What is Sinusitis and how to prevent ?

Sinusitis:

Inflammation in the nose caused by allergies and colds makes a patient vulnerable to having a strong reaction to all irritants.

Prevention:

• The sinuses drain better when the air is moist. Humidifiers help moisturise the air. Air conditioners help stabilise the temperature in either high or low weather.
• Electrostatic filters attached to heating and air conditioning equipment are also helpful in removing allergens from the air.
• Exposure to polluted environments and contaminated air may irritate the nasal passages and worsen your sinusitis.
• Tobacco and smog cause irritation of the sinus lining which in turn causes bad drainage of mucus, making sinusitis worse.
• Even casual consumption of alcohol can cause nasal and sinus membranes to swell, exposing them to irritation and infection.
• If you cannot avoid travelling by air, use decongestant nose drops or inhalers before the flight to avoid this discomfort.
• Water increases the amount of moisture in the body and helps prevent congestion.
• A chlorine treated swimming pool irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses.
• Divers often experience nasal congestion, which results in a sinus infection, where water is forced into the sinuses from the nasal passages.
• Bacterial and viral infections are the most common causes of sinusitis. The risk of contracting these infections reduces by monitoring your hygiene, such as frequent hand wash with soap and water.
• Excessive consumption of dairy products like milk thickens the mucus and cause your nasal passages to narrow down, which further results in pain and headaches.
• Inhaling steam will loosen your mucus and moisten your throat, enabling proper drainage of the nasal cavities.
• Both very high and low, or sudden changes in temperature increases sinus pain.
• Getting vaccinated is the safest and quickest way of treating colds and flu. If left untreated, it may lead to sinusitis.
• Everything that surrounds us is covered with germs, so it's very important that you wash your hands all the time and avoid infections.
• You must eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and other chemicals to help boost your immune system and help your body resist infection.
• Stress makes sinusitis symptoms go worse. If you've had sinusitis in the past, stress can trigger it or make it worse.

Posted in: Health