A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection.
Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria — or, rarely, fungus — may cause a sinus infection.
Here are some advice on what to do or not to do when you have sinusitis.
1. Do: Go to school or work
Good news: sinusitis isn’t contagious so you won’t spread sinusitis to classmates or co-workers. However, we advise that you return to your normal activities only when you feel well enough.
2. Do: Choose OTC drugs carefully
Easily available OTC drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can make your symptoms better. Nasal sprays may help decongesting your stuffy nose but if taken for more than a few days they make actually make your symptoms worse!
3. Do: Stay hydrated
To help flush the virus out of your system, make sure you’re adequately hydrated. Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water every two hours. Aside from water, you can also drink other fluids such as herbal tea. Hot or warm liquids also help ease stuffiness in your nose.
4. Do: Use an air humidifier
Fresh, cool and moist air can be soothing for your nose and make it feel less stuffy. Ensure you keep the water clean at all times – empty the tank every day and wash it out before you refill it. We strongly suggest this once-a-week routine: clean the tank with diluted bleach or lemon juice to keep mold and bacteria away.
5. Do: Use a warm compress for relief
Warm compresses produce moist heat that can help relieve the pressure in your sinuses. As a result, the blocked passages in your nose will open up, easing the pain. You can simply wet a towel with warm water then hold the towel against your nose or put it over your face. You may also get a basin and fill it with hot water. While facing the basin, put a cloth over your head and breathe in the steam.
6. Do: Try sinus rinse or nasal irrigation
Sinus rinse, nasal irrigation, nasal wash, or nasal lavage — there are many names for it, but they all do the same thing. When you do a sinus rinse, you’re basically cleaning the inside of your nose. As it is meant to flush out mucus and allergens, it also clears up sinus congestion.
7. Do: Exercise if you can
Moderate to severe sinusitis symptoms can easily leave you feeling weak and incapable of doing any strenuous physical activity. However, if you think your body is up for it, it’s totally alright to exercise. You need to listen to your body, though, and avoid exercises that require too much effort. Sinusitis can cause dizziness and affect coordination. It can also make it harder to breathe. If you notice that you’re having trouble breathing or you have pressure in your chest, rest.
8. Do: Avoid triggers of nasal allergies
Nasal allergies can cause sinus problems like a runny nose, nasal congestion, nasal pressure, and headaches. If you’re susceptible to nasal allergies, it’s vital that you recognize your triggers and steer clear of them. Some of the most common allergy triggers include pets, pollen, and dust mites.
9. Don’t: Breathe in irritating agents
In order to soothe your sinuses rather than inflame them, avoid inhaling fumes from harsh cleaning agents, strong perfumes, chemical hair spray, and other similar products. As much as possible, opt for organic and “green” products that don’t emit harsh smells.
10. Don’t: Travel by air
The high pressure on board an aircraft raises chances of ear pain and may increase the inflammation.
11. Don’t: Drink alcohol
If you suffer from a sinus infection, drink plenty of fluids but not those which dehydrates you. Alcohol may irritate the lining of your nose and make it swell and that will make your symptoms even worse.
12. Don’t: Swim in a pool
While study results vary greatly, it is highly likely that chlorine in pools can irritate nasal passageways. If you want to exercise and your body is craving for a swim, it might help to use nose clips.