1. Avoid Bacterial Infection
You may have heard about preventing colds by washing your hands frequently, and the same tactic can work to prevent sinusitis. If you don't have an exacerbating risk, such as nasal polyps or allergies, you are most likely to contract sinusitis through bacterial infection. Infections are passed on through contact with the mucus or saliva of someone who is sick. Sick people may touch their noses and then shake hands with you, or you may share contaminated glasses or utensils.
Don't shake hands with people who obviously have colds or sinus problems. Don't share meals or beverages. Be sure to wash your hands before eating, a time when the risk for ingesting infected substances is high.
2. Choose Healthy Environments
Particulates in the air can affect sensitive sinus membranes. Avoid smoky areas. Stay indoors on days with high pollution or ozone predictions. If you have chronic nasal problems and live in a city with poor air quality, consider moving elsewhere to preserve your health.
3. Create Healthy Environments
Nasal membranes can be affected by ultradry air. If you use forced-air heat or air conditioning, add a humidifier to rooms where you spend time, and keep the machine clean. For a quick fix, simmer a pot of water on the stove or on top of a radiator to add moisture to the air that you breathe.
Regularly improve your indoor environment with controlled dusting and vacuuming. Use disposable microfiber cloths instead of feather dusters, and select a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne particle_temps.
4. Manage Related Medical Conditions
Treat colds, allergies and asthma promptly. These respiratory ailments contribute to sinusitis causes and symptoms. Avoid allergy and asthma triggers, such as pollen, smoke and spray liquids and solvents. Take the full course of any prescribed antibiotics, even if your symptoms disappear, to be sure the infection is eradicated.
