Sinusitis is an infection within the sinus cavities of the skull.  The symptoms and the cures for sinusitis vary greatly and can range from sniffing and cough to post nasal drip, from prescribed antibiotics to herbs.  Sinus infection can be caused by a multitude of factors including allergies. Once the sinuses are infected, the condition can be both bothersome and difficult to relieve. There will be millions of sufferers this year alone, who will each be desperately seeking cures for sinusitis.

One way to cure or prevent infection is to control allergies.  Allergies that affect the nose, such as hay fever as well as irritants like cigarette smoke, hairspray and cleaning products can cause the nasal membranes to swell.  This in turn blocks nasal passages which are the hollow spaces within the bones around the nose.  When nasal passages are blocked, mucus cannot drain properly. If the mucus builds up, the sinus is more likely to become infected.  It is especially important to limit exposure to irritants if one is prone to nasal allergies.  Ask family members to smoke outside and wash pets weekly if animal dander is the cause of the allergy.

There are many steps that one can take to avoid indoor pollutants as well.  Dust mites are often the culprit when it comes to indoor allergens. It is important to keep bed linens and curtains frequently laundered in order to avoid the build up of dust mites.  These tiny creatures also thrive in humidity.  It is best to prevent the indoor environment frombecoming too dry or too humid.  An overly humid home can also promote the growth of mold.  Mold is another allergen known to trigger sinus problems.

On the other hand, a too dry environment can be irritating to the nostrils and is not desirable either.  Vaporizers can be used to moisten the air in a dry sleeping environment.  When the heat in the house is on and the membranes get dried out, the mucus is not cleared properly.  Sinus sufferers should also make sure that they are ventilating their homes.  Air ducts on your heating and cooling system must be cleaned frequently to prevent the build up of dust and mold. Opening up your windows on a warmer day, provided that pollen is not an issue, can help to ventilate the home as well.

Those with sinus problems should also take care of their own bodies and immune systems to prevent infections. Hydration is especially important.  One must drink enough liquid to ensure that the sinuses are able to function properly. Using salt water nasal rinses for the nose can also be useful.  Physicians can subscribe a nasal spray or you can ask your doctor about using a saltwater recipe with a bulb syringe in order to flush out mucus from the nasal cavity.

While there is no magic pill to help as avoid sinus infections completely, we can take steps to limit our vulnerability.  By reducing the number of pollutants and allergens in our environments, we can decrease the likelihood of sinus problems and infection.