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How To Prevent Sinus Infections From Allergies

When To See A Doctor For Sinus Pain

How to Prevent Sinus Infections Naturally & Reduce Inflammation that Causes Allergy Symptoms

If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.

If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat for your treatment options.

S To Avoid Sinus Pain And Congestion

Colds, flu, allergens, and pollutants are the most common causes of sinus pain. Learn 10 steps you can take to avoid a sinus infection and the congestion it causes.

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Sinus pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. Each year, more than 37 million Americans experience sinusitis symptoms like sinus pain, nasal congestion, and thick nasal discharge, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Those numbers are growing because of an increase in pollutants, along with a resistance to antibiotics.

What causes sinus pain and congestion? The number one cause is allergies, says Jyoti Gopal, MD, a family practice physician with the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Some people have seasonal allergies and are bothered most during the spring and fall, when the pollen counts are high, she says, while others have year-round allergies that continually trigger their sinus pain and congestion.

Other causes of sinus pain, pressure, and congestion include:

  • Pollutants. Air pollution, cigarette smoke, and chemical irritants such as pesticide sprays and household cleaners can inflame the sinus linings.
  • Polyps. These are sac-like growths of inflamed tissue on the lining of the sinuses.
  • Anatomical issues. A structural problem such as a deviated septum or nasal bone spur can prevent mucus from draining out of the sinus, Gopal says.

Sinus Pain and Congestion: How to Avoid It

Baylor College Of Medicine Blog Network

Dont let your sinuses sideline you this summer.

Dr. Mas Takashima, associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, offers the following ten tips to help prevent a sinus infection.

  • Frequently wash your hands.
  • Keep the nose moist with nasal saline sprays .
  • Keep your allergies managed well.
  • Avoid nasal irritants such as pollution, smoke.
  • Irrigate your sinuses on a regular basis with a saline sinus wash.
  • Take oral probiotics especially after taking antibiotics in efforts to replenish the natural biome of the sinuses.
  • Try to avoid taking antibiotics or steroids if possible as both will affect the natural good bacteria that lives in the sinuses and allows bad bacteria to proliferate.
  • Persistent nasal congestion can decrease airflow to the sinuses and may also block the outflow track of the sinuses. If you have a badly deviated septum or a hole in your septum, getting that repaired will be beneficial.
  • Swim in salt water pools as they are less irritating to the nasal and sinus mucosa and produce much less inflammation when compared to chlorinated pools.
  • Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and maintain a strong immune system as other illnesses such as a viral cold or flu can cause a sinus infection to occur.
  • Are you looking for sinus relief? Schedule an appointment at the Baylor Sinus Center.

    Additional Resources

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    What Are The Different Types Of Sinuses Near The Nose And Eyes

    The paranasal sinuses are located in your head near your nose and eyes. They are named after the bones that provide their structure.

    • The ethmoidal sinuses are located between your eyes.
    • The maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.
    • The sphenoidal sinuses are located behind your eyes.
    • The frontal sinuses are located above your eyes.

    The biggest sinus cavity is the maxillary cavity, and it is one of the cavities that most often becomes infected.

    There are different types of sinusitis:

    • Acute bacterial sinusitis: This term refers to a sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms . It responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.
    • Chronic sinusitis: This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and decreased sense of smell for at least 12 weeks.
    • Subacute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms last four to twelve weeks.
    • Recurrent acute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.

    Seasonal Allergies Versus Sinus Infection

    Are Sinus Infections Contagious? Causes and Prevention

    The symptoms of allergies and a sinus infection are quite similar, leaving many to wonder which they’re suffering from. How long the symptoms last is a big differentiator between the two, but there are also a few other ways to determine the source behind your symptoms. Below are a few ways to tell if you have a sinus infection or seasonal allergies and what you can do to feel better.

    Symptoms of seasonal allergies typically include:

    • Sneezing
    • A decrease in your sense of smell

    Allergy symptoms will usually last as long as you are exposed to the allergen. If you are suffering from a sinus infection, it’s a good idea to see a doctor who can prescribe a simple course of antibiotics to help clear up the infection. In some cases, an acute infection can turn into chronic sinusitis if left untreated. Using a mixture of distilled water and salt, a neti pot can also help to thin mucus and flush out sinuses.

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    What Can I Do To Find Relief From A Sinus Infection

    • Place a warm compress over your face to help relieve pressure.
    • Breathe in steam by placing a towel over your head and leaning over a bowl or sink full of hot water to allow the steam to relieve congestion. WARNING: Make sure that the water is not too hot because steam can cause burns.
    • Rinse the sinuses. Dr. Takashima recommends using the squeeze bottle over the neti pot for effective nasal irrigation.
    • Keep the nasal passages moist by using a saline nasal spray.
    • Rest.
    • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

    What Causes Sinus Infections Or Sinusitis

    Sinus infections or sinusitis may be caused by anything that interferes with airflow into the sinuses and the drainage of mucus out of the sinuses. The sinus openings may be blocked by swelling of the tissue lining and adjacent nasal passage tissue, for example with

    • common colds,
    • tissue irritants such as OTC nasal sprays, cocaine, and cigarette smoke.

    Other causes of sinus infections or sinusitis

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    Colds And Allergies Are The Main Risk Factors For Developing Sinusitis

    Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, commonly caused by bacterial infection following a viral infection such as the common cold. Other risk factors for developing sinusitis include untreated allergies, crooked nasal anatomy, smoking, nasal polyps and overuse of decongestant nasal sprays.

    Being Proactive Against Sinus Infections

    How to prevent ear infections and sinus infections by using the neti pot

    Being proactive is the best way to combat chronic sinus problems. Watch your local news. If you hear that the pollen and ragweed counts are high, you should start medicating pre-emptively and using your Neti pot to thwart any issues.

    If you dont like to use medications, then you can apply some herbs to help combat allergy problems too. Garlic, rosemary, and turmeric are all known for being beneficial to the bacteria in the sinuses. Garlic is a potent natural antibiotic that can wipe out infection and keep it from coming back.

    When it comes to the pain from a sinus infection, you will do anything you can to make it go away. By following these ten items, you will be on your way to a great spring and summer where you can smell the roses and not worry about carrying around tissues. Who doesnt want to prevent sinus infection?

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    Top 18 Tips On How To Prevent Sinus Infection After Cold And From Allergies

    1. Steam

    Steaming is the first home remedy in this list of tips on how to prevent sinus infection after cold. Steaming has long been known to be an effective treatment for sinus infection. This measure is very popular in Asian countries. You can also try it because it is very simple and useful. To do this, please follow these steps below:

    • Pour water into a 950 ml pot
    • Boil water for 1-2 minutes until the water evaporates fiercely
    • Turn off the stove and put the pot on the table, on the heat-resistant base
    • Place a clean cotton towel over your head, close your eyes and bend down to let your face be exposed to steam
    • Breathe deep into your nostrils and exhale through your mouth for five times
    • Then, reduce the rhythm of breathing to 2 times

    You can make this tip in about 10 minutes or longer . Try blowing your nose in and after steaming. You can steam after every 2 hours or more if you want. When being outdoors or at work, you can steam by taking hot steam from a cup of tea or hot soup. You can add herbs or essential oils to the water to steam. Mint, thyme, sage, oregano, lavender, tea tree oil and lavender essential oil all have antimicrobial, antifungal or antiseptic properties.

    Note: Keep your baby away from boiling water when you’re steaming. You can do this tip in areas where there are no children.

    2. Have A Warm Bath
    3. Wash Your Nose
    4. Use A Neti
    5. Use A Humidifier
    6. Drink Enough Water
    7. Eat Spicy Foods
    8. Massage
    9. Do Exercise
    10. Raise Your Head Up

    Is It A Sinus Infection Or Allergies

    Table of content

    Each year, almost 12% of all Americans will be diagnosed with a sinus infection. And more than 50 million people in the U.S. every year experience allergy symptoms.

    Nasal and sinus congestion are among the most common reasons for visiting a healthcare providerfor conditions like sinus infections, allergies, and viral illnesses like colds.

    These conditions share common symptoms, and you can have more than one of them at onceso it can be tough to know whats causing your suffering.

    In fact, a viral illness or long-standing allergies can actually lead to a sinus infection.

    The number of common symptoms shared between allergies and sinus infections means that identifying one or the other can often be difficult and confusing, especially if youre trying to diagnose yourself at home.

    So how can you tell the difference?

    In this article, Ill explore the difference between sinus infections and allergies, including their individual and shared symptoms.

    Ill talk about some home remedies and other treatment options, as well as ways to prevent sinus infections and the symptoms of allergies. Finally, Ill help you know when its best to talk to a healthcare provider.

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    Drinking Liquids Help Ease Sinus Pain And Loosens Congestion

    Staying hydrated keeps your sinuses moist so you feel better, and it also decreases the thickness of sinus mucus so it flows out more easily, Del Signore says.

    Everyone is guilty of not drinking enough water, he says, recommending people get from six to eight 8-ounces glasses every day.

    Steer clear of too many caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration.

    What Are Complications Of A Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis

    DIY How to Clear Your Sinuses in Seconds Using Nothing But ...

    While serious complications do not occur frequently, it is possible for a sinus infection to cause a direct extension of infection into the brain through a sinus wall, creating a life-threatening emergency .

    In addition, other adjacent structures can become infected and develop problems, such as osteomyelitis of bones in the skull and infection around the eye . Rarely, these infections may cause death. The most susceptible individuals to complications are patients with suppressed immune systems, diabetes, and relatively rarely from multiple trauma injuries that may occur in natural disasters.

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    Easy Ways To Prevent A Sinus Infection

    Theres nothing worse than an aching sinus infection. The stuffy nose, watery eyes, and congestion are enough to make you want to stay in bed all day. When the pollen and ragweed are high, its not uncommon to have sinus issues.

    When that sinus pressure goes from an irritation to an infection, you will notice things like green mucus, a nagging cough, and a headache that wont stop. Thankfully, there are ten things you can do to prevent sinus infection.

    Which Types Of Doctors Treat Sinusitis And Sinus Infections

    • Many sinus infections can be treated by your primary care physician or an Internal Medicine doctor.
    • However, it is not unusual to consult an ENT specialist, infectious disease specialist, or an allergist or immunologist.
    • With some complex sinus infections, a surgeon who specializes in sinus surgery may be necessary to consult.

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    Treatment Options For Asthmatics

    While black seed oil has research pointing towards its capacity to improve immunity and enhance respiratory health, it takes a considerable amount of time to see results with blackseed. Blackseed oil has immediate effects, like sore-throat soothing properties and anti-cough/bronchodilator properties. However, black seed oil may take weeks to months to show full effectiveness when it comes to the systemic control of allergies.

    More assistance with mucous may be required for sufferers of seasonal allergies who are also affected by asthma. Individuals with allergic asthma require all the help they need to clear the airways. Excess mucous secretion may significantly block the airway. In addition, the over-production of inflammatory markers makes the tissues more susceptible to infections.

    Individuals with asthma may benefit from combining an immune antioxidant like black seed oil with a mucolytic like N-acetyl cysteine .

    Permanently scarred or thickened airways may benefit from the addition of serrapeptase. Serrapeptase may help break down scar tissues and assist with healing the airways. Serrapeptase is a potent anti-inflammatory and may significantly help take down inflammation .

    How Your Allergies Can Cause A Sinus Infection

    Relief from Stuffy Nose Colds, Allergies & Sinus Infections with Nasal Irrigation/Wash with Neti Pot

    If youve ever had a sinus infection, you know the pain and discomfort it can cause. Medically termed sinusitis, a sinus infection occurs when the cavities around your nose become swollen and inflamed.

    Sinusitis is most often caused by a virus and often lasts long after the other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. Rarely, fungus or bacteria may cause a sinus infection. Allergies, nasal polyps, a tooth infection, and a deviated septum are other ways in which sinusitis may be triggered.

    Sinusitis is acute if it lasts for a short period of time. The acute infection is usually part of a cold or allergies. If your sinus infection lasts for more than eight weeks, or continues to reoccur, you have a chronic infection. Many symptoms of a sinus infection are common to both the acute and the chronic forms. The best way to know for sure if you have an infection, to find the cause, and to get treatment, is to see your doctor.

    An infection of the sinus cavity close to the brain can be life threatening, if not treated. In rare cases, it can spread to the brain.

    Normal sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs and other particles in the air. Tiny hair-like projections in the sinuses sweep the mucus towards openings that lead to the back of the throat. From there, it slides down to the stomach. This continual process is a normal body function.

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    Inhale Diffused Eucalyptus Oil

    Eucalyptus oil has a strong odor that often helps patients find instant relief from sinusitis. Research has found that cineole, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, helps people recover from sinus infections more quickly than those who dont use eucalyptus oil. You can inhale eucalyptus oil through a diffuser, or rub some on your temples and chest to open your breathing passages. You can even use food-grade eucalyptus oil and place a drop on the roof of your mouth.

    Tips How To Prevent Sinus Infection After Cold From Allergies

    Sinus infection is an inflammation of sinus which is the cavity on the forehead and face. It has many different functions. One of these functions is producing mucus to enclose and eliminate pathogens and other foreign objects. Sometimes the sinus becomes inflamed and this prevents mucus from escaping in the right way. There are several ways to treat sinusitis depending on the cause of the disease. Sinus infection can be self-healing, but you can also apply some home remedies to help it get away quickly as well as to lessen the discomfort it causes. The article below will show you how to do that. But first, let’s find out some information about this disease.

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    What Are The Six Types Of Sinusitis And Sinus Infections

    Sinusitis may be classified in several ways, based on its duration and the type of inflammation . The term rhinosinusitis is used to imply that both the nose and sinuses are involved and is becoming the preferred term over sinusitis.

    • Acute sinus infection usually lasts less than 3-5 days.
    • Subacute sinus infection lasts one to three months.
    • Chronic sinus infection is greater than three months. Chronic sinusitis may be further sub-classified into chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps, or allergic fungal sinusitis.
    • Recurrent sinusitis has several sinusitis attacks every year.

    There is no medical consensus on the above time periods.

    • Infected sinusitis usually is caused by an uncomplicated virus infection. Less frequently, bacterial growth causes sinus infection and fungal sinus infection is very infrequent. Subacute and chronic forms of a sinus infection usually are the result of incomplete treatment of an acute sinus infection.
    • Noninfectious sinusitis is caused by irritants and allergic conditions and follows the same general timeline for acute, subacute, and chronic as infectious sinusitis.

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