4 Ways to Prepare Your Sinuses for Spring

Along with the freshness and beauty of Spring comes the inevitable onslaught of pollen. Someone who experiences sinus allergies can find this to be a huge hassle. Luckily there are some things you can do to prepare your body for the onslaught of allergens that will come in the next few weeks. Here are four steps you should take before they arrive! The best way to fight this for your health is by preparing your body with these four tips.

1. Consider a Hypoallergenic Diet

A diet that is low in histamines may be beneficial for those with sinus allergies. Histamines are the chemicals released by the body in response to an allergen and can worsen symptoms. Some foods high in histamines include aged cheeses, cured meats, processed foods, shellfish, tomatoes and citrus fruits.

If you find that these foods worsen your sinus allergies, try eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks and see if your symptoms improve. In addition, if you’ve found that certain foods make your sinus allergies worse, consider keeping a food log so you can look for patterns.

Once you have identified which foods are worsening your symptoms, try eliminating them from your diet for at least two weeks to see if there is an improvement in the way that they affect your sinuses.

2. Take the Time to Rest

When you’re feeling run down, your body is more susceptible to infection. This includes sinus infections. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and taking time for yourself to relax. This will help your body fight off any potential allergens or infections. If rest seems to be impossible because you can’t breathe comfortably through your nose, consider trying a neti pot.

A neti pot is a device that is used to irrigate the nasal passages with saline solution. This can help clear out any allergens or mucous that may be causing congestion. It can be purchased at most drugstores and should be used daily if you are prone to sinus allergies.

You should also be sure to avoid any strenuous activity when you are feeling a little under the weather. This will only aggravate your symptoms and prolong the healing process. Resting is vital not just for sinus allergies but for all types of illnesses! So be sure to take a break every once in a while, especially if your allergies are acting up.

3. Make an Appointment with An ENT Doctor

If you are experiencing sinus allergies year-round, especially in Spring, it’s time to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. An ENT doctor can help diagnose the cause of your allergies and prescribe medication or treatment plans that will help lessen your symptoms. Remember to always consult with your ear, nose and throat doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle. If you only experience seasonal allergies, there are some things you can do to help minimize your symptoms, but your ENT doctor will be able to help you with this.

In addition, if you are experiencing a sinus infection, it is essential to see an ENT specialist as soon as possible. Allergies can cause a sinus infection, but they can also be caused by a cold, the flu or even bacteria. A sinus infection can lead to other health complications such as hearing impairments if left untreated.

4. Take Care of Your Nasal Cavities

One of the best ways to minimize the symptoms of sinus allergies is by taking care of your nasal cavities. This means keeping them clear and free from mucous and infection. You can do this by regularly using a saline nasal spray or irrigation system. In addition, make sure you are practicing good sinus hygiene by washing your hands often and keeping them away from your nose.

Winter comes right before the spring, and the one thing most people forget is how dry, heated air can affect the sinuses. You can also use a humidifier or vaporizer in your home to help keep the air moist and keep up with your sinuses by using saline nasal spray twice a day. This will help to loosen any mucus that may be causing congestion. It is imperative to keep your entire body hydrated throughout the year, but especially in the winter months. Make sure you are drinking at least one liter of water every day during this time!

Following these four tips can help prepare your sinuses and lessen the symptoms of sinus allergies in spring. You can learn more about your sinus allergies from one of our ENT specialists at Mountain Ear, Nose & Throat Associates. You can call us today at Sylva: 828-586-7474, Franklin: 828-524-5599, Murphy: 828-835-1014 and New Asheville: 828-458-8100 to book your appointment today!