How Weather Changes Affect Your Sinuses: Tips for Winter Comfort

We are still in the middle of the cold and often harsh winter season. While this is all fun and exciting for most people, it means more sinus problems for those with sensitive sinuses.

Sinus issues like congestion and infections are common during the cold winter season, especially given the shifts in the air. Seasonal and weather changes can often trigger sinus issues and impact overall health.

During this colder season, we must know how certain weather changes impact our sinus health and what we can do to counter these effects:

How Weather Changes Impact Sinus Health

Weather changes have a greater impact on our sinus health than we realize. Let’s break down how this happens:

The air is colder

The colder air during the winter season causes nasal passages to constrict more than usual. This prevents proper mucus drainage, causing buildup and congestion. This makes nasal inflammation common, and inflamed and irritated sinuses become the perfect breeding ground for germs, viruses, and bacteria to cause infections.

The air is drier

The winter air is drier compared to other seasons. Dry air often leads to dryness and irritation in the nasal passages. This results in nasal inflammation and swelling. Inflammation in the nasal passages prevents mucus drainage, leading to mucus buildup. Mucus buildup makes patients more susceptible to infections.

There are shifts in barometric pressure

Seasonal changes will often bring about shifts in the barometric pressure as well. These changes will impact the sinus cavities, often causing sinus pain, terrible headaches, and a general feeling of discomfort.

When cases of seasonal allergies rise, so do sinus issues

Seasonal allergies are common during seasonal changes. When there is a rise of allergens in the air, the risks of allergies also increase. If allergens are left untreated, they can often result in sinus infections.

Winter Tips for Comfortable Sinuses

Seasonal changes are inevitable. Lucky for us, there are many ways we can keep our sinuses comfortable and free from congestion with these easy tips:

1. Keep yourself and your sinuses hydrated

Proper hydration is key to keeping your sinuses healthy and comfortable during harsh winter seasons. Make sure you drink plenty of water as this will help thin mucus so it can properly lubricate your sinuses and drain properly. Additionally, use nasal sprays and ointments to moisturize your sinuses. While they are not a treatment for sinus issues, they do make your sinuses comfortable, especially if they are dry due to the dry air.

2. Try nasal irrigation

Sinus issues often entail blocked nasal passages. Congestion makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. Use saline nasal sprays, saline solutions, or a neti pot to break down mucus, clear out blocked sinuses, and improve breathing.

3. Steam inhalation works too

A tested home remedy is steam inhalation. This technique not only breaks down mucus buildup but also moisturizes dry sinuses, offering relief.

To do this, pour hot water into a large bowl. Then, position your head over the bowl and use a towel to trap the steam in. Inhale deeply through your nose. You can use a few drops of eucalyptus oil for even more relief.

4. Keep your home clean

Always keep your home clean. Regularly vacuum and dust around your home to get rid of irritants that can exacerbate sinus problems during winter seasons.

5. Invest in high-quality HEPA filters

Consider switching to HEPA filters and using them in your vacuum and HVAC system. These filters are believed to remove at least 99.97% of dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, and other airborne contaminants so that your home’s indoor air is certified safe and good quality.

6. Boost your immune system

Boost your immunity and maintain healthy habits, regardless of the season. Eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and nutrients, ensure you get good quality and adequate sleep every night, and regularly exercise. Consider adding vitamins and supplements to your diet and always practice the habit of frequent handwashing.

Seek More Comfort With Richmond Breathe Free

The changing seasons can be harsh on your sinuses. The shifts in the air can mean triggering sinus problems that can cause discomfort and pain, which then can impact one’s quality of life.

At Richmond Breathe Free, we are committed to helping our patients find ways to manage sinus issues, no matter the season. Schedule an appointment with us today and find out more about how you can keep your sinuses healthy and comfortably this winter season.