There are probably a lot of people here in South Texas who are suffering from these annual spring allergies, but how can you tell if it’s more? There are several common calling cards of the sinus infection, or sinusitis:

  • Pain or pressure in your cheeks, nose, forehead, between your eyes or sometimes even your teeth!
  • headache
  • nasal congestion
  • drainage in your throat and coughing
  • reduced sense of smell and taste
  • fever
  • fatigue

About Sinus Infections

There are four hollow air spaces within your sinuses – behind your cheeks, jaw and eyebrows. The sinuses clean out bacteria and other particles (allergens for one), out of the air you breathe with a mucus that are moved away from your sinuses by tiny hairs called cilia. Then, it drains out of your nose or to the back of your throat into your stomach, protecting your body from whatever foreign invaders were attempting to make themselves at home.

A sinus infection is an inflammation of the sinuses, which effectively stops the normal flow of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat or out of the nose. Then, the mucus gets trapped in your sinuses and can cause great discomfort. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses and, something I am actually seeing much more of here in South Texas – fungus.

There are four different classifications of sinusitis. There is the acute sinusitis, which lasts up to four weeks, there is subacute, which lasts 4-12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks and can continue for months of years. Finally, there is recurrent, which consists of several attacks per year.

Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then takes a turn for the worse and becomes an infection. Allergies, nasal deformities such as polyps, deformities of the septum and narrow sinus openings can also lead to sinus infections.

So What Can You Do?

Prevention of sinusitis depends upon its cause, but there are some steps you can take to up your defenses.

Nasal Irrigation

This is one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective ways to prevent and treat sinusitis. At least once per day, try the following, recommended by the Harvard Medical School:

  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon non-iodized salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda into 2 cups of lukewarm, distilled or boiled water.
  • Fill your chosen method with this mixture (Neti-pot, bulb syringe).
  • Lean over the sink and place the syringe just inside of your nostril and squeeze the water in. It will run back out of that nostril or the other and into the sink.
  • Repeat for the other nostril.
  • Make sure to thoroughly clean your nasal irrigation tool afterwards!

If you aren’t comfortable with mixing your own or prefer to not use the Neti-pot, you can easily go purchase Neil-Med Sinus Rinse and use the bottle that comes with that.

Wash Your Hands

Since many sinus infections are bacterial and viral in nature, strict hand washing habits are key. Avoid people who are suffering from a cold or the flue as well, to limit your exposure to the viruses and germs that are common culprits of sinusitis.

Get Your Flu Shot

The flu vaccination will help to build up your defense against the flu and subsequent infections of the upper respiratory tract.

Strengthen Your Immune System

Try to reduce your stress and eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, as this may help to strengthen your immune system.

Be Prepared for Allergy Season

My previous post shared several tips for reducing your allergen exposure. If you can’t avoid the allergens, however, over the counter or prescription medication could be helpful. If you are extremely prone to allergies, immunotherapy may be effective in reducing sinusitis due to allergies.

Stay Hydrated

Just as with allergies, plenty of fluids help to keep the nasal secretions thin.

Use the Nasal Sprays

Saline nasal sprays help to keep the nasal passages moist, helping to remove those foreign particles, while the nasal decongestant sprays such as Afrin help to relieve some of the discomfort.

Avoid Nasal Irritants

Stay away from things that would irritate your nasal passages, such as pollution and smoke.

Address Nasal Deformities

If you have a deviated septum, polyps or narrow nasal passages, these all could contribute to sinusitis, sometimes leading to chronic sinusitis. Repairing these issues could be very beneficial if you are experiencing sinus infections regularly.

We’re Here to Help

We are very familiar with the discomfort and misery that sinus infections introduce into your life and we are here to help you. If you are a common victim of sinus discomfort, give us a call or book online using our website. We can examine your nasal passages and give you a proper diagnosis. With a correct diagnosis, a more accurate plan of action can be put into place, finally bringing you lasting relief.

Click Here for an Appointment