How to Keep Your Sinuses Healthy
By Sara Butler
Many people spend a lot of time thinking about how to keep various parts of themselves healthy. From your gut to your heart to your brain, there are a lot of how-to lists out there to help. But what about your sinuses?
With cold and flu season upon us, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want you to remember your sinus health since they can contribute to miserable conditions over the next few months. Here's what you need to do to keep your sinuses in tip-top shape and how the chiropractor can help.
Practice Good Hygiene
One key to avoiding sinus problems is to use good practices surrounding hygiene such as washing your hands often and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Droplets infected with bacteria and viruses enter your sinuses and can make you sick, so avoid contact with those around you who may be sick, and make sure to keep yourself clean and protected when you can.
Air Pressure
Your sinuses are essentially a space filled with air within your skull. If you experience changes in air pressure, such as flying in a plane, then it can cause air to get trapped in them and cause pain, congestion, and pressure.
If you plan to fly this winter, then make sure to avoid it if you're sick with a cold or allergies. If you cannot avoid flying, then take a decongestant before your travel to help take some of the pressure off.
Allergies
Allergens in the home can cause a lot of sinus problems. That's why if you suffer from allergies to common irritants in a home such as pet dander, pollen, mold, or dust, you should run a humidifier in your home during the winter months to help and keep your pets from sharing a bed with you. You should also make sure to cover your pillows and mattress with covers to help reduce exposure to dust mites and dander.
It's crucial to keep your sinuses moist, so that's another reason that a humidifier is a good idea in the winter. The moister they are, the more effectively they can do their job and stay healthy.
How the Chiropractor Can Help
If you're experiencing sinus problems, talk to the chiropractor. They may be able to determine if you have a joint dysfunction in your face or neck that is contributing to your sinus problems and work on removing those so your sinuses can work more effectively and healthily.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fontana, Calif.