Columbus Standard

As we enter the dark, cold months of winter, many people are starting to experience severe sinus infections, which can cause pain, discomfort and can even become a chronic condition for some.

Luckily, there are a few key strategies that can be employed to reduce your chances of getting a sinus infection and improve your prospects of recovering quickly if sinusitis does strike. 

The Hindustan Times suggests washing your hands thoroughly before eating and after coming in from outside to avoid germs entering the mouth or nose and causing a cold. Change rugs often and keep the furniture, carpets, faucets, countertops, curtains, pillows and mattresses clean. Get rid of any mold that may be lurking in your home.

Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp | Indianapolis Sinus Center

Try to avoid exposing yourself to allergens from pet dander and keep the windows closed. Use steam from a humidifier in your home to avoid pain and pressure in the sinuses. Keep yourself hydrated so that your sinuses won't dry out. Wear a mask and cover your face when you venture out during the cold weather as dust, pollutants and allergens can aggravate sinus problems.

If a sinus infection does strike -- particularly a chronic case -- you may want to consider seeing a sinus specialist. 

Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp of Indianapolis Sinus Center says that antibiotics are just as effective as ever in fighting sinus infections.

"It's still the No. 1 treatment option for sinuses and for the initial patient visit in our office, and I think every doctor's office," Hollenkamp told the Columbus Standard. "But the thing you want to be careful of is not overtreating, not treating every cold with antibiotics. And that's where the rinses and the allergy treatments and the topical steroid preparations come in, to try and get inflammation down, let things ventilate and drain better."

Taking antibiotics is key, but according to Hollenkamp, what really matters is taking the right one and working with the right doctor who can advise you on a treatment path.

"There's only so many different types of antibiotics in this world," Hollenkamp said. "And there haven't been a whole lot of new ones coming online lately. They're all in the same different groups." He talks about the dangers of taking antibiotics too often, to the point where your body begins to build up an immunity to them. That "really makes things scary, and it's difficult when you get into this situation."

The best way to know what type of sinus treatment is best for you is by taking this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz and discussing your symptoms with a doctor.