February 21st, 2021 | Updated on June 27th, 2022
Sinusitis affects more than thirty-seven million people in the US every year. Such infections are amongst the common causes behind seeing a physician. Doctors prescribe one in every five antibiotics for sinus infection in the United States.
The leading cause of this painful condition is that the channels that drain the sinuses get blocked. Remember that prevention is better than cure. Hence, please follow these five tips to prevent sinusitis. By following these tips, you can also avoid a visit to a Singapore otolaryngologist.
1. Moisture is the Key
You can keep your nose and sinuses in good health by keeping them moist. The heated indoor atmosphere or a dry climate outside can dry out your nasal membrane. It may lead to the formation of cracks and crusts. Consequently, it cannot clear the mucus effectively. It further increases the risk of developing sinus issues.
You may improve the indoor humidity. Try to keep it low during the winter season. You may consider using a room humidifier for sinus problems in your bedroom during Oct-April. Your bedroom is the most critical place to install humidifier. Please ensure to clean the humidifier every day because a dirty humidifier can become a source of sinus issues.
The type or quantity of your drink can also promote or disrupt sinus health. You must hydrate yourself adequately to ensure that the mucus flows properly in your sinuses.
Alcohol consumption, particularly beer and red wine, can lead to congestion and sinus pressure. Caffeinated drinks such as soda, coffee, and tea can work as a diuretic to increase your kidneys’ fluid excretion. You should avoid these beverages if you have sinus issues. Drinking a minimum of 6 glasses of water every day can keep your sinus mucus thinner and more mobile.
2. Good Hygiene Leads to Healthy Sinuses
Preventing the spread of sinus issues is common sense. Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing. The common causes of sinus infection are bacteria and viruses. When people with upper respiratory infection cough or sneeze, pathogens may get into sinuses via tiny droplets. They can also get into your nose when you touch your hands to your face. Avoid close contact with such people. Wash your hands with soap and water. It will prevent the introduction of infection to you or spreading to others.
3. Avoid Irritants and Allergens Present in the Environment
- Environmental Irritants : Contaminated air inside or outside your house can be a cause of sinus issues. Pollutants can decrease the mucus transport system’s effectiveness in the nose and sinuses, resulting in congestion or swelling. Some of the common culprits that give off fumes include hairspray, cigarette smoke, and cleaning products. It is crucial to quit smoking. Avoid passive smoking or ask others to smoke outside. Stay indoors during high pollution days.
- Allergies : Some people can reduce congestion and sinus pressure by controlling common allergens. Allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold can cause sinus issues to allergic people. You can use AC at home or car during warm weather to reduce your allergic sinus issues. You may also try to keep your windows shut during the pollen season.
Ensure to keep your pets away from your bedroom. You can also cover the pillows and mattresses in plastic to reduce exposure to dust mites and dander. Finally, you should wear a mask while working in moist areas to protect yourself from the mold.
4. Treat the Underlying Causes of Your Sinus Issues
Some people are prone to sinusitis. If you frequently get infections, you should find its root cause. For instance, it may be due to your nasal anatomy, which contributes to frequent blockage. It may be a deviation in the nasal septum or a narrow sinus passage. Moreover, nasal polyps in your sinus passage may grow further and block drainage.
Allergic rhinitis may be a common cause of your sinusitis. Hence, the first step to prevent it can be to define your allergic triggers. Proper allergy management usually controls the severity or frequency of the sinusitis.
It may also happen due to some underlying medical condition. Autoimmune diseases or chronic diseases like or diabetes can affect your immunity. Your body’s natural defense may find it challenging to fight sinus infections. Treating the underlying issue may resolve any flareups.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
ENT specialists can treat frequent sinus issues by performing a thorough exam of your sinus anatomy with an endoscopy. Nasal endoscopy refers to a technique where a small camera scope sees deep into your nasal passages.
Surgery can help when medical management fails. Surgery can prevent blockages by helping your sinuses to drain more efficiently. People usually get a better quality of life after such surgical procedures. For instance, balloon sinuplasty can open up your sinuses through a balloon. It is an innovative and minimally invasive in-office procedure.
Health Disclaimer :
Information provided by Newszii.com does in no way substitute for qualified medical opinion. Any text, videos or any other material provided by us should be considered as generic information only. Any health related information may vary from person to person, hence we advice you to consult specialists for more information.
