Reducing Your Risk of Sinusitis

Stop Smoking and Avoid Second-hand Smoke and Air Pollution

Smoking cigaretts or cigars interferes with the normal defenses in your respiratory tract that protect against infection. If you stop smoking, your respiratory tract will slowly heal itself. Contact your healthcare provider and find out about programs and nicotine replacement systems that can help you stop smoking.

Furthermore, exposure to both second-hand smoke and air pollution can make you more prone to sinusitis. Avoid both types of exposures to improve your respiratory health.

Avoid Infections

Although there is no evidence that you can avoid getting sinus infections, here are some basic steps that may help you avoid infections in general:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Do not have close contact with people who are ill.
• Avoid exposure to toxic or damaging fumes.
• Eat a healthful, nutritious diet.
• Avoid and or manage stress.
• Exercise regularly.

Make Sure the Air in Your Home Is Appropriately Filtered and Humidified

Keeping your air humidified may help prevent your sinuses and respiratory tract from becoming overly dry. This may help reduce your chance of developing sinusitis. Furthermore, you may wish to use an air purifier to keep the air you breathe in your home as clean as possible. These measures may improve your respiratory health.

Treat Your Allergies

If you suspect that you have allergies, get tested and talk to your healthcare provider about appropriate treatment (eg, desensitization). Keeping your allergy symptoms to a minimum can help you decrease your susceptibility to respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis.

Discuss Sinus Surgery With Your Healthcare Provider

Corrective surgery for deviated septum or surgical removal of the blockage in your sinus will prevent future episodes of chronic or recurrent sinsusitis.

Consider Using a Nasal Decongestant Spray Before Flying

If you’ve had trouble with sinusitis after flying, talk to you healthcare provider about using a nasal decongestant spray 15 minutes or so before takeoff and landing.