Sinusitis, or sinus infections, is a major health problem. Each year, more than 31 million Americans suffer from the headaches, facial pressure and nasal congestion that are the hallmarks of these infections. More than $1 billion are spent annually on over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat the symptoms of sinus infections, as well as $150 million on prescription drugs, and they are responsible for 16 million doctor visits. People who suffer from allergies, asthma, structural blockages, or people with compromised or weakened immune systems are at greater risk for developing sinusitis, but this condition may strike anyone, young or old, male or female.

Severe infections may require antibiotics. On rare occasions, infections of the sinus cavity can spread to the brain and become life-threatening, so serious care should be taken when making a home diagnosis, and if your sinus infection feels particularly fierce or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, you should call your doctor to get medical attention.

For those of us who have battled sinus infections, the pain and discomfort that they cause is all too familiar. This condition, which occurs when the cavities around your nose become swollen and inflamed, is typically caused by a virus and can linger long after other upper respiratory symptoms have eased. In rare cases, fungal or bacterial infections can cause a sinus infection, or it can be triggered by allergies, nasal polyps, tooth infections and deviated septums.

Because sinusitis is not always triggered by an infection, there are many popular home remedies for easing and preventing sinus symptoms. Here are seven ways that you can manage your sinus problems:

Humidifiers

Particularly dry air, which is common in colder climates in winter, can thicken mucus, clog the nose and irritate sinuses. Experts agree that adding humidity to the air with a humidifier is good for sinus health. Forced heating systems in homes or workplaces can often dry out the nasal passages, which are supposed to provide humidity and warmth and clean the air that passes through it. This dry air can keep nasal passages moister and help fight against allergies and sinus symptoms.