10 Oct How Weather Changes Can Affect Your Sinus Health

As we head into fall, the arrival of a new season can bring a sense of excitement and a reprieve from the heat and humidity for many people. For those who suffer from sinus problems, however, it can often mean the arrival of miserable sinus symptoms.  

Sudden changes in weather can cause sinus pressure, sinus headaches, chronic congestion and inflammation, and sinus infections. 

Read on to discover more about how the weather can impact your sinus health and what you can do about it:

Weather Patterns and Barometric Pressure 

Do you ever feel like sometimes you can forecast the weather based on your sinuses symptoms? It’s not just in your head (although, it’s literally in your head). When sudden changes in the weather occur (including temperature, humidity), it can cause the nasal membranes to swell, resulting in a runny or stuffy nose. Shifts in barometric pressure can also trigger pain and discomfort for those with sinusitis. This can result in sudden, painful feeling of pressure, sinus headaches, and facial pain, along with congestion. When such symptoms linger, the sinuses can become inflamed and blocked, which can lead to infection. 

While unpredictable weather patterns can cause rhinitis flare-ups without warning, paying attention to when changes in barometric pressure are expected can better stay on top of weather-related sinus headaches and symptoms. Preventing sinus headaches starts with better awareness of when and how your sinus headaches are triggered. This can include tracking the weather and your symptoms and identifying any patterns. This will help enable you and a sinus specialist to develop an optimal treatment and prevention plan. 

Dry Air

Along with the dip in humidity and temperatures, the fall and winter months often bring dry air, both indoors and out—and a host of potential discomforts for sinus sufferers. Dry air has been known to cause symptoms such as respiratory problems, dehydration, dry nose and sinuses, damaged cilia, and sore throat, among others. 

When the sinuses lack normal moisture, they cannot function properly and perform their natural job effectively. Dry sinuses are more than twice as likely to attract bacteria and become infected.

You can’t control the weather outside, of course, but you can take control over your indoor climate. Investing in a humidifier can help keep a greater level of moisture in your air and your sinuses and respiratory system healthy during dry fall and winter months. 

Seasonal Allergies and Sinusitis

Weather changes and seasonal allergies can be a diabolical duo for those with chronic sinusitis or other sinus health issues. When you experience sinus symptoms and discomfort, it can often be difficult to determine whether allergies are the cause or if you have an actual sinus infection. Of course, allergies can also cause sinus problems, as well. Taking antihistamines can provide some relief, but are not so helpful for non-allergy related sinus issues.

Unfortunately, a complicated tangle of factors can often be in play for those with chronic sinus health problems. A sinus specialist can help evaluate your unique situation and determine the treatment options the will be most effective for you and provide long-term relief. 

Sinus Relief

Whatever the weather or cause(s), lasting relief from painful, chronic sinus problems is possible. Contact our office today to schedule your personal consultation and learn more about how we can help.