It is important to prevent sinusitis symptoms from returning so that the regained sinus health can be preserved.

At the onset of a cold or allergy symptoms:

• Increase your water intake.
• Keep the nostrils moist with salt-water nasal rinses, humidifiers or steam, and saline nasal sprays.
• Avoid excessive forceful nose blowing.
• Discontinue eating dairy products until symptoms subside.
• Consult a doctor immediately if a fever or thick yellow or green mucus are present.

PREVENTION

Although you cannot prevent all sinus disorders—any more than you can avoid all colds or bacterial infections—you can do certain things to reduce the number and severity of the attacks and possibly prevent acute sinusitis from becoming chronic.

• You may get some relief from your symptoms with a humidifier, particularly if room air in your home is heated by a dry forced-air system.
• Air conditioners help to provide an even temperature.
• Electrostatic filters attached to heating and air conditioning equipment are helpful in removing allergens from the air.
• STOP SMOKING!

If you suspect that your sinus inflammation may be related to dust, mold, pollen, or food—or any of the hundreds of allergens that can trigger an upper respiratory reaction—you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can use various tests to determine whether you have an allergy and its cause. This will help you and your doctor to take appropriate steps to reduce or limit your allergy symptoms. In the case of allergy attacks, it is important to avoid allergens if at all possible, staying away from any foods, fabrics, smoke, or animals that cause symptoms. If the culprit is in the air, allergy shots or medications may have to be taken regularly to prevent a recurrence of chronic sinusitis or acute sinusitis attacks that could again create sinus blockages.

Drinking alcohol also causes nasal and sinus membranes to swell.

If you are prone to sinusitis, it may be uncomfortable for you to swim in pools treated with chlorine, since it irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses.

Divers often get sinus congestion and infection when water is forced into the sinuses from the nasal passages.

You may find that air travel poses a problem if you are suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis. As air pressure in a plane is reduced, pressure can build up in your head blocking your sinuses or eustachian tubes in your ears. Therefore, you might feel discomfort in your sinus or middle ear during the plane's ascent or descent. Some health experts recommend using decongestant nose drops or inhalers before a flight to avoid this problem.