How to Put a Stop to Frequent Sinus Infections

If you’ve ever had a sinus infection (sinusitis), you’re familiar with the irritation, pain, and difficulty breathing this condition can cause. Getting an occasional sinus infection is bad enough, but for millions of Americans, this infection returns again and again … and again.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to put a stop to frequent sinus infections. And if you don’t find success on your own, the board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) providers at Advanced Specialty Associates in St. Paul and Baxter, Minnesota, offer effective solutions.

Take a moment to learn our top tips for how you can stop frequent sinusitis and what we can do to help you find lasting relief.

1. Stay hydrated

One of the most effective secret weapons against frequent sinus infections is drinking more water. Staying well-hydrated keeps your mucus membranes moist, helping clear out irritants and bacteria from your sinuses.

Try to drink around eight glasses of water each day, and also focus on eating water-rich foods, like cucumbers and fruit. Herbal teas, light broths, and other non-caffeinated beverages also help you stay hydrated and free of sinusitis.

2. Eat for a better immune system

Your immune system plays a key role in fighting off infections. To prevent sinusitis before it starts, you can adopt a diet rich in nutrients to bolster your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Foods high in vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are known for their immune-boosting benefits. So reach for fresh fruits, like oranges and berries, nuts, and seeds, and be sure to eat lots of dark leafy greens.

If frequent sinus infections are a problem, you might also want to reduce your dairy intake. Dairy products thicken your mucus, which can make it harder to drain from your sinuses, increasing your risk of infection.

3. Focus on nasal hygiene

It may seem like you don’t have to worry about keeping your nasal passages clean, but focusing on nasal hygiene helps flush out the irritants and particles that cause irritation and infection.

It’s easier than you think. Start with a saline nasal spray or irrigation, like the neti pot. Be sure to follow the instructions and use distilled water for your safety. Your Advanced Speciality Associates provider can give you personalized recommendations.

4. Stay on top of allergies

Allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander are frequent culprits in triggering sinus problems. By becoming aware of your specific allergy triggers and working to minimize or avoid them, you reduce your risk of sinusitis. 

Start by working to make your living and office spaces clean and as dust-free as possible. You can use an air purifier to help. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to pollen forecasts and take allergy medicine if you suffer from seasonal allergies. 

5. Boost sinus health through exercise

You already know regular exercise improves your overall health. This includes your immune and circulatory systems, so you’re better able to fight off infections — including those that try to develop in your sinuses!

You don’t have to hit the gym hard or start training for a marathon to experience the sinus benefits of exercise. Try to fit in about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, and be sure to choose things you enjoy so you keep up your routine.

When preventive steps don’t stop sinusitis

For some people, an underlying condition makes it challenging to prevent frequent sinus infections, leading to chronic sinusitis. You’re diagnosed with this condition when you get a sinus infection for three or more months, or you have repeat sinus infections. 

The best way to get to the root cause of your recurrent sinus infections is by seeing an ENT provider, like the team members at Advanced Specialty Associates. Your provider reviews your medical and symptom history, and conducts an exam and imaging studies, if needed, to get to the bottom of your sinusitis.

Depending on the underlying cause of your sinusitis, your provider makes personalized sinus treatment recommendations that may include:

• Allergy and/or asthma treatments
• Balloon sinuplasty to open blocked airways
• VivAer® and RhinAer® to address chronic drainage problems
• Consistent release of steroid medicines through the Sinuva® sinus implant to reduce swelling and/or nasal polyps

You don’t have to suffer from frequent sinus infections! Get effective relief by scheduling a consultation online or over the phone with an ENT provider at Advanced Specialty Associates today.