Why do Sinus Infections worsen in the Winter or Cold Weather?

Sinus infections are widespread throughout the country, significantly during winter when the cooler weather affects approximately 37 million Americans with sinusitis, the medical term for sinus infections. Sinusitis is also associated with spring because of pollen in the air and temperature, but a sinus infection in winter can be just as bad if not worse.

The cold weather and sinus problems make people with sinusitis experience cold-like symptoms with a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, postnasal drip, headache, fever and fatigue, and loss of taste and smell. Additionally, people might also experience facial pain and pressure besides lousy breath.

Infections caused by colds or allergies often make sinusitis worse in winter. In addition, triggers like nasal polyps, facial trauma, immune system disorders or tumors, and deviated septum can also cause sinusitis to worsen in winter or cold weather, making people wonder how they can overcome their condition to improve their quality of life.

Sinusitis Causes during Winter Months

The reasons for sinusitis worsening during the coldest months of the year are several, making people affected by sinusitis seek sinus infection treatment from their primary healthcare providers for relief from the issue. Some of the most common reasons for sinusitis aggravating in the colder months include:

• Dry Air: during winter, dry air is standard in many locations causing the mucous linings in the nose to thicken and dry out. The dry air increases the chances of congestion and infection, making people think they must visit the ER in Houston to seek a remedy to the problem. However, home remedies like using a humidifier also help moisten the nasal passages.
• Humidity: some parts of the country do not have dry air because the winters are wet. Unfortunately, the wet conditions aren’t good either for people with sinusitis. Pressure changes in the atmosphere due to frequent storms can result in pain and pressure in the sinus cavities filled with air. Over-the-counter medications and nasal sprays help relieve the symptoms. However, if people can’t find relief from these measures, they can visit the emergency room in Houston, where medical professionals will evaluate their condition to provide a suitable remedy.
• Indoor Heating: people with sinusitis often think they can find relief from standard indoor heating systems like electric heaters and fireplaces. Unfortunately, both can worsen sinus symptoms during the winter because heaters dry the air and fireplaces irritate nasal passages. Instead of relying on keeping their place warm, people benefit by investing in a HEPA air filter to remove most particulates and keep windows and doors open when the temperature is not too cold to air out their place.
• Food: Delicious and rich foods are synonymous with holidays. However, they have the potential to wreak havoc with the digestive system. People with sinusitis benefit from having plenty of leafy green vegetables and berries for additional fiber instead of consuming dairy, sugar, and alcohol that promote inflammation in the body because they need antioxidants to keep themselves healthy.
• Dust: Snuggling in bed with blankets and extra sheets during winter is expected. However, using blankets and sheets stored in the closet after winter might make the covers dusty. Dust is also a trigger of sinus infections, making it essential for people with this problem to thoroughly clean and dry all bedding during the summer before storing them.
• Viruses: Cold and flu viruses make their presence felt during the cold weather attacking nasal passages to cause inflammation and result in sinus infections. People can reduce the chances of reporting sick by frequently washing their hands with soap and water, getting plenty of rest, having a healthy diet, and covering their noses when sneezing or coughing to prevent germs from spreading.
• Animal Dander: animal dander is another trigger of sinus infections. People with furry friends at home must ensure they keep their pets off their bedding by frequently vacuuming their bed space besides carpets and furniture to remove animal dander.

People affected by sinus infections must note the triggers to ensure they avoid them to help prevent their sinus infections from aggravating. Unfortunately, if their sinus infection worsens during the winter or cold weather, they mustn’t ignore the condition but seek attention from a 24-hour ER without delay because it helps them lead an everyday life and enjoy the cooler months of the year.

Whenever affected by the symptoms of sinusitis worsen, people can always visit Ascent Emergency Room, we offer 24-hour emergency services to patients. Seeking a solution for the sinus problem is any day better than sneezing or experiencing a running nose throughout the winter.