Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Acute Sinusitis

Prevention

There are some measures you can take to decrease your risk of developing sinusitis. If you smoke cigarettes, you should quit, because smoke can irritate nasal passageways and increase the likelihood of infection. Chronic nasal allergies can trigger sinus infections, too. If you suspect you have an allergy to mold or pollen, talk to a doctor about allergy treatments.

If you have congestion from a cold or allergies, the following may help to reduce the risk of developing sinusitis:

• Drink lots of water. This thins nasal secretions and keeps mucous membranes moist.

• Use steam to soothe nasal passages. Breathe deeply while standing in a hot shower, or inhale the steam from a pan of hot water while holding a towel over your head (but don't get too close; steam can burn).

• Avoid blowing your nose with great force, which can push bacteria into the sinuses.