Sinus Infectionnnn

So, I was just diagnosed with a sinus infection (third one this year... and less than a week since I finished my last antibiotic, yay! )

Anyway, I feel like I've been gaining a truly disgusting amount of weight lately because of this; I've barely been working out and all and eating a lot because I've been confined to my apartment.

My question is this: The idea of going to the gym is kind of appalling right now because of the pressure in my face/head and how stuffy and congested I am, but do you think that getting some exercise would make me feel better and possibly combat this thing better or should I steer clear until I'm healthier?

And on that note, any sinus experts have any suggestions for keeping these things away? I've been getting pretty bad sinus headaches for as long as I can remember (hereditary) but I have only started getting sinus infections within the past year or so. I hate nasal spray a lot, so please don't suggest that.

I've been in your shoes, trust me. Two years ago I got SEVEN joint/sinus ear infections in a row in 4 months and went on seven courses of antibiotics so I feel your pain.

You don't like nose spray but seriously besides antibiotics which treat the symptoms, nose spray is about the only thing that works.

I started taking preventative measures, and haven't had a sinus or ear infection in two years. Here is what I do...

The very instant I feel a sinus infection coming on, I use something similar to a Neti Pot. Basically all it is is a squirt bottle which gets filled with warm saline solution. Irrigate the nose/sinuses to the point where it drains out the other side, blow nose, repeat. Sounds gross but it totally works. Basically, sinus infections happen when a certain level of allergens build up in the nose/sinus. Once you pass the threshold, infection begins. By flushing these out on a regualr basis during problem times, you can prevent the infection from taking hold in the first place.

In the mean time, I would recommend going for a long walk outside if you want exercise. I always felt like the fresh air really helped to clear my head out.

TAKE KLEENEX!

I used to get ear infections literally every time I had a stuffy nose and beyond-- I had tubes twice because of it!

My issue with nasal spray is that when I squirt something up my nose and it drips down my throat, I get really nauseous, sometimes to the point where it actually makes me throw up. I'm going to to try the neti pot, though, because my doctor said that it isn't like the spray at all.

Boo, it's blizzarding outside so no walk today. Thanks for your helpp!

I used to get tons of sinus infections...I rarely get them now and I can usually cut them to a week if I do get them.

• Saline nasal spray - your dearest friend.  I hate nasal sprays, but they're the only thing that clears out the sinuses.  You'll typically get a trickle of the saline hitting the back of your throat, but if you do it daily it gets easier to do and there's nothing like being able to breath to make you feel better.
• Vick's vapor rub - for when your sinuses are too clogged up to sleep or breath.  Use regular chapstick or a thick lotion first around the inside of your nostrils to protect the skin, then apply a dab of the vick's.   The menthol really clears out the sinuses in the short term.
• Mild exercise.  Just walking, light aerobics, nothing too strenuous when you're ill, just enough to keep things moving.