Five Little-Known Risk Factors of Sinus Infections

Five Little-Known Risk Factors of Sinus Infections

If you fear the winter weather, and are expecting to spend a few weeks with a terrible sinus infection, you should think about the reasons why your body is reacting this way to bacteria and viruses. From immune disorders to environmental factors, there are several reasons why some people are more likely to suffer from a sinus infection than others. Below you will find five risk factors to consider.

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  1. Smoking and Secondhand Smoke

When you smoke, your airways will need to face constant irritation. Your lung functions at a reduced capacity, and this means that less oxygen gets in your system. Your body will not be able to fight the virus and bacteria as well as it could if you were not smoking. At the same time, the toxins of the smoke  will damage the nasal cells. You will be more likely to get respiratory illnesses and sinusitis.

  1. Asthma

When you have asthma, you will not be able to breathe at full capacity with an infection. As a result, less air will be going through your sinus, and the natural cleansing will not work. Asthma sufferers are more likely to get an inflammation of the ear and the nasal airways, as well. You will have to consult with your healthcare provider to find out how you can prevent a sinus infection.

  1. Hay Fever

If you have hay fever, you will get blocked nose from dust and pollen. This will make the mucus in your sinuses build up, causing a serious infection. Inflamed and swollen airways can make you more prone to infections, and this means you will get sinusitis more often than other people. It is important that you take your antihistamines in cold season and when viruses and bacterial infections are around.

  1. Air Conditioning

Air conditioning can make your starting sinus or ear infection worse. If the air filter in your car, home, or workplace hasn’t been cleaned or changed recently, it might be time to check whether or not this causes the problem. Air conditioning can cause serious sinusitis and even temporary or permanent hearing loss if the infection spreads to your ears. Learn more about ear infections and hearing loss to avoid the most common causes.

  1. Autoimmune Diseases

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If you have any type of autoimmune disease, such as food intolerance, asthma, or diabetes, your body’s immune system will not be able to fight the infection. You might have to take antibiotics immediately to avoid serious complications, such as ear ache and infections. You need to be more careful when going out in cold weather, and wear hats and scarves every time. You need to remember that you are more vulnerable to infections and viruses than most people.

 

If you are wondering what makes you more vulnerable to sinus infections and other complications of common colds, your immune system or genetics might be to blame. At the same time, if you get fresh air regularly, and make your body adapt gradually to the change of temperature, check your air conditioning, you can prevent a few painful complications of cold, such as sinus infections.

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