Are you among the 37 million Americans who have sinus problems each year? If so, there’s a lot you can do around the house to create a “sinus-friendly” environment.
Here are some tips to help you prevent sinus infections and avoid the complications associated with it.
- Keep hydrated, which keeps mucus thin.
- Avoid irritants such as cigarettes, allergens, and other air pollutants which make sinus membranes swell and worsen headaches.
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to dry rooms and prevent sinus infection. Breathing in dry indoor air–particularly common in wintertime–can really stuff up the nose, thicken mucous, and irritate the sinuses.
- Try steam therapy. A hot shower may offer the same humidifying help, or you can invest in a product specifically designed for the purpose, such as the Vicks VapoTherapy Personal Steam Inhaler.
- Rest is important when suffering from a sinus headache. Increase your rest to ease sinus pain and avoid overexerting yourself.
- Use a sinus rinse. These can be found at your local pharmacy and they are fairly inexpensive. Use once or twice daily and make sure to use distilled water.
- Alternate hot and cold compresses. Reclining with a hot washcloth over your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions. Start by placing a hot towel or washcloth across your sinuses for about three minutes. Then place a cold compress across your sinuses for 30 seconds. Alternate three more times, and repeat the treatment about four times a day.
- Reduce alcohol consumption, which can worsen mucus.
If you develop a sinus infection, begin treatment right away to reduce complications. Contact us today!
Consult Advanced ENT and Allergy if symptoms persist for more than ten days, if you have a fever more than 100.5, or if you have multiple sinus infections a year because all of these are signs of respiratory or sinus heath issues.
