Sinusitis is one of the most common reasons for clinic visits in the United States, with over 73 million restricted-activity days over a one-year period. Sinusitis causes symptoms including but not limited to:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Postnatal drip
- Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
- Ear pressure
- Pain in the upper back teeth
Having sinusitis can negatively impact your sleep, mood and get in the way of a fun day at Palmetto Park. While you cannot always prevent a sinus infection, taking steps to keep your sinus healthy can help minimize the severity of your symptoms. Let’s look at a couple of ways you can help keep your sinuses healthy to reduce your symptom severity.
Run A Humidifier
Dry air can irritate the sinuses and cause inflammation and congestion. Luckily, South Carolina maintains a relatively moist environment, but if the air in your home does become dry, a humidifier can help close the gap and keep your sinuses hydrated.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin out the mucus in your sinuses to reduce congestion. Drinking an adequate amount of water seems simple, but with work, school or other responsibilities, hydration can easily fall through the cracks. To help you get the necessary amount of water, try adding strawberries, cucumber, celery, ginger or other fruits and vegetables to make water a little more exciting.
Nasal Irrigation
Flushing out your sinuses with a saline nasal rinse can help clear congestion and irritation. To flush out your sinuses, combine warm purified water with saline and pour the solution into one nostril with your head tilted to the other side. The saline solution will flow through the sinuses and out the other nostril. Repeat the steps with your other nostril for a happy, decongested nose.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands to prevent the spread of germs is an oldy but a goodie. Combined with covering your mouth while you sneeze or cough, washing your hands can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. While you may not be able to stop sinusitis in its tracks, you can help prevent it from being passed on.
For more information on maintaining healthy sinuses, contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.