooling the body gently with a mix of cool water with a few drops of essential oil of rosemary added. You should drink plenty of cool water, and angelica tea. As with all herbal remedies, you should pay attention to dosages and any possible interactions with existing medical conditions, or medications you may be taking. Always consult a doctor before taking any decisions regarding your health. Hope you get better!