Contents
Prevention Tips
- Get an influenza vaccine each year.
- Reduce stress
- Use a humidifier to increase moisture in your nose and sinuses
- Keep your nose as moist as possible with frequent use of saline sprays or washes
- Strive for an indoor environment that is not too dry and not too humid
- Avoid exposure to irritants such as cigarette and cigar smoke
- Materials that give off fumes can all make your sinus problems worse. Avoid cleaning products, hairspray, and other materials that give off fumes
- Avoid long periods of swimming in pools treated with chlorine, which can irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses.
- Avoid water diving, which forces water into the sinuses from the nasal passages
- Carefully manage your allergies
- Minimize contact with people who have cold infection
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before your meals
- Prevent overcrowding and keep yourself hydrated
- Maintain a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle to keep your immune system strong and reduce the chances of getting sinus. You should also avoid dust, pollen and cold foods
Watch Out
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain in ears
When to See Doctor
- Vision problems
- Swelling around the eye, swelling of the face
- Blood-stained discharge coming from the nose
When to see a doctor
Sinus infections can usually be cured with self-care measures and medical treatment. If you are having repeated attacks, you should be checked for causes such as nasal polyps or other problems, such as allergies and Consult a doctor if you have:
- Severe headache that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medicine
- High fever
- Severe cold that lasts more than 7 days
- Any changes in your vision during a sinus infection
- Swelling around the eye, swelling of the face
- Blood-stained discharge coming from the nose