15 Surprising Causes Behind Persistent Sinus Problems

3. The Wrong Kind Of Biofilm

Another important aspect of the microbiome that should be strong and healthy is the biofilm. It is a thin and slimy film of bacteria that adheres to the gut and sinuses. It is important to note biofilms are not bad; they are just a way bacteria cultivate. It is the content within the biofilm itself that determines if it is probiotic or pathogenic (a bacterium that causes disease). The goal of functional medicine is to promote a healthy biofilm through diet, lifestyle changes, and holistic medicines. A few essential tools to repair biofilm are taking probiotics and prebiotics as they develop probiotic balance and taking digestive enzymes as they break down the biofilm.

4. Viral Infections

When the microbiome is in poor health, it leaves the immune system susceptible to not only bacterial infections but to viral infections. Surprisingly, about ninety-eight percent of all sinus infections are due to viral infections, not bacteria. Therefore, the antibiotics prescribed by doctors are completely counterproductive and will further diminish the health of the microbiome. The most noticeable way to identify whether it is a viral or bacterial infection is that bacterial infections usually last longer than ten days. The best way to combat viral infections is by upping the intake of vitamin C, zinc, or l-lysine.