Sinusitis is a situation where the tissue lining the sinuses becomes swollen or inflamed due to infection from a virus, bacteria, or fungus. The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull; they are located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes. Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other germs. Most of the time, mucus is able to drain out and air is able to flow through the sinuses.
But when the sinus openings become blocked or too much mucus builds up, bacteria and other germs can grow more easily and it becomes an issue.
But while managing sinuses, there are dos and don’ts to follow to reduce the effects on the system.
What are the dos?
Go to work: If you’re worried that you may spread sinusitis to classmates or co-workers, breathe easy. It isn’t contagious. Go back to your normal activities if you feel well enough.
Choose OTC drugs carefully: Do your head and face hurt? Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can make it better. Decongestant nasal sprays can open up your stuffy nose, but don’t use them for more than a few days. Over time they could make your symptoms worse.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids during a bout of sinusitis. Something warm like herbal tea can hit the spot. Hot liquids can help break up that stuffiness in your nose.
Use warm compresses: Moist heat can relieve your sinus pressure, open up those blocked passages in your nose, and ease pain by holding a wet towel against your face or breathe in steam through a cloth. A hot shower will help loosen mucus.
Use a humidifier: Cool mist can make you less stuffy, but make sure you keep the water clean.
Rinse your sinuses: Clean the inside of your nose with a sterile solution.
Work out wisely: Sinusitis can cause dizziness and problems with coordination, so don’t lift weights until your symptoms improve. If you feel pressure in your chest, sit out until you feel better. When you have trouble breathing, it can overtax your heart.
Don’ts when managing sinusitis
Don’t fly if you can avoid it: If you do it when you’ve got sinusitis, you raise your chances of ear pain and other complications. But if you really need to take a flight, yawn and swallow when the plane is on the way up after takeoff or heads back down before landing. That will help keep the tubes from your throat to your ears clear. You can also pinch your nostrils, close your mouth, and gently blow your nose.
Don’t drink alcohol: While you need plenty of fluids, steer clear of cocktails, wine and beer, it makes you dehydrated. It also can cause your sinuses and the lining of your nose to swell, which makes your symptoms worse.
Don’t hurry back to the pool: Chlorine in pools can irritate the passageways of your nose. If you feel well enough to exercise and want to swim, use nose clips.
Don’t breathe in irritating stuff: The aim is to soothe your sinuses, not inflame them, avoid places that have cigarette smoke and stay indoors when air pollution levels are high.
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