influenza
Influenza gets a foothold in the respiratory tract but can make a person feel bad all over. Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

A lingering cold isn’t something that occurs only in winter. You might actually be suffering from sinusitis- inflammation of your sinuses and nasal passages. You can treat sinusitis and get relieved of its symptoms easily. When your sinuses get blocked, the microorganisms in your nose can get trapped in the pool of mucus, germs can grow and cause inflammation and infection. This can result in swelling, headache, facial pain, mucus buildup, and congestion. You might also experience loss of smell or taste, fever, fullness in your ears and bad breath.

Here are a few suggestions for lowering your chance of acquiring sinusitis:

1. Practice Hand Hygiene- Ensure to wash your hands frequently. Hand hygiene practices can help to prevent harmful microorganisms from entering your sinuses and can thereby prevent inflammation and infection.

2. Stay Hydrated- Make it a habit to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration keeps your mucous membranes thin and loose. This can help prevent inflammation of the sinuses. Also, try to avoid dry environments and opt for a clean humidifier to moisten the air around you. This can help prevent your nasal passages from drying out.

3. Steam Inhalation- Many doctors prescribe steam inhalation for patients with sinusitis. When you inhale steam, it can help open your nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure. Steam inhalation can be one of the easiest and cheapest preventive home remedies for sinusitis.

4. Improve Your Immunity- It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a strong immune system to prevent sinusitis. This is because, viral cold, flu or other illnesses can lead to a sinus infection. CDC recommends preventing the flu to prevent sinusitis. So make sure you stay in good health by consuming a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. You could also get a flu shot every year to prevent sinus infections.

5. Combat Dust Mites- Vacuum and clean all surfaces on a regular basis. Also, try to de-clutter and avoid any dust that can get trapped in it. Make sure your pillows and mattresses are also dust-free. Dust mites can cause sinus obstructions that can lead to sinusitis. Thus, ensure you take such measures to fight the dust mites at home so as to prevent sinusitis.