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Ways To Prevent A Sinus Infection

Don’t Get Stuck With A Sinus Infection

Anyone who has ever had a sinus infection knows they can be miserable. More than 37 million Americans experience sinusitis symptoms every year, so the chances are good you are familiar with this experience. The symptoms can include facial pain and pressure, congestion as well as thick colorful nasal discharge. Because of things like pollutants and resistance to antibiotics, reports of people being diagnosed with a sinus infection are becoming more common. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of having to suffer through a sinus infection.

Make A Habit Of Washing Your Hands

This is one of the easiest ways to avoid sinus infections, along with many other common ailments like colds and the flu. Wash your hands regularly or use a hand sanitizer. Remember that viruses can live on doorknobs and other surfaces long after the infected hand has touched them.

Stay Current With Your Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot every year is obviously recommended to prevent contracting the flu, but it can also help prevent a sinus infection. The flu, or any virus that infects the nose, can lead to inflammation of the nasal lining which can, in turn, block the sinus drainage pathways leading to a sinus infection.

Don’t Overload On Antibiotics

If you have a bacterial infection antibiotics will usually help, but if you have a viral infection they won’t. By taking too many antibiotics your body can build up resistance to the medication so it won’t be able to help you when you have a severe sinus infection. Remember the average person gets about two viral colds a year and that antibiotics do not kill viruses!

Keep Your Immune System Strong

This will help with your overall health as well as help minimize the risk of a sinus infection. A few ways you can build up a strong immune system are to reduce stress and eat a healthy diet. Stock up on fruits and vegetables and make sure you are eating plenty of them daily.

Stay Away From Allergens

An attack of hay fever can trigger a sinus infection.  If you have any of the symptoms of allergies, including sneezing, itchy or watery eyes or nose, itchy skin or asthma, we recommend an allergy test.  Once you know what triggers your allergies, you can either avoid the culprit or, if that is impossible, take medications to help prevent symptoms.  Immunotherapy, either through traditional shots or through daily drops under the tongue, can also help get rid of your allergies and thereby eliminate a common trigger of sinusitis.

The Prognosis Of A Sinus Infection

If you do end up with a sinus infection, it will be uncomfortable, but usually not too serious. As long as it is treated early and appropriately it will usually clear up without any complications; however, the infection can drag on, especially when there are uncontrolled allergies or when there is a structural abnormality like nasal polyps. If you are experiencing symptoms of a sinus infection, make an appointment with us at the Breathe Clear Institute and we can recommend the best treatment option for you.