Did you know that an average of 4.1 million patients are seen for chronic sinusitis by their physicians each year? Sinus infections may result from a cold, allergens, poor air quality, and more? So, what can you do about it?
Keep reading for our top strategies to keep breathing easy and keep your sinuses healthy.
Clear Your Sinuses with a Neti Pot
Neti pots originated in ancient India for medicinal and spiritual purposes. They are commonly used nasal irrigation devices shaped like teapots. It is designed to flush the sinuses of mucus for temporary relief.
To use a neti pot, add water or a saline solution to your clean, dry neti pot. Learn over a sink, tilt your head, and pour the solution into the nostril facing the ceiling. The liquid will pour out your other nostril and clear your sinus; repeat on the other side.
A word of warning: when using a neti pot, don't use plain tap water unless you've boiled it. Use either distilled water or an OTC saline solution specially made for neti pots. This treatment shouldn't be used more than once a day.
Change Your Air Filters on a Regular Basis
Modern-day HVAC systems have at least one air filter used to purify the air in your home. This is the same for appliances outside of your central air system, like window air conditioners. These air filters become clogged with debris like dust, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens.
The frequency at which you should change your home's air filters depends on a few factors:
- Do you live in a densely populated area (such as smog-filled a city)?
- Do you have any pets?
- Do you, or anyone else in the household, have allergies?
- Do you have young children?
- Do you use your HVAC system daily?
If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, you should change your air filter at least every 30 days. You can also check the filters to see particle buildup and determine how dirty they are and how often to replace them. This will improve the quality of air in your home, help reduce the number of allergens, and potentially help you breathe better.
Use a Saline Nose Spray
Saline nose sprays help treat seasonal allergies, sinusitis, and keep the nasal passages moist. Dry sinuses are more likely to cause irritation, inflammation, and an increased risk of nosebleeds. You're also more likely to develop an infection, especially in colder months.
If you're prone to chronic sinus infections, you may want to consider making an appointment with a sinus doctor. You could be prescribed a short term prescription nasal spray in the interim. There's no need to suffer from long-term discomfort.
Use a Humidifier
If you are prone to nosebleeds or dry sinuses, you may benefit from using a humidifier. Dry air takes moisture away from nasal passages. The principle here is similar to that of saline nose spray. Keeping your sinuses moist may also improve the effectiveness of medicated nose sprays if you use those as well.
Take a Deep Breath And breathe easy knowing that these methods will improve the health of your sinuses. Neti pots, saline nose sprays, and humidifiers will keep your nasal passages moist, and new air filters will improve the quality of the air in your home. If you're looking for sinusitis relief, look into nasal specialists to best help you.
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