Some steps that can help reduce the risk of sinusitis are:

Quit Smoking

Smoking makes it easier to get an infection. Quitting smoking can help lower this risk. So can avoiding second-hand smoke and air pollution.

Avoid Infections

Sinus infections cannot always be prevented. However, preventing other infections may lower the risk. Some steps to prevent infection are:

Filter and Humidify the Air

A humidifier keeps the air moist. It can also keep the sinuses and respiratory tract moist. This may reduce the risk of sinusitis.

An air filter can help keep the air clean. This may also help the sinuses.

Treat Your Allergies

Treating allergies can help lower the risk of respiratory tract infections and sinusitis.

Discuss Sinus Surgery

Some sinusitis keeps coming back. Certain types of surgery can prevent this. It depends on the problem causing it. Surgery may be done to:

Use Nasal Decongestant Spray

Some people have problems with sinusitis after flying. If so, the doctor may advise a nasal spray. The spray may be used before takeoff and landing. It is also best to avoid flying with a cold.

REFERENCES:

Acute rhinosinusitis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-rhinosinusitis-in-adults. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Chronic rhinosinusitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-rhinosinusitis. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Shay AD, Tajudeen BA. Histopathologic analysis in the diagnosis and management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019;27(1):20-24.

Sinusitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sinusitis/. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Sinusitis overview. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/Conditions-Treatments/allergies/sinusitis. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Last reviewed November 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP