Why You Should Care about Your Sinus Health
Sinus headache. Sinus pressure. Clogged sinuses. Sinus infection. Seems like every time you hear about sinuses it’s because they’re causing someone problems. It’s clear that your sinuses are very important, and so it’s vital to keep your sinuses in good health.
Your sinuses are connected hollow cavities in the skull. Under normal circumstances they are empty except for a little bit of mucus. Most of the time you are unaware of them until they become inflamed or congested when you’re sick. So what’s the big deal about sinuses, and why should we care how they function?
Respiratory defense
Your body puts a lot of energy into protecting itself (and you) from getting sick. One way it does this is by preventing dangerous airborne viruses and bacteria from getting inside. Your nose and sinuses are the first line of defense in this battle. The nasal and sinus cavities are lined with mucus membranes and tiny, hair-like structures called cilia.
Together, they become what’s called the mucociliary transport system. The mucus traps irritating particles that you breathe in and the cilia moves the now infected mucus out of your sinuses. This way, those irritants never reach the more vulnerable lungs or other body systems.
Taking one for the team
Unfortunately, the fact that your sinuses job is to catch nasty stuff like germs is the reason why sinus infections are so common. When bacteria and viruses get caught in your sinuses rather than your respiratory system, they may settle in your sinus cavities and wreak havoc there. That’s when you start to experience sinus pressure and headaches, coughing, running or stuffy nose, fever, and fatigue.
How to treat your sinuses right
Good sinus health is important for your own comfort and for protecting your body from infectious invaders. When your mucociliary transport system cannot function properly, it puts your body at risk of being breached by dangerous pathogens. And even if those germs don’t make it to the more vulnerable body systems, you still don’t want them residing in your sinus cavities and making your life miserable from there
There are a number of common sense ways you can promote good sinus health and keep external irritants out of your body:
If you know what you are allergic to, limit your exposure to it. This may mean limiting time outside, keeping windows closed during certain seasons, avoiding animals, or cleaning your house more often. Allergy medication or supplements may help mitigate symptoms and decongest sinuses.
Don’t forget your sinuses
You can’t see or feel them until something is wrong, so it’s easy to forget about your sinuses. But keeping those little spaces in your head healthy and functioning will help keep the rest of you healthy and comfortable too.
Don’t wait for the telltale sinus pressure or congestion to remind you that your sinuses are filtering out pathogens and pollutants every day. Do your best to avoid airborne illnesses and irritants, and help your sinuses stay healthy so they can help keep you healthy. Support your sinus health all year round with Airloom.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
