You've got holes in your head! No offense, you really do. They're your sinuses, one above each eye, one below, and two on each side of the nose.
Sinuses are lined with membranes that produce mucus, the stuff that keeps your breathing apparatus from getting dry. Mucus flows freely in and out of the sinuses, but if you have a cold or allergies, you've got trouble.
Blockage of sinus openings trap bacteria that are normally harmless, but now multiply and cause infection, fever, headache, facial pain and more, according to the Division of Allergy and Immunology at St. Louis University School of Medicine.
To prevent infection, keep sinuses open. Go on the offensive with:
Steam: Inhaling steam thins mucus and helps it drain. Try a hot shower or bath. Applying a warm washcloth to the nasal area can help.
Fluids: Drink at least one glass every few hours to thin mucus. Hot fluids like chicken soup are even better because of the steam.
Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier if necessary.
Other suggestions: Use a decongestant and saline nasal spray to help clear nasal passages. Don't blow your nose too hard, forcing bacteria into the sinuses. Eat spicy foods to stimulate mucus production.
If you have a real sinus infection, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics that will clear it up in a few days. Be sure to take ALL of the medicine or the sinusitis comes back.
Sinuses are lined with membranes that produce mucus, the stuff that keeps your breathing apparatus from getting dry. Mucus flows freely in and out of the sinuses, but if you have a cold or allergies, you've got trouble.
Blockage of sinus openings trap bacteria that are normally harmless, but now multiply and cause infection, fever, headache, facial pain and more, according to the Division of Allergy and Immunology at St. Louis University School of Medicine.
To prevent infection, keep sinuses open. Go on the offensive with:
Steam: Inhaling steam thins mucus and helps it drain. Try a hot shower or bath. Applying a warm washcloth to the nasal area can help.
Fluids: Drink at least one glass every few hours to thin mucus. Hot fluids like chicken soup are even better because of the steam.
Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier if necessary.
Other suggestions: Use a decongestant and saline nasal spray to help clear nasal passages. Don't blow your nose too hard, forcing bacteria into the sinuses. Eat spicy foods to stimulate mucus production.
If you have a real sinus infection, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics that will clear it up in a few days. Be sure to take ALL of the medicine or the sinusitis comes back.
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