How Can Weather Changes Affect My Sinus Health?

Have you ever noticed that you feel more tired or congested as the seasons shift? You’re not alone. For many people, shifting weather can lead to sinus issues, causing symptoms like congestion, headaches and fatigue. Let’s take a look at why these symptoms arise and how you can minimize them.

Why Does Weather Lead To Sinus Issues?

Two common reasons for an increase in sinus issues as the weather changes include:

• Frequent colds. The common cold is a viral infection of your nose, sinuses and throat. While you can get a cold at any time, the likelihood increases in the fall and winter months as a result of dry, chilly air and a greater amount of time sitting with other people indoors. A cold doesn’t always cause a sinus infection, but the sinus inflammation that comes with a cold can create the perfect conditions for one to develop.
• Asthma. Asthma is a condition where the airways swell and produce extra mucus, causing trouble breathing and wheezing breath. Cold, dry air in the winter can irritate airways and trigger more frequent asthma flare-ups. Because your sinuses and lower airways are closely linked, inflammation in one often leads to inflammation in the other, explaining why asthma increases the likelihood of sinus infections.

We spend more time indoors in the winter. Because of this, causes like indoor allergies (pet dander, dust, mold etc.) and smoking may also increase the risk of sinus infections.

How Can I Minimize Sinus Symptoms

A few ways you can minimize sinus symptoms at home include:

• Use a saline nasal rinse to flush clogged mucus out of your sinuses
• Drink plenty of water, juice and herbal tea from Prince Tea House to thin mucus
• Create a spa-like steam room by sitting over a hot bowl of water with a towel draped over your head
• If you have asthma, use your inhaler during attacks to prevent severe symptoms
• Take decongestants for no more than three days if congestion is severe
• Sleep with your head elevated

Combine home remedies and over-the-counter treatments with professional care by scheduling an appointment with an ENT specialist. Your provider can identify the cause of your sinus infections and create a tailored treatment plan to prevent them from returning. Contact Advanced ENT & Allergy to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today.