How to prevent sinusitis?

 “Around the time my daughter started schooling, she developed frequent colds and sinus infections. We also have a family history of allergies and sinusitis, so I decided I shall do my best to prevent these recurrent sinus infections.

Sinus infections being common in the family, I knew what causes or increases sinus infection – allergies, common colds, dust, pollution, smoke and pollen. My doctor had also told me that structural problems like deviation of the partition in the nose or growths called polyps tend to block the drainage from the sinuses. An internet search told me that virus or bacterial infections can trigger the complaints too.

So the next question was – how to prevent sinusitis?”

Obviously, avoiding exposure to the causes or managing a trigger is the key point in preventing the complaints of sinusitis.

1. Maintain self hygiene

• Wash hands frequently
• Wearing a face mask can reduce the spread of the viruses or bacteria that cause sinusitis.
• Distance yourself from people /a crowd that is suffering from sinus infections

 2. Home is where your allergen is

• Dust your mattress, bed linen, pillow covers, bed covers and bed sheets every night before sleeping. The dust hidden there can bring on an attack of cold the next morning.
• avoid using strong odors like perfumes, room fresheners, etc.
• avoid exposure to smoke like cigarette smoke, smoke from incense sticks, etc.
• keep moisture away from your walls at home preventing growth of fungus.
• Stay away from pets and stray animals as the fur of the animal can be a trigger to the attack of cold and sinus infection.

3. Plan in advance for your seasonal allergy attack

• If you are aware of the seasonal or the environmental trigger, avoiding the allergen is the most important step to reduce the risk of an infection.
• If you are at home, use an air-conditioner or a humidifier to filter the air.

4. Smoking cigarettes and hookah increases the risk, so quit smoking.

5. Stress plays a major role in triggering and maintaining sinus infections. So get involved in some kind of physical activity like walking, jogging, yoga, aerobics, etc.

6. Flushing relieves symptoms and reduces recurrent episodes of sinusitis. If you are prone to chronic sinusitis and if you have an acute episode, try nasal irrigation with a metered spray or nebulizer to keep your nose moist. In case of an episode, blow your nose gently one nostril at a time. Forceful blowing may worsen the symptoms.

7. Stay Hydrated. If you catch a cold, drink lot of fluids to keep the nasal secretions thin. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water may help letting out the secretions.

8. Changes in air pressure from swimming, diving or air travel may trigger an episode. Consider using decongestants before travelling or before swimming.

9. Eating healthy diet that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, fresh dark green veggies and fruits. This will build up your immunity and make you less prone to sinus infections.

Did you find these tips on how to prevent sinusitis useful? As we always say-Prevention is better than cure!

However, if you do suffer from recurrent colds or frequent sinus infections despite taking all due precautions, homeopathy may be what you need. At LifeForce, many patients have been treated wonderfully for their complaints of sinusitis. To know more about how Dr Rajesh Shah’s research based medicines for recurrent colds and sinus infections, click here. You may talk to our associate doctors at +91-22-66888888 or get in touch with us at info@lifeforce.in

– Dr Roopal Shukla, Associate Doctor to Dr Rajesh Shah, Team LifeForce