How to Prevent Chronic Sinusitis Using Self Care

Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses that lasts longer than 8 weeks or occurs more than four times a year. People with chronic sinusitis may suffer from unpleasant symptoms that never seem to go away. A doctor may be able to prescribe treatment for chronic sinusitis, but there are also several self care techniques that you can implement at home.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include postnasal drip, cough, headaches, fever, bad breath and nasal congestion. People who suffer from chronic sinusitis suffer from these symptoms much of the time, meaning that they are always experiencing a certain degree of discomfort or pain.

Sinus infections may be caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract, a viral infection or by an allergic reaction to allergens and pollutants. Fungi are becoming an increasing cause of chronic sinus problems, particularly in people with a weakened immune system.

The sinuses are hollow air filled sacks inside the human skull. There are four major sinuses connecting the space between the nostrils and the nasal passages. When these passages that are designed to be hollow fill with mucus, the sinus become inflamed and congested, causing uncomfortable and even painful symptoms.

People with chronic sinus problems should consult a doctor to diagnose the cause. A doctor may prescribe a medication or may recommend self care to clear the sinuses. Medication for sinusitis may be anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce inflammation or decongestants to reduce congestion. If the singularities is caused by an infection an antibiotic may be prescribed.

There are some self care techniques that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort caused on chronic sinusitis.

1. Promote drainage naturally by drinking hydrating beverages or plain water. Hot water with lemon or hot tea can promote drainage.
2. Promote drainage by inhaling steam two to four times a day. Give yourself a steam treatment by leaning over a bowl of water of steaming water and inhaling. For safety sake, do not do this while the water is still boiling on the stove. Take the pan of hot water and put it on a table and place a towel over your head to prevent steam from escaping. Inhale the steam for about ten minutes. Vicks Vaporub or a similar medication can help to promote drainage. Alternate steam treatments include standing in a hot shower or using a vaporizer.
3. Thin the mucus by using an over the counter expectorant, used to help to expel mucus from the respiratory passages and lungs. One of the most commonly recommended expectorants is guaifenesin, which is an ingredient in various cough medicines, such as Robitussin.
4. Relieve the pain associated with sinus congestion with an over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen.
5. If the sinus problems are caused by allergic reactions to airborne pollutant or pollens, an antihistamine can help to prevent the allergic reaction.
6. Nasal sprays can help to clear the nasal passages and reduce symptoms.
7. Saline solution can help to clear the nasal passages and dry the mucus.
8. A Neti Pot is a small pot especially designed to pour warm saline water into the nostril and through the nasal passages and out through the mouth, flushing out the mucus in the sinuses.
9. Massage the areas in the face over the sinus passages to help stimulate drainage. Massage the tender spots over the eyebrows and in the cheeks.
10. Prevent upper respiratory tract infections that cause sinus problems by practicing good hygiene, washing hand frequently, avoiding people who have colds and flu, and eating a diet rich in antioxidants. Zinc carbonate lozenges, such as Cold-Eeze, have been shown to reduce the durations of cold symptoms that cause sinus problems.

Practice good self care to alleviate the pain and discomfort of sinuses problems.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about a medical condition, see a physician.

Resources:

WebMD

Personal Experience

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