1. Drink plenty of fluids - preferably water
The body needs to remain hydrated. Mucus has a purpose. As you breathe through your nose, it catches pollutants and germs that could enter your body and make you sick. However, if the mucus cannot drain properly, it can cause a sinus infection.
2. Avoid climate changes
When you're outside in the cold, the temperature causes your mucous membranes to go into overdrive. Your body is trying to warm the air, before it hits your lungs. In dry, hot climates your sinuses may get clogged up. To avoid sinus infections, it is better not to subject your body to frequent and extreme climate changes.
3. Use steam
Periodically breathing in steam will help add moisture to your nasal passages. Some people prefer to add peppermint, garlic, or herbal remedies to further aid the sinuses.
4. Avoid chlorinated water
For people with frequent sinus trouble, the local swimming pool is not a good place to hang out. Breathing in the chemicals from chlorinated water is not healthy. It can irritate the sinuses even further, especially for an individual who already has frequent sinus maladies.
5. Clean with green
When cleaning your home, use green products. Most stores now carry cleaning solutions that are chemical-free and good for the environment. They are also good for your sinuses. Especially in the winter, the home can be one of the worst places for people who have frequent sinus infections. The air does not circulate well, and they clean with products that have chemical additives. These tend to irritate the sinuses and cause them to work overtime, to capture the pollutants before they enter the body. Chemical-free cleaning solutions solves this potential cause of sinus infections.
6. No smoking
Sinus infections are another good reason to stop smoking, or quit hanging around those that do. The smoke is a pollutant. It will inevitably irritate the sinuses, causing them to work extra hard to keep the carcinogens from infiltrating your body.
7. Humidifier
Especially in the winter, when the air in the home is normally dry and stale, it is extremely helpful to have a humidifier. Today, it is not that difficult to find a humidifier that runs quietly. Although it would be beneficial to have it running around-the-clock, it is especially useful to have a healthy level of humidity in the bedroom at night.
8. Filters
Keeping clean filters on your heating and cooling systems will also help your sinuses. This is an inexpensive means of reducing the amount of pollutants that naturally occur in any living environment. In addition, if you do use a humidifier, make sure it also has a good filter.
9. In moderation
For people prone to sinus infections, it is best not to drink alcoholic beverages. Even in limited amounts, it can cause your sinus membranes to become inflamed and make you more susceptible to infection. If you must drink, do so in moderation.
10. Take a drive
If you must travel, it is better for your sinuses if you take a drive. The pressure from airplane descents can irritate your sinuses. Flying is not a good idea for people with chronic sinus problems.
11. Ice cream you scream
Dairy products have a tendency to cause mucus to thicken. You may love the ice cream; but, it may not love you back. Moderation is the key. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, it might be a good idea to find alternative sources for calcium and other nutritional values.
Learning how to prevent sinus infections can help many people avoid the physical and financial pain of this potentially debilitating illness. While some individuals may never know the discomfort of infected and inflamed sinuses, others have chronic health issues. They just get rid of one sinus infection and they begin fighting another. Traditional antibiotics are becoming less effective, because the disease builds resistance to their healing powers. Why ride the roller coaster of sinus pain and misery, if there are ways to prevent them from occurring in the first place? Forget about having a standing order of antibiotics at your local pharmacy. Discover how to make your sinuses work for your better health and not against you.
