Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, is a common condition that can affect a person long-term. You might think that sinusitis is a condition that you can only get in the spring, but sinusitis can happen at any point in the year. Unfortunately, for many sinusitis sufferers that deal with this ailment all year long, the winter season can be the worst of them all. Many who deal with winter sinusitis find that their symptoms are actually worse during the winter season than they are the other times of the year.
If you happen to suffer from winter sinusitis, and often wonder why your sinusitis is worse when the temperatures drop, learn more about the common culprits that can aggravate your sinuses during the winter season.
- When it’s cold outside, it’s natural to use an electric heater or a fireplace to heat your home and office. However, indoor heating can dry out the air. If the air is to dry, the lining in your nose can dry out, and mucus can thicken. When this occurs, congestion and infection commonly occur. Using a humidifier can help alleviate this issue, just make sure you are not putting too much moisture back into the air.
- Dropping temperatures mean that it’s time to retrieve those winter blankets and sheets from your cupboard or closet. However, make sure you wash and dry them thoroughly first to ensure that they are dust-free. Since dust is a common trigger of sinusitis, make sure your linens are clean and dust-free before you snuggle up.
- Besides dust, pet dander is another common trigger of sinusitis, and unfortunately, they can linger anywhere. To help keep your sinusitis at bay, make sure you keep your home clean, especially your carpet, rugs, and in the hidden nooks and crannies. Your shoes and your furry companions can track allergens from the outdoors inside. This is why if you do have a pet, make sure your bed is a pet-free zone to avoid dander buildup.
- If you have an air filtration set-up, which is essential if you want to prevent winter sinusitis, make sure the filter does not need to be replaced. Using a HEPA-filter is excellent if you’re going to keep your air clean. However, it will not do its job if the filter is old and dirty, so make sure you check on the condition of your filter(s). On that note, if you do not own an air filtration system, you should invest in one to help keep the air clean in your home.