How to prevent sinus infection?

Overview

Sinuses are air-filled spaces that are connected to your nasal passages. They help humidify the air you breathe in and produce mucus to trap the bacteria and other foreign particles.

A sinus infection occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses gets infected and inflamed.

Prevention of sinus infection

To reduce the risk of attaining a sinus infection, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of exposure to germs and allergens may help. Other ways you prevent a sinus infection are:

• Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before a meal, after using the bathroom, wiping your nose, after coming home from outside, etc. with soap and water.

• Keep your sinuses moist: The cilia inside your nose work more effectively with the presence of moisture. Use a humidifier during the night time to add moisture to the air. Use a nasal spray before bed and during the day to prevent congestion. Take steam as well at least once or twice a day. You can inhale steam while taking a hot shower. All this will prevent your sinuses from drying out.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to keep your mucus thin and loose. Drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water a day. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake as they cause dehydration.

• Maintain good immunity: It is important to conserve your energy and get at least 8 hours of sleep a day. Maintain a healthy diet by eating food that has antibacterial properties, such as garlic, ginger, onion, etc. You can also try drinking ginger tea and adding honey to it as honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It is also important to exercise regularly as it helps reduce stress.

• Avoid harsh fumes: Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and chemicals as the odour and smoke can irritate and inflame your nasal passages.

• Disinfect: Disinfect frequently used surfaces, such as doorknobs, kitchen counters, keyboard, etc. Decrease the clutter that can trap dust and use dust mite covers on your pillows and mattresses.

• Blow gently: Blow your nose gently, one nostril at a time. Forcefully blowing your nose can irritate your nasal passages.

Prevent spreading the infection by covering your mouth when you’re sneezing or coughing and staying home and rest if you feel unwell.

What are the risk factors of a sinus infection?

A sinus infection occurs due to fluid trapped in the sinuses allowing germs to grow. The most common is a virus, however, a bacterial infection may cause sinusitis as well. Fungal infections may lead to fungal sinusitis.

There are several risk factors for a sinus infection. Some of them include:

• Having a respiratory tract infection previously, such as cold

• Nasal polyps

• Seasonal allergies

• Sensitivity to certain substances, such as dust, pollen, smoke, animal hair, etc.

• Having a weak immune system

• Having a deviated septum

• Changes in air pressure

9 out of 10 sinus infections may be caused due to viruses.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

The symptoms of sinusitis are often mixed up with rhinitis. Rhinitis is the inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose. It only involves nasal passages.

Some of the symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Post-Nasal drip

• Frontal headaches

• Discoloured discharge from the nose

• Coughing

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Bad breath

• Facial pain

• Pain in the teeth

When should I contact my healthcare practitioner?

You should consult your ENT specialist if you experience the following symptoms:

• Fever higher than 100° F

• Symptoms lasting 10 days or more

• Symptoms getting worse

• Symptoms not getting better even after taking medication

• Several sinus infections in the past year

• Red and inflamed skin

• Wheezing

• One-sided nose bleeds

• Persistent facial or tooth pain

If the infection lasts longer than 8 weeks, you most probably have chronic sinusitis.

Takeaway

Sinus infection is a common problem that may be able to get prevented by following basic and good hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle of staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals and sleeping well and enough.

If you experience the symptoms of a sinus infection for longer than 10 days, consult your ENT specialist for treatment.

Healthcare Buddy "Stay Fit, Stay Heathy"