Irritating pollutants. Allergens and pollutants in the air - like dust, outdoor air pollution, and strong odors like perfume - may contribute to coughing, irritate your nose, and cause inflammation that can increase your risk of sinusitis, according to Dr. Bains.
You need plenty of fluids, but steer clear of cocktails, wine, and beer. Even though booze is a liquid, it makes you dehydrated. It also can cause your sinuses and the lining of your nose to swell, which makes your symptoms worse.
Avoid dairy if you have had previous episodes of sinus infections. Also, try to avoid refined sugar as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.
Yogurt might be great for your gut, but not if you have sinus. The problem with this combination is that it increases the production of phlegm, which leads to more congestion. Even if you want to include this in your diet, avoid consuming at night.
Honey can calm the nasal passage, irritated throat and clear the excess mucus causing sinus. Blend a teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and drink this mixture twice daily to get relief from sinus.
Causes. Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). This fluid buildup allows germs to grow. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections.
Try to breathe in clean, fresh air. This will be the best for your sinuses and your recovery.
Hydrate – Drink plenty of fluids, like sugar-free juice and water, to hydrate your sinuses. Try to avoid coffee, as this can make symptoms worse.
Consuming excessive dairy products can lead to excess production of mucus in the sinuses, further aggravating your sinusitis. Chocolate, eggs, and flour products also encourage excessive mucus production. When you have sinusitis, eat these foods instead.
Acute sinusitis lasts less than a month. Your symptoms may go away by themselves within about 10 days, but it may take up to three or four weeks.
Instead, your doctor looks largely at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.
The bacteria confine themselves in stubborn “biofilms,” making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them. An overlap of additional factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants, and deviated septum, further complicate the picture of chronic sinusitis.
One of the major dietary contributors of congestion and nasal inflammation is dairy. Some foods either contain histamine or cause the body to release histamines. Additionally, some foods also contain tyramine which is a chemical that can also trigger headaches.
Some natural ways to get your sinuses draining and relieve sinus pressure include drinking plenty of fluids; using a humidifier; avoiding cold, dry air; taking plenty of steamy showers; and drinking a cup of hot tea or soup.
A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils — may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse. Other medical conditions. The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage. Respiratory tract infections.
As your body works hard to fight off the sinus infection, you'll feel more tired than usual. Fatigue can be also be caused by head pain, a lack of adequate sleep, and difficulty breathing due to sinusitis.