What you consume may increase the likelihood of developing sinusitis, or inflammation within your sinus tissues. While salt can cause certain health conditions, there is no evidence that this mineral increases your risk of sinusitis. Drinking alcoholic beverages, however, may lead to inflammation within your nasal passages.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis commonly occurs in response to the cold virus, although allergies and local irritants, such as smoke, can also cause sinus inflammation. Sinusitis often occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, such as sore throat, postnasal drip, mild fever and fatigue. Sinus headaches often result from sinusitis. This type of headache causes pressure in specific areas of your face. The pain tends to worsen when you bend forward or lean over. The pressure in your sinuses often feels worse in the morning.
Sodium
An abundance of sodium can lead to excess fluid in your tissues -- although there is no indication that salt causes localized sinus inflammation or any of the symptoms that often accompany this condition. Your body requires sodium to help maintain the balance of fluids and minerals, as well as help control nerve impulses and muscle contractions. The recommended salt intake for most people is 2,300 mg per day, although people over the age of 51 only require about 1,500 mg of sodium, according to MayoClinic.com. Although an excessive salt intake may not impact your sinus health, too much sodium may increase your risk of high blood pressure.
Alcohol
Nonallergic rhinitis causes symptoms similar to sinusitis. This condition mainly affects the lining within your nasal passages, rather than your entire sinus cavities, causing postnasal drip and stuffiness. Alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, may trigger an abnormal expansion in the blood vessels in this area, resulting in tissue inflammation within your nose.
Precautions
While a simple case of sinusitis may clear up without any help, chronic sinus inflammation may signal the presence of an underlying health condition. Let your doctor know about recurrent or chronic sinusitis, especially if you have a history of allergies, asthma or nasal polyps. Sinusitis that fails to respond to over-the-counter medications may indicate the presence of a bacterial infection.
