The long story of the short distance from the stomach to the nose
“There won’t be enough time for me to tell you the full story”, she said, as she walked into my office. “Too much has happened! I have made a few notes to remind myself of the things I must mention to you”, she carried on talking as she started to dig in her handbag to find the notes. “I have had more than 4 courses of antibiotics together with nose-sprays and other antihistamines. Then last year, my sinuses got so bad I ended up in hospital on a drip! The ear, nose and throat specialist said I should have a sinus operation, which he did. For a long time after the operation I was very ill, having to go back into hospital for tests and more treatment. All in all, this has cost me tens of thousands of rands. It’s not about the mouth so much as it is about the fact that I still am not any better. Now the specialist wants to operate and drain the sinus cavities yet again! I just said NO!
Her voice had a ring of desperation to it. Her well cut dark hair was falling in a shiny cascade over her attractive face. She wore pretty, shiny sandals, pink toenails peeking out of the front. Her sari was of exquisite indigo coloured silky material. She spoke in a well modulated tone of voice which instantly gave the impression of a background of privilege and class. “I have always had a liking and a belief in all things natural. Now I want to get myself back to good health with a good diet and whatever else might be needed to clear up this problem”, she concluded her brief outline of her sinus condition.
If it was only this easy! I thought to myself. In my experience, most people who suffer from sinus discharges, will most probably also have a disordered digestive system. This could present itself as indigestion, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhoea or just an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach. The link between sinus disorders, which I prefer to call mucous discharges and poor digestion, is well known. Ever had the experience of drinking a glass of milk or eating cheese or bread, and finding the need to clear your throat from a mucous drip for a while thereafter? That is more or less what I am talking about.