Chronic sinusitis can make you miserable! If you suffer from a problem like chronic sinus infection, keeping your nose clear and healthy can help minimize symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Working with an experienced ENT specialist like Dr. Thomas S. Higgins in Louisville, Kentucky, is the best way to build a personalized care plan. In the meantime, these daily nasal care tips can help you take control of your health.

Key Takeaways:

• Environmental factors can irritate sinuses and cause sinus infection flare-ups.
• Controlling environmental factors like humidity and dust can prevent problems.
• Taking steps like elevating your head, rinsing with saline, and following recommendations from your doctor can reduce inflammation and irritation in your sinuses.

Control Inflammation

Inflammation in the nose traps mucus and prevents the sinuses from properly draining. Your ENT specialist may recommend a prescription nasal spray to help reduce inflammation. Use the nasal spray as recommended by your ENT doctor to reduce congestion.

Rinse With Saline Daily

Saline rinses help flush out mucus and bacteria that can cause sinus infections. Some people use a saline spray for these purposes, while others use a neti pot. Although saline spray can be effective, the neti pot is an excellent option that can help keep your sinuses clear throughout the day.

When using a neti pot, be sure to follow the instructions that come with it. You should only use sterile, distilled, or boiled (and cooled) water for nasal rinsing.

Humidify the Air

Dry air can irritate the nose and sinuses while simultaneously thickening mucus. Maintain a comfortable 40% to 50% humidity in your home with a humidifier. Clean your humidifier regularly according to the device instructions to prevent mold or bacteria growth inside the machine.

If you want to take it a step further, try steam therapy. Steam can help loosen the mucus and reduce pressure in your sinuses. Taking a warm shower or inhaling steam from a bowl helps. For extra breathing relief, add menthol or eucalyptus to the water.

Elevate Your Head at Night

Elevating your head above your heart and shoulders while you sleep helps drain your sinuses to reduce congestion in the morning. Use a wedge pillow to raise your head slightly or find an ergonomic pillow that accomplishes the same goal.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking fluids helps thin the mucus in your nose and sinuses for improved drainage. Drink about eight cups of water, broth, tea, or other low-caffeine liquids each day. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables can also help you stay hydrated.

Try Nasal Breathing Exercises

Mouth breathing dries airways and creates irritation in the passageways in your head and throat. To ensure that you're breathing through your nose, practice slow nose inhalations and exhalations throughout the day for about 2 to 3 minutes each time. This helps keep your nasal passages and sinuses open.

Avoid Sinus Triggers

Reducing sinus irritation can prevent sinus problems. Know your triggers. Some people are sensitive to outdoor allergens like pollen. Keeping your windows closed and running one or more HEPA filters in your home can help reduce your exposure.

Avoid irritants like smoke and dust. Keep your house and air ducts clean.

Work With an ENT Specialist You Can Trust

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, working with an ENT specialist can prevent problems. Dr. Higgins can help you take care of your sinuses with nasal care tips, prescription medications, surgical procedures, and more. Contact us today!