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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Take these steps to reduce your risk of getting chronic sinusitis:

  • Avoid upper respiratory infections. Minimize contact with people who have colds. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before your meals.
  • Carefully manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.
  • Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure the humidifier stays clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning.
Lifestyle and home remedies
References
  1. Rhinosinusitis: What is chronic rhinosinusitis? American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/sinusitis/whatischronicsinusitis.stm. Accessed Aug. 10, 2010.
  2. Jebreel A, et al. Chronic rhinosinusitis: Role of CT scans in the evaluation of paranasal sinuses. Internet Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2007;6:e1. http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijorl/vol6n2/ct.xml. Accessed Aug. 10, 2010.
  3. Hamilos D. Clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2010.
  4. Hamilos D. Medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2010.
  5. Wood AJ, et al. Pathogenesis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Postgraduate Medicine Journal. 2010;86:359.
  6. Guilemany JM, et al. Controversies in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Expert Review Respiratory Medicine. 2010;4:463.
  7. Naegleria FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/faqs.html. Accessed Dec. 30, 2011.
DS00232 Jan. 20, 2012

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