To prevent sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses/mucosa) or rhinosinusitis (simultaneous inflammation of the nasal mucosa (“rhinitis”) and inflammation of the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses (“sinusitis“)), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Diet
- Malnutrition and undernutrition – can lead to immunodeficiency (immune deficiency).
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see prevention with micronutrients.
- Consumption of stimulants
- Tobacco (smoking) – damages the important cilia (cilia), which are responsible for smooth secretion drainage from the sinuses
- Alcohol – red wine can cause food allergy, which leads to mucosal oedema.
Medication
- Antibiotic therapies of nonsinasal infections → risk increase for chronic rhinosinusitis.
- Α-Sympathomimetic (alpha-sympathomimetic) abuse; a possible cause of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
Environmental exposure – intoxications (poisonings).
- Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings) can potentially increase the risk
Other risk factors
- Diving and long air travel can trigger barotraumas via changes in atmospheric pressure and promote sinusitis
