Of course there are certain activities you should do when you have a sinus infection and things that you should not do when you have a sinus infection. We recommend avoiding the following activities to have a speedy recovery.
- Don’t fly in an airplane: The pressure on an airplane can increase the pain in your ears and nasal cavities. If you can avoid it, we suggest not flying when suffering from sinusitis.
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Foods to quickly relieve sinus congestion
There are a number of ways to help relieve sinus congestion, including hovering over a pot of hot water or taking over-the-counter medications. However, for quick relief, sometimes the best medicine is food!
Spicy foods: Everyone knows that spicy foods like hot peppers can clear sinuses. Capsaicin is a chemical found in spicy foods that causes a burning sensation when in contact with bodily tissues. Capsaicin irritates mucous membranes, which results in a runny nose, thereby softening any nasal obstruction.
Suffering from chronic sinus infections? Give Kaplan a call.
If this isn’t your first time wondering whether or not a sinus infection can make you cough, it may be time to explore your treatment options. Whether you have recurring sinus infections or achronic post nasal drip, we can help.
Dr. Michael Kaplan of Kaplan Sinus Relief has over two decades of experience helping Houstons with sinus-related issues, including sinus issues that affect the respiratory system, snoring, and sleep apnea. We offer a variety of safe and effective sinus treatment options and are considered leaders in balloon sinuplasty.
Reduced Ability to Smell
An untreated sinus infection may cause ansomnia, a decrease, or a complete loss of smell. Inflammation and blockage of your sinus passageways or damage to your olfactory nerves cause ansomnia. In many cases, ansomnia is only temporary but can become permanent.
Prolonged sinus infections can cause respiratory problems. Trouble breathing may result in your body feeling fatigued as it’s harder to get oxygen to your brain. Your doctor can drain your sinus passages, decreasing inflammation, and help you breathe easier.
Saline Flush
A saline wash uses a solution of distilled water and salt to flush out the nasal passages, which can help break up mucus and add moisture to the sinuses. A Neti pot is a popular type of saline flush therapy, also known as nasal irrigation, which has been used effectively for centuries. Using a saline flush regularly can help keep your sinuses properly drained, which will help you avoid sinusitis pain and pressure. Saline solution is also available as a nose spray to help clean out the nasal airways.
Over the counter decongestant sprays can sometimes work to keep your nasal passages moist and your sinuses clear. Be careful when choosing a nasal spray, as some sprays can be harmful if used for a longer period of time. For example, Afrin and similar nasal sprays should only be used for a maximum of 3 days, otherwise symptoms can actually worsen. On the other hand, sprays like fluticasone become more effective the longer you use them.