How to Manage Chronic Sinusitis

Living with chronic sinusitis can be tough under the best of circumstances. Often the condition worsens in certain environments and climates. Some of the goals for managing sinusitis include preventing sinus surgery, limiting infections and improving overall well-being.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Qualified medical care
• Medications as needed
• Allergen reducers
• Plastic bed covers

1. Find a doctor who understands chronic sinusitis well and does not hesitate to treat the symptoms aggressively. Also, look for a physician that inquires about and responds to any sign of infection, such as fever, fatigue, facial pain and headaches. While antibiotics will not help chronic sinusitis, if they are delayed when needed, more damage to the sinus cavities can result.
2. Blow your nose and expel mucus regularly. Many chronic sinusitis sufferers simply live with the clogged up, stuffy feeling and don't feel the need to clear their sinuses regularly. Often, it doesn't seem to help. In reality, expectorating reduces the amount of mucus available for bacterial growth and will help in the long run.
3. Sinusitis Medications - A necessary evil. Take sinus medications regularly. Both nasal sprays and antihistamines are available that have few problematic side-effects for most people. As with Step Two, chronic sinusitis patients may be discouraged to use medications that don't bring relief. Note that some relief is cumulative and may eventually help manage chronic sinusitis better.
4. Talk to your doctor about other natural remedies and medications if what you are taking is not working. No miracle cures are available for chronic sinusitis but many choices are available to minimize the problems.
5. Clean your environment, especially where you sleep, thoroughly. Remove all visible dust and deep clean the carpets or remove them if needed. If problems exist with molds or mildew, consult a professional or use a low concentration bleach solution or mildew inhibitor in affected areas.
6. Cover your bed and pillows with a plastic liner to minimize antigens that aggravate chronic sinusitis. Also, try a clean air filtering system or humidifier in your bedroom if not elsewhere in the home.
7. Change air filters in the home regularly and invest in better quality Hepa filters to trap more dust, molds and pollens.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid smoke wherever possible.
• Try a facial sauna or hot bath to help with breathing and expectorating.
• Exercise to increase oxygen intake and improve well-being.
• Consult with your health provider about vitamins and other supplements that may help.
• If you experience frequent sinus infections, especially combined with respiratory illness, inquire of your physician if you have been tested for an antibody deficiency.