What activity should patients with sinusitis be instructed to avoid?

What activity should patients with sinusitis be instructed to avoid?

• A. Boxing/wrestling
• B. Weight lifting
• C. Cross country running
• D. Swimming/diving

Answer: (D)

When the sinuses are inflamed and drainage is blocked, activities that involve water exposure or rapid pressure changes can worsen pain and increase the risk of barotrauma or infection. Swimming and especially diving fit this pattern because submersion can irritate the nasal passages and pool water or seawater can further irritate mucosa, while diving requires the sinuses to equalize pressure—something difficult to do when congested. If symptoms are present, it’s best to avoid swimming and diving until the sinuses drain normally and the congestion resolves.

When the sinuses are inflamed and drainage is blocked, activities that involve water exposure or rapid pressure changes can worsen pain and increase the risk of barotrauma or infection. Swimming and especially diving fit this pattern because submersion can irritate the nasal passages and pool water or seawater can further irritate mucosa, while diving requires the sinuses to equalize pressure—something difficult to do when congested. If symptoms are present, it’s best to avoid swimming and diving until the sinuses drain normally and the congestion resolves.