Here’s How to Avoid a Sinus Infection
Sinus infections, which are also called sinusitis, are often caused by allergies, bacteria, viruses, or other environmental factors. It leads to a buildup of mucus, which can be very painful and uncomfortable.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection are loss of smell, nasal congestion, mucus dripping down the throat from the nose, cough, fever, fatigue, and bad breath.
While sinus infections can be challenging to avoid entirely, here are some tips you can take to prevent them.
Tip#1: Practice good hygiene.
Regular hand washing can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause sinus infections. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In cases where soap and water are not available, you may use an alcohol-based sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol.
Practising good personal hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself from a sinus infection. Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly removes germs that can make you sick. Also, maintaining good hygiene will help prevent you from spreading diseases to others.
Tip #2: Manage your allergies.
Do you have allergies like allergic rhinitis or asthma? If so, try to avoid allergens that can trigger your symptoms. Consider using an air purifier or air conditioner with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor allergens. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps prevent dryness and irritation in your sinuses. Having a humidifier in your bedroom will also help relieve nighttime nasal blockages.
Moreover, be sure to clean your humidifier to keep it free of mould. As much as possible, empty the tank and dry all surfaces of your humidifier. You may also consider refilling the tank with distilled or purified water so that the growth of bacteria and mould will be less likely.
Tip #3: Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water to keep your sinuses moist. This also prevents your sinuses from becoming dry and irritated. Keep drinking at least eight ounces of water every two hours.
If staying hydrated is a bit of a struggle for you and you don’t like the taste of plain water, you may want to add a slice of lemon to your drink. Also, if you are regularly working out, be sure to drink water before, during, and after it. And if you have difficulty remembering to drink water, try drinking on a schedule. You may start by drinking water when you wake up and during meals. Or drink water at the start of each hour.
Tip #4: Avoid cigarettes, fumes, and other pollutants.
Pollutants like cigarette smoke, fumes, and dust can irritate your sinuses and make them more likely to get sick. Thus, it is best to avoid smoking and prevent yourself from getting secondhand smoke.
Keep in mind that cigarette smoke can irritate and inflame your lungs and increase your risk of getting a sinus infection. And if you do smoke, you may want to get medical help from a sinus specialist to guide you on how to quit smoking.
Tip #5: Manage stress.
Stress can weaken your immune system. And if you have a weak immune system, you make yourself more susceptible to infection. It is recommended that you practice stress management techniques, such as exercise, meditation, or yoga. These activities have been proven to help reduce stress levels.
Stress-related sinus infections usually go away on their own, but if you have severe symptoms that don’t go away, there could be something else wrong. In such a case, it’s best to visit a sinus specialist to address your problem.
Final Thoughts
Prevention is the best defence against a sinus infection. By following the foregoing tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing sinusitis and promote overall sinus health. Should you experience symptoms of a sinus infection, go to your nearest sinusitis specialist clinic and seek proper medical attention.