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Sinusitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Acute sinusitis; Sinus infection; Sinusitis - acute

Prevention:

The best way to prevent sinusitis is to avoid or quickly treat flus and colds:

• Get an influenza vaccine each year.
• Wash your hands frequently, particularly after shaking hands with others.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and other chemicals that could boost your immune system and help your body resist infection.
• Reduce stress.

Additional tips for preventing sinusitis:

• Avoid smoke and pollutants.
• Use a humidifier to increase moisture in your nose and sinuses.
• Drink plenty of fluids to increase moisture within your body.
• Take decongestants during an upper respiratory infection.
• Treat allergies promptly and appropriately.

References:

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Evidence-based care guideline for management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children 1-18 years of age. Cincinnati (OH): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; 2006 Jul 7. 17 p.

Slavin RG. The diagnosis and management of sinusitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Dec 2005; 116(6 Suppl): S13-47.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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