How to Prevent a Sinus Infection

Practical Tips to Avoid Sinusitis

Jun 14, 2009
Katrena Wells

Avoiding Sinusitis by Early Interventions - MyJayKay

Learn practical tips that you can try at home if sinuses become congested. You might improve your symptoms, ward off a sinus infection, and save that co-pay.

Recent studies indicate that early intervention may help decrease symptoms of nasal inflammation and prevent a bacterial sinus infection. According to the 2007 Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, over 26 million adults were diagnosed with sinusitis, or a sinus infection, in 2007. If you are experiencing sinus problems, you are certainly not alone.

Acute bacterial sinusitis is typically preceded by a cold or allergies or a combination of the two. If the sinuses become inflamed, mucous cannot drain properly, which in turn can produce a bacterial sinus infection. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections and may cause more harm by encouraging the development of resistant strains of bacteria, so it may save you time, money, and pain to encourage sinus drainage before or as soon as symptoms begin.

Wait Before Seeking Medical Attention

According to the article entitled “Best Way to Beat Sinusitis” by Danielle Kosecki in the May 2008 issue of Prevention, approximately 75% of sinus infections begin to improve on their own in seven to ten days. Viral infections typically run their course in this amount of time. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions if:

Symptoms are getting worse, particularly with a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
You have altered immunity.
Symptoms persist for more than seven to ten days.
You feel that you need medical advice.

Allergies May Be to Blame

Allergic rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal passages. If sinus congestion is a recurring issue, allergy testing may help you to discover triggers that cause your sinuses to become inflammed. Avoiding known allergens can prove quite helpful in preventing sinus congestion, and your doctor may encourage the use of medications to keep allergy symptoms at bay. Some of the most common allergens include:

Cigarette smoke (Removing smoke from the home or work environment may help.)
Pets
Dust mites (Wash bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, use mattress and pillow encasings, remove carpet and curtains if possible, and damp dust furniture regularly. Air purifiers may also help.)
Mold (Search for and remove mold, which is commonly found in warm, moist areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and basement.)
Foods (Many people have food allergies and do not realize it. The FDA lists the top eight food allergies as: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. These are now listed on labels for foods and beverages.)

Readers may wish to read more about Latex and Related Foods That May Cause Allergic Reactions and Causes of Dust Allergy Symptoms.

Nasal Saline Flushes

Flushing the sinuses may clear out thick mucous that is collecting and not draining. This collection of thick mucous provides an excellent medium for a bacterial infection. Washing the sinuses with salt water is inexpensive and does not require a prescription. Pre-made saline is available in pharmacies and other stores, or you may wish to make your own.

Check with your healthcare provider to ensure that saline lavage is safe for you.
To make your own saline, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 2 cups of warm water. If this recipe stings, you may wish to add a bit less salt or add a pinch of baking soda.
You may wish to use a bulb syringe, nasal irrigation kit, or an item called a neti pot, nasal douche cup, or nasal lavage cup. These are often available in pharmacies.
Following manufacturer’s directions, instill saline into one nostril. The saline may come out of the same nostril or perhaps the other nostril, so it is a good idea to do this over the sink. Repeat on the other side.

Hydration--An Easily Forgotten Defense in Sinusitis

Keeping well hydrated will help to thin mucous and make it easier to drain.

Unless you have special needs, the average adult should drink approximately two liters or about eight eight-ounce cups of water daily.
The beverage of choice is water. It has no caffeine, which can worsen swelling.

Moist Air May Help a Person With Swollen Sinuses to Breathe Better

Moist, warm therapy can increase blood supply to an area, which in turn can help clear infections. Suggestions for adding steam include:

Take a warm shower.
Inhale steam rising from a bowl of heated water by leaning over the bowl and covering your head and bowl with a towel. Use care to prevent burns.
Steamy beverages and soups like chicken noodle may also provide relief.

Humidity with the use of a humidifier may help people with sinusitis as well:

Humidifiers can assist by providing air that is more moist and less likely to dry nasal passages.
Prevent mold and bacterial growth in the humidifier by frequently cleaning it.
Check with your healthcare provider before using a humidifier if anyone in your household has a severe mold allergy or altered immunity.

Additional Treatment May Be Indicated

Your healthcare professional may suggest a variety of additional treatments, such as:

Decongestants
Antihistamines
Expectorants
OTC or Prescription Nasal Sprays
Antibiotics or Antifungals
Steroids
Surgery

If you feel sinus congestion beginning and wish to ward off a case of sinusitis and the resulting office visit and antibiotics, incorporating the steps above may help ease your symptoms and provide you with a better chance to beat the infection on your own while keeping that co-pay in your wallet.

Want to learn more? Read:

This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare professional regarding your specific healthcare needs.

Katrena Wells, Photo by Cyndi Allison, All Rights Reserved

Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...