You are about to hear how to prevent Sinus infections without all the hype and hassle. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a condition resulting from inflammation of the nasal sinus linings. If you have any allergies you are more prone to getting sinusitis.
The symptoms of Sinus Infections, sinusitis or any kind of sinus problem are varied and are very similar to those of the common winter cold. If you have symptoms including pain in the face and eyes with a thick drainage or maybe have a foul-smelling drainage from the nose, you could be a sufferer. The thicker the mucus the worse you could be affected. Most sinus infections are caused by dust in all its forms, fungi, mold or mildew. If you are allergic to specific types of food it maybe the cause to your inflammation also. Your Sinuses are the perfect breeding ground for infection, since they are warm and moist.
Sinus is infected when more than one of the nasal cavities becomes inflamed. Sinusitis occurs when bacteria collect in the mucus moistened nasal cavities. The mucus is normally filtered out on a daily basis through the nose. It is when this process is altered that a build up of thick mucus can be formed as the inflamed sinus cannot remove it as usual. Four pairs of cavities or para-nasal sinuses are located on each side of your face.
Frontal – above the eyebrows
Ethmoid – near inner eye between the nose
Sphenoid – in the skull behind the eyes and nose
Maxillary – in cheekbones
Places in and around the home that you need to check regularly to help reduce the risk of Sinusitis and not ask yourself how to prevent sinus infections?
- Bedroom (bedding and curtains)
- Bathroom (toilet bowl, under the tank and with tile grout)
- Carpets
- Curtains/Drapes
- Workshops (dust from cutting)
- Windows
- Walls (infested with rot)
- Old furnishing (in lofts and around the home)
- Indoor plants
- Pet dander
List of aids:
- Drinking water
- Humidifier
- Vaporizer
- Antioxidant foods
- Pillows
- Nasal irrigator
- Hot shower/water
- Bowl
- Towel
Your first priority is to be safe so consult your Doctor for a diagnosis. Below are some of the ways that can help your sinuses and again not have to ask how to prevent sinus infections?
Some of the best oils to use are Eucalyptus and Menthol oil. To get the best results mix them in a bowl of hot water. Breathe in the vapours while holding a towel over your head. Horseradish is another common decongestant and is similar to smelling salts as you only have to open them and breathe in.
Adding moisture to the air you breathe could help so use humidifiers or vaporizers in the bedroom and it can be beneficial but it needs to be monitored as it could also help mold form around your windows and other places.
Avoid as much as possible any airborne pollutants including cigarette smoke. They can interrupt the natural process of mucus removal and is a common cause of allergic reactions that irritate sinus linings. Other environmental pollutants like perfume may need to be used sparingly.
Drink plenty of water to prevent the drying that could lead to inflammation. It keeps the nasal passages moist and helps to maintain the consistency so the mucus does not thicken and cause blockages.
Saltwater nasal sprays can also help to reduce the congestion that causes sinus pain. You would need to flush your sinuses with it as it irrigates them so they open up and drain.
Since some people can benefit from steam, you might want to try a hot bath or maybe a sauna if you are able to get out and about.
Remove any food that could cause allergic reactions if you are a sinusitis sufferer. Foods could include wheat, chicken, eggs and dairy products. Do not eat suspect foods for a while to see if they could be the cause. Add foods that are beneficial improving your immune system and high in antioxidants these include broccoli, garlic, grapes, carrots and tomatoes.
Try raising your head while sleeping with extra pillows. This will help to keep your the nasal sinus linings free and help with sinus drainage which will reduce congestion and mucus build up.
You could use some traditional medicine to ease the symptoms. Taking Sudafed or pain killing relief such as Aspirin, Tylenol, or Motrin could help improve your condition.
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