5 Ways To Keep Your Sinuses Healthy

By Patricia Mar 09, 2020

5 Ways To Keep Your Sinuses Healthy

Sinusitis affects millions of people in the U.S., causing symptoms like congestion, excess mucus, stuffiness, pain around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks, and possibly even some dental issues can be associated with sinusitis. If you’re one of the million people suffering from chronic pain and sinus issues, managing the symptoms can be difficult, but keeping the sinuses clean and healthy can make a difference.

The sinus doctors at Detroit Sinus Center want to help educate our patients on healthy sinus habits that can help them manage symptoms and lead a pain-free life. Keep reading to learn some ways to keep your sinuses healthy, and consider taking notes on symptoms you are experiencing, the level of discomfort, and if there are any improvements. If symptoms don’t improve, schedule an appointment with a sinus specialist to talk about your options, which may include a balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery.

Keeping Your Sinuses Clean and Healthy

Stay Hydrated

When our bodies aren’t getting adequate amounts of water, there are various issues that can develop, including congestion. By keeping your body hydrated, it will help loosen up sticky mucus secretions, allowing to drain from the sinuses more easily. It’s recommended that you get half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. You can also eat fruits and vegetables that have a high water content, like cucumbers, celery, and apples. Herbal teas are also a great option, such as ginger or peppermint.

Use a Humidifier

Dry air can irritate sinus membranes and cause the flow of mucus to slow, so using a humidifier may relieve congestion if the air in your home is dry. However, there is a fine balance between getting enough moisture in the air and too much. Too much humidity can lead to mold, which may make sinus issues worse. Try to keep the humidity between 35 and 45%, or consider taking a hot shower to loosen up mucus.

Keep a Clean House

Various chemicals, dust, or odors that occur in the home can be blamed for sinusitis symptoms. Try to stay away from cigarette smoke, avoid using harsh household cleaners and use all-natural cleaning products, and don’t use hairspray unless necessary. You may also want to consider using an air purifier, or simply make sure the filter on your furnace is replaced regularly.

Add Some Antioxidants to Your Diet

One plant compound, quercetin, has antioxidant properties and acts as an antihistamine. The compound can be found in foods like apples, leafy vegetables, red onions, broccoli, peppers, grapes, and green tea. Consuming these foods may help reduce inflammation and regulate allergic reactions that lead to sinus issues.

Get Rid of Mold

Take a close look around your home for mold, including surfaces around showers, around the kitchen sink, near the water heater, or any windows. Mold may be a leading cause of chronic sinus problems. Clean away any mold that you find and work to reduce the amount of moisture in those areas to prevent it from developing again.

If you are still experiencing chronic sinusitis symptoms after following these tips, schedule an appointment with a sinus doctor at Detroit Sinus Center. We have two locations in Detroit, Allen Park and Southfield, and a team of specialists who want to help you find relief from sinus pain.


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