Take These Precautions for Sinusitis

Take These Precautions for Sinusitis Sinusitis refers to pain, pressure and discharge in the air-filled cavities within the facial bones, caused by excessive mucus secretion. Although it typically develops following upper respiratory tract infections and is common in winter months, spring is actually a significant threat period for sinusitis as well. Weather instability during spring can cause the body to enter cycles of chilling and sweating. In such conditions, even slight wind exposure can rapidly trigger a sinusitis attack. Additionally, the increase in pollen in spring months exacerbates allergic rhinitis and creates conditions for sinusitis stemming from an allergic basis. Experiencing one or two acute sinusitis attacks per year is not a cause for concern. However, if treatment is neglected and sufficient precautions are not taken, the condition can become chronic sinusitis. Doç. Dr. Osman Halit Çam, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist at Acıbadem Dr. Şinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital, warns that serious problems can develop when sinusitis becomes chronic, stating: "In its early stages, sinusitis most commonly causes nasal congestion, facial and headache, and nasal and nasopharyngeal discharge. If it becomes chronic, the presentation becomes more severe; eye swelling and redness, eyelid swelling and vision disturbances such as strabismus can accompany it. Moreover, headaches unresponsive to medication treatment, meningitis, and even conditions progressing to brain inflammation can develop. For this reason, early treatment of sinusitis and taking precautions in lifestyle habits are of great importance," he says. Doç. Dr. Osman Halit Çam, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, explained ways to protect yourself from sinusitis during spring; he provided important recommendations and warnings!

Keep your allergies under control

Since pollen is the main factor exacerbating allergic rhinitis in spring and summer months, you need to minimize pollen exposure. Keeping HEPA-filtered air filtration units in your room will be beneficial. If you are having difficulty controlling allergic rhinitis, do not neglect to seek medication support from your doctor. Additionally, avoid going outside between 05:00-10:00 hours, when pollen is most concentrated, unless absolutely necessary. If you must go out, always protect yourself with a mask and glasses.

Pay attention to sudden weather changes

Taking precautions against sudden weather changes is another important point to which you should pay attention. Wearing a light outer garment over a light jacket, carrying a scarf and hat with you will protect you against weather changes.

Keep your head warm

After showering and before going outside, always make sure your head is warm. Beyond the classic warning of 'you should not go outside with wet hair,' you need to ensure your head is properly warmed. For this, it is not enough for your hair to be dry. Because your hair will use your head's heat to dry, and your head will be cooler relative to your body. This mechanism triggers headaches and creates conditions for sinusitis.

Stay away from irritants

If you have recurring sinusitis attacks, another matter to which you should pay attention is staying away from chemicals that irritate sinus mucosa. Cigarette smoke is foremost among these chemicals. Other irritants include air pollution, high-concentration detergents and bleach. If you cannot avoid exposure to these, you must wear a mask.

Perform 'nasal irrigation'

Another way to protect yourself from sinusitis attacks is nasal and sinus irrigation. Doç. Dr. Osman Halit Çam, noting that there is no harm in developing this habit, states: "By doing this, you will mechanically remove micro-particles accumulated in your nasal and sinus mucosa during the time you spend outside throughout the day. However, solution selection and application pressures should be controlled."

Have your teeth checked

Problems arising from situations such as the presence of decayed teeth, cysts or infections developing in the roots of molars can easily spread to the sinuses through proximity. Doç. Dr. Osman Halit Çam, noting that medication treatment alone is often insufficient in dental-origin sinusitis, provides the information: "Paying attention to oral and dental health, undergoing dental examination twice a year will help protect against sinusitis."

Pay attention to pressure changes

During periods of common cold, colds or allergic exacerbations, if you have scuba diving or air travel plans, postpone these activities. Normally, during pressure changes, air in our body cavities expands and contracts. During illness periods, however, these tissues become extra sensitive and cannot adequately tolerate air circulation related to pressure changes. This presentation can prolong the illness and trigger sinusitis attacks.

Resolve nasal congestion

If you have anatomical obstruction in your nose such as bone deviation or tissue enlargement (turbinate hypertrophy), your sinus mucosa is not making healthy contact with air and air circulation is not adequate. Doç. Dr. Osman Halit Çam stated: "Surgically resolving these anatomical problems is among the measures that will delay your contracting sinusitis and, if you do contract it, will allow you to weather the illness without difficulty."