Spring is a wonderful time of year, with brighter days, vibrant flowers and new beginnings all around – not to mention the extra chocolate! However our nose and sinuses do not always agree with this seasonal change. Read on to find out the most effective way to look after your sinuses during spring.
Let Yourself Rest
Did you know that our bodies are more vulnerable to infection and illness when we are run down? Sinus infections are more likely to strike if you have not rested well. This is why taking the time to rest is important when it comes to looking after your sinuses and your overall health. Getting enough sleep will give your body the energy it requires to fight off illness. If you feel run down, avoid hard-hitting activities such as cardio exercise and manual work. This will slow down healing and aggravate current issues.
Look at Your Diet
Have you considered a hypoallergenic diet? This is a diet low in histamines, which are chemicals released as a response to allergens. Histamines can enhance sinus issues, and some foods are high in histamines. These foods include processed foods, cured meat, shellfish, citrus fruits, aged cheeses and tomatoes. Eliminating or at least reducing these foods from your diet will determine if your symptoms are sensitive to histamines as you should hopefully see some improvement in your symptoms within two weeks. Keeping a food diary is a good way to track this. If you identify food that triggers symptoms, eliminate it completely and strictly for two to four weeks and monitor your symptoms.
Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals which can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However some people have an allergy to salicylates and therefore salicylate containing foods could present a problem. Salicylates are also the active ingredient in the painkiller aspirin, so it is common for patients with salicylate allergy to be intolerant to aspirin or other similar non-steroidal type analgesics (NSAIDs). Having asthma or nasal polyps also increases your risk of such an allergy. Foods high in salicylates include blueberries, apples, avocados, mushrooms, cauliflower, parsnips, sweet potato, tea more than coffee and some herbs (basil, bay, chilli, nutmeg, cumin, cloves, ginger, turmeric), as well as other things too. Do not despair – it is possible to have a healthy and nutritious diet even without these ingredients!
Look After Your Nasal Cavities
Keep your nasal cavities free from infection and accumulating mucus. Using a saline nasal spray regularly can help with this, as will an irrigation rinse. Wash your hands frequently and try to limit touching your nose.
See an ENT Professional – Such as London ENT
If you are suffering from sinus allergies and sinus infections frequently, you should see an ENT specialist. Booking a consultation with an ENT professional, such as London ENT, is the best way to ensure your sinuses get the care they require.
Our ENT doctors can assess your symptoms, diagnose your allergies or condition and advise on the correct treatment. You should let them know any home remedies you have tried, a list of your symptoms and when they occur and anything you have noticed regarding dietary influence. They may advise some lifestyle changes or prescribe some medicine.
Recurring sinus infections are unpleasant and can impact your mental and physical health. You must consult a professional to ensure there is no underlying condition causing your sinuses to give you issues.
London ENT provides a variety of ENT treatments. Contact us on 0203 8657225.