Ways to Prevent Sinusitis

A top New York City allergy doctor, Dr. Hadjiev sees many patients with allergic rhinitis, colds, and nasal polyps. Some of these patients develop sinusitis, which is swelling and inflammation of the tissues that line the sinuses. This causes blockage of the sinus air passages, and they may fill with fluid, which provides a nice environment for the growth of all types of germs, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Dr. Hadjiev, a leading New York City allergy doctor, warns that the signs of acute sinusitis include pain and pressure in the face, a stuffy or sunny nose, cough and congestion, and loss of the sense of smell. Some patients may experience fever, bad breath, pain in the teeth, or fatigue, as a result of sinusitis. Thick yellow or green nasal discharge is a sign of an acute infection of the sinuses.

Prevent Sinusitis

How can you avoid developing sinusitis? It’s important to treat nasal congestion as soon as it occurs, to prevent bacteria from causing a sinus infection. Avoidance of people with upper respiratory infections, like colds or other viral infections, is important. If you must be around people with an upper respiratory infection, wash your hands frequently.

Smoking is strongly associated with sinusitis, so avoid smoking and second hand cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke. Smoke irritates the sinus and nasal membranes. You can also consider use of a humidifier, to increase the moisture in the air your breath. This will help prevent damage to the delicate lining of the nasal and sinus passages.

If you have allergies, you should see a leading New York City allergy doctor for a consultation to see if you are a candidate for allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. Because allergies result in stuffy or runny nose, treatment for allergies may be one of the most important things you can do to avoid sinusitis, particularly is you suffer from chronic hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. Dr. Hadjiev, one of New York’s leading allergy doctors, can assist you with diagnosis and treatment of your allergic rhinitis, to help you prevent sinusitis.

Other tips for avoidance of sinusitis include the use of nasal saline drops or sprays, to keep your nasal passages moist and to help wash out bacteria and mucus. A hot, damp towel can relieve congestion, when placed on your face for 5 or ten minutes several times a day. Drinking plenty of fluids will also keep your nasal passages moist and healthy.

If you are troubled by allergic rhinitis or frequent episodes of sinusitis, call our office today at 212.319.5282 for your consultation with Dr. Hadjiev, one of New York’s leading allergy specialist.