Preventing Recurring Sinus Infections Through Lifestyle Changes
When the lining of your sinuses swells, mucus becomes trapped, and germs multiply. Doctors call this condition sinusitis, or a sinus infection. Some people get one infection a year, but others face several in a row. Here are some daily habits that may lower your risk of repeat infections:
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation flushes your nasal passages with a larger volume of salt water. While you tilt your head over a sink, the solution enters one nostril and exits the other. A neti pot or squeeze bottle removes mucus, pollen, and dust, and it may reduce swelling from a sinus infection. Clean and air-dry your device after every use.
Water choice matters, and plain tap water is not safe for this purpose. Untreated tap water may contain rare but harmful organisms. Before each rinse, prepare your solution with one of these water types:
- Distilled water from a store
- Sterile water labeled for medical use
- Boiled water, then cooled to lukewarm
- Filtered water with pores of 1 micron or smaller
Saline Sprays
Saline spray is a simple mix of salt and purified water. It moistens dry nasal passages, and it thins thick mucus. When mucus stays thin, it drains more easily from your sinuses. Use it any time your nose feels dry or stuffy.
You can buy saline spray at most pharmacies, and it does not require a prescription. If your nose feels irritated after use, choose a preservative-free version. Most adults use one or two sprays per nostril, two to three times daily.
Since indoor heating may dry the air, winter is a good time to use saline daily. Aim the nozzle toward the outer wall of each nostril. This angle keeps spray off the septum, and it reaches more of the nasal lining. Replace the bottle after its expiration date.
Frequent Handwashing
Most sinus infections start after a cold, which spreads easily through touch. Germs land on doorknobs and phones, and your hands pick them up. Touching your nose or eyes then moves those germs inside. Children pass colds around often, so wash after caring for a sick child.
Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Scrub the backs of your hands, and clean under your nails too. If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer with adequate alcohol. Wash before meals, after using the restroom, and after touching shared surfaces.
Secondhand Smoke
Cigarette smoke irritates the lining of your nose, and it may damage tiny hairs inside your nose. These hairs normally sweep mucus out of your sinuses. Smoke also makes your nose more sensitive to allergens. Secondhand smoke has the same effect on nonsmokers. If you smoke, quitting may help your nasal lining recover over time. Free support exists, and these steps may help you cut your exposure:
- Ask a provider about nicotine replacement or prescription options
- Keep your home and car smoke-free
- Avoid indoor spaces where people smoke
Get Sinus Infection Care
If symptoms persist, a provider at a primary care clinic can check for a bacterial infection. Severe headache, a stiff neck, or vision changes call for immediate care; these signs may point to a more serious problem. When you arrive, a provider will examine your nose, throat, and ears. You will get a care plan based on your symptoms, and you will learn which habits fit your routine.
