Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are common ailments seen in ENT clinics. When the sinus mucosa is irritated by bacteria, viruses, or allergens, inflammation can occur, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fever, severely impacting daily life and work. While actively receiving treatment, patients should be mindful of many aspects of their daily lives. Certain behaviors should be avoided, as they may worsen the condition and delay recovery.
Daily Care Taboos
Excessive Nose Blowing and Nose Picking
When a sinus infection occurs, the nasal cavity is filled with purulent discharge. Many people resort to frequent and forceful nose blowing in an attempt to clear the discharge. However, this practice is completely inappropriate. Excessive nose blowing can increase nasal pressure, forcing purulent discharge into the sinus ostia and even backflowing into the middle ear, leading to serious complications such as otitis media. Frequent nose picking is also undesirable. Fingernails harbor numerous bacteria. Picking your nose can easily damage the nasal mucosa, allowing bacteria to enter, exacerbating sinus infections and potentially causing nosebleeds. The correct approach is to blow your nose gently, only blowing one nostril at a time, and avoiding both nostrils at once. If you experience a foreign body sensation in your nose, rinsing with saline can alleviate the problem.
Neglecting nasal moisturization
Dry air irritates the nasal mucosa, making it more fragile and hindering the recovery of sinus infections. Some patients, feeling the effects of excessive nasal discharge, turn on the air conditioner or heater for extended periods, ignoring the importance of humidity. In a dry environment, the nasal mucosa loses moisture faster, becoming prone to cracking and bleeding. It also affects the normal movement of the cilia, preventing secretions from draining smoothly. Therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments. Use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity and keep the nasal mucosa moist.
Lifestyle taboos
Staying up late and overexerting
Staying up late and overexerting can weaken the body's immune system and reduce its ability to fight pathogens. For those with sinus infections, the body is already weakened from battling bacteria. Staying up late or overexerting during this time will undoubtedly give bacteria an opportunity to take advantage, leading to recurrence or worsening of the condition. Adequate sleep is crucial for recovery. Patients should ensure adequate rest each day and develop a regular sleep and rest schedule to allow their bodies to fully recuperate.
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Toxicants such as nicotine and tar in cigarettes can strongly irritate the nasal and sinus mucosa, disrupting their normal structure and function. Smoking weakens the cilia in the nasal mucosa, hindering secretion drainage and exacerbating sinus infection symptoms. Furthermore, secondhand smoke is equally harmful, and long-term exposure to it can negatively impact sinus health. Therefore, patients with sinus infections should not only quit smoking themselves but also avoid environments where others smoke.
Vigorous exercise
During acute episodes of sinus infections, patients should avoid strenuous exercise. During strenuous exercise, blood circulation increases, breathing becomes rapid, and this can cause changes in nasal pressure, exacerbating symptoms like nasal congestion and headaches. Furthermore, strenuous exercise can cause sweating, which, if not dried off or changed clothing promptly, can lead to colds and further exacerbate sinus infections. Patients can opt for gentler forms of exercise, such as walking or yoga, and gradually increase their intensity after their condition improves.
Dietary Taboos
Spicy and Oily Foods
Spicy foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and mustard are highly irritating and can irritate the nasal mucosa, worsening congestion and edema, leading to worsening symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose. Greasy foods, such as fried foods and fatty meats, are difficult to digest, placing a strain on the stomach and intestines, and impairing nutrient absorption and metabolism. Furthermore, greasy foods can cause internal dampness and heat in the body, exacerbating sinus infections. Patients should avoid these foods during their illness and opt for light, easily digestible foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and porridge.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol dilates blood vessels, exacerbating congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, and exacerbating symptoms like nasal congestion and headaches. Alcohol consumption also affects medication metabolism and efficacy, and reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. Therefore, patients with sinus infections should strictly abstain from alcohol during treatment to avoid adverse effects on recovery.
Strong Tea and Coffee
Strong tea and coffee contain caffeine, which can stimulate the nerves. Consuming them can increase heart rate and blood pressure, affecting sleep quality. Adequate sleep is crucial for recovery from sinus infections, while insufficient sleep weakens the body's immune system and hinders disease control. Therefore, patients should avoid strong tea and coffee during their illness and opt for lighter beverages such as plain water or chrysanthemum tea.
What You Can Do:
Keep Your Nasal Cavity Moisturized
Regularly irrigate your nasal cavity with a saline spray or nasal irrigator (such as the DeepCozy Electric Nasal Irrigator). This not only clears secretions and allergens from the nasal cavity, but also keeps the nasal mucosa moist, reducing congestion and swelling. It also promotes normal cilia movement, facilitating the drainage of secretions.
Get More Rest
Sufficient rest helps boost your body's immunity and strengthen its ability to fight pathogens. Those with sinus infections should ensure adequate sleep each day and avoid overexertion and staying up late to allow for adequate recovery.
Dietary Adjustment
Eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, to boost your body's immunity. Avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, as they can aggravate inflammation in the nasal cavity and sinuses.
Apply a Hot Compress
Applying a hot towel to the nose and forehead can promote local blood circulation and relieve sinus pain and congestion. Each hot compress should last approximately 15-20 minutes and can be applied 3-4 times daily.
During the course of a sinus infection, patients should always be mindful of these dos and don'ts and strictly control their behavior. They should also actively cooperate with their doctor's treatment, taking medication on time and attending regular checkups. Only in this way can treatment be more effective, allowing them to quickly overcome their sinus infection and return to a healthy life.
