FitSugar

DrSugar Answers: Sinus Infection Prevention?

DrSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:00:00 PST

DrSugar is in the house and answering your questions.

Dear DrSugar,
My husband gets a sinus infection every year. This year it came early and he took antibiotics after fighting it for two weeks to no avail. Well, it seems to be back in a low grade way and it is making him snore, which keeps me up at night! What can he do to boost his immune system to win the battle going on in his sinuses?
-Sleepless Wife of a Snorer

How quickly cold and flu season has returned to all our lives. If you or one of your loved ones fights sinusitis all Winter long, you can see DrSugar's suggestions for fighting the good fight when you

Sinus infections are very common, especially during cold and flu season. Sinusitis is generally defined as either acute (less than four weeks of symptoms), sub acute (four to 12 weeks of symptoms) and chronic (greater than 12 weeks of symptoms). Acute sinus infections are associated with symptoms such as facial pain, headache, sinus drainage, and fever. Chronic sinusitis symptoms are similar but generally less severe than those of acute sinusitis, and include persistent sinus drainage, chronic facial pain or headaches, and chronic sore throat and/or post-nasal drip. It sounds like your husband had acute sinusitis that developed into sub acute or chronic sinusitis. Inflammation of the sinuses is most commonly caused by viral upper respiratory infections and seasonal sinus allergies. This inflammation can lead to bacterial invasion of the sinuses and irritation of the sinus tissues.

Prevention of sinus infections is aimed at preventing things that cause sinus inflammation, like viral upper respiratory infections and allergies. Preventing viral infections includes simple things like hand washing, reducing stress, avoiding close contact with those with viral illnesses, and eating a well-rounded diet. Treating allergy symptoms with antihistamines can prevent sinus infections by reducing inflammation of the sinuses. Avoiding dry sinuses with the use of saline nasal spray or a humidifier can also improve sinus health. Many ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists recommend the neti pot at the onset of symptoms or for chronic sinusitis to improve drainage and reduce irritation of the sinuses. Treatment of chronic sinusitis can also include medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal steroids. Check out our health guide for extensive information on sinusitis.

In the interim, I suggest investing in some quality earplugs so your husband's snoring doesn't interfere with your sleep.

If you have a question for DrSugar, send me a private message here and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Nighttime Habits That Are Ruining Your Sleep and Health

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:28:16 PST

You slip under the covers, turn off the light, and rest your head on your pillow. Seems simple and perfect, but here are some things you could be doing in bed that harm your health.

Grinding your teeth: Formally called sleep bruxism, many people unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night, which can lead to tension headaches, earaches, irritated tissue on the inside of your cheeks, jaw pain, and permanent damage to your teeth in the form of chips and worn-down enamel that cause sensitivity or cracks. Stress can be a factor, so reducing the amount of worry in your life can help. If it doesn't, see your dentist about designing your own personal mouth guard to sleep with. Not exactly the sexiest thing to wear to bed, it's sure to offer you a more restful and less painful night of sleep.
Sucking on a cough drop: If you suffer from a chronic cough, cold or sinus infection, or postnasal drip, sucking on a cough drop every night may be the only way you can get some sleep without coughing keeping you up. Although soothing to your throat, exposure to a bath of sugar all night long is sure to lead to tooth decay and cavities. Here are other natural remedies for your nighttime coughs. If the cough persists, it's time to see your doc.

Keep reading to find out what else you're doing at night that's wrecking your health.

Your Doctor Hates These 5 Things About You

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:00 PDT

I can think of plenty of reasons going to the doctor annoys me. I hate the long wait, I spend more time talking to the nurse than the actual doctor, and when I do see the doctor, he's always so quick to write out a prescription and send me on my way. Who knew, though, that doctors find us frustrating, too. Here are five things MDs hate about their patients.

Patients who lie about their lifestyle. No one wants to admit that they smoke, drink, do drugs, or don't exercise, but if we lie about it to our doctors, then it can prevent us from getting the proper care we need.
Patients who don't follow through with the care the doctor recommended. If a doctor prescribes medication, therapy, or a certain lifestyle change and you don't listen, then it's not only an insult to your doc, but it's also detrimental to your health.

To see what else bugs your doctor, keep reading