Prevent sinus infections: you might be pleasantly surprised to learn these simple tips for side-stepping a painful sinus infection, created by an ear-nose-and-throat doctor.(SUPPLEMENTS: HOW TO)

If you've ever had a cold that seemed like it wouldn't go away, you're likely one of the 37 million Americans who get sinusitis every year. The sinuses are located between your eyes and behind your cheeks and forehead. If your sinuses don't drain properly, an infection can result. Since all of your sinuses drain into your nose, it makes sense that when your nose gets irritated by the common cold or even by a severe allergy attack, the passageways that drain your sinuses can get blocked, and lead to an infection. What can you do to keep this common and annoying illness from interfering with your active lifestyle? Try these tips.

Control Allergies

Allergies are extremely common and underdiagnosed. They are a setup for sinusitis. Sneezing, a runny or itchy nose and watery or itchy eyes are all signs of allergy. Allergy testing can help identify those items to which you are most allergic. Remember, the most effective way of addressing allergies is prevention. For example, curtains, carpets and decorative pillows may harbor dust mites that can cause allergy attacks. Also, an air purifier that contains a HEPA filter can be beneficial for lowering airborne allergens, especially when placed in the bedroom.

Don't Be Nice to Your Cold

Colds run amok can turn into sinus infections, so don't be nice to your cold. The key is to try to prevent your sinus drainage passageways from getting blocked. One helpful technique is to irrigate your nose and sinuses with a squeeze bottle filled with salt water. You can buy a sinus irrigation kit (also called sinus rinse) at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Most products come with pre-measured salt packets.

Also, don't fly with a cold if possible: The change in pressure can stress your sinuses, causing a sinus infection, not to mention a very painful descent!

Do You Get Sick a Lot?