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metro creatiVe SerViceS Sinuses are bony, hollow, air-fi lled cavities inside the face and skull. They are located in the low-center of the forehead, behind the eyes and in bones behind the nose. Unfortunately, when colds or the fl u strike, sinuses may become one of the fi rst spots affected by these illnesses. When the sinuses are working properly, mucus will drain into the nasal passages or out the back of the throat. Most of this drainage goes unnoticed. However, factors such as allergies, illness, weather changes, dehydration, and dry air can make the sinus mucus thicker and drainage more diffi cult. This is when problems like infection, stuffi ness or throat irritation may occur. In order to combat sinus congestion and drainage concerns, people may try certain strategies that include fl ushing the sinuses and thinning the mucus. It is imperative to use safe fl ushing methods to keep the sinuses healthy. Neti pots are among the more popular methods to fl ushing sinuses. These small teapot-like devices with elongated snouts have become a fi xture in many medicine cabinets. Because they are drug-free alternatives, they can be handy for those worried about antihistamines making them drowsy or reacting with other drugs. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use saline to moisten and clear out nasal passages to promote drainage of sinus cavities. However, using these devices improperly can increase one's risk of infection. Neti pots have even been linked to the deadly Naegleria fowleri, which is otherwise known as the "brain-eating" amoeba. The key to preventing infection is to only use previously boiled, sterile or distilled water to irrigate. Tap water is not adequately fi ltered, says the FDA, and may contain low levels of organisms that can stay alive in nasal passages and potentially cause serious infections. Those who are concerned about nasal irrigation safety may be wise to skip neti pots and use pre-packaged, sterile saline solutions that are bottled for the purpose of alleviating congestion. However, when prepared water is used in a clean neti pot or other device, these methods can be perfectly safe. Sinuses can get clogged for many reasons. To free up breathing, people are urged to consult their physicians to learn more about how to safely irrigate their nasal passages. ways to deal with metro creatiVe SerViceS According to Food Allergy Research & Education, more than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions. However, many of the serious allergic reactions to food can be traced to eight allergens in particular. These allergens include crustacean shellfi sh, eggs, fi sh, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. If it seems as though food allergies in children have increased in recent years, they have. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report that, between 1997 and 2011, the prevalence of food allergies in children increased by 50 percent. Though some people may only experience an itchy mouth or a few hives after eating food they're allergic to, symptoms of allergic reactions to food can be severe and may include anaphylaxis, which occurs suddenly and can cause death. Anaphylaxis can produce a host of frightening symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, diffi culty breathing, and weak pulse. Food allergies often resolve during childhood, though today's youngsters appear to be outgrowing their food allergies more slowly than kids did in the past. did you know? Safe sinus pressure SATURDAY, MARch 31, 2018 | ApRil - TAckling AlleRgieS nwADg.coM/YoUATYoURbeST | YoU AT YoUR beST | 17

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