Lifestyle Changes to Manage Sinusitis

by Amy Scholten, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)

General Guidelines for Managing Sinusitis

Quit Smoking

Smoking raises the risk of getting sinusitis. It may also make it harder to heal from the infection. To reduce the risk, quit smoking. The doctor may be able to advise programs and medicines that can help.

Drink More Water

Drinking more water might help thin nasal mucus. This can make the mucus easier to blow out. Extra fluids are important in hot weather and after exercise.

Avoid Flying TOP

It is best to avoid flying with a stuffy nose or sinuses, if possible. Changes in air pressure may make the condition worse.

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.

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
Last Updated: 11/17/2021

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