heater or front of a winter fire, the winter can cause its own set of issues for those who suffer from chronic sinus infections. While many are glad to be bidding pollen farewell, winter presents its own set of challenges, particularly air quality problems, leading to a rise in winter sinus congestion. Due to winter’s cold, dry air, a person’s sinuses can become dry and irritated. Because of the cold, dry air, mucous membranes are often depleted of the vital moisture that traps particulate matter to help keep your sinuses healthy.
Additionally, as heating systems start back up after the spring and summer seasons, homes can easily become flooded with dust and other allergens. Because many tend to seal up their homes during the colder months, dust and other allergens that blow out of our heating vents are recirculated around your living space instead of dispersing. Despite our efforts to stay warm, winter sinus congestion can still play a role in making you feel miserable all season long.
If you are looking to help minimize your chances of suffering from winter sinus congestions, follow these useful tips to help ward off sinus pain and sinus infections this winter season:
• Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water every day can help thin out mucus and help ease congestion. Even though it can be difficult to do as the temperature drops, but it is still just as important as staying hydrated in the heat.
• Keeping your home clean by vacuuming daily and washing your sheets at least once a week can help you reduce the number of allergens in your home and can help limit winter sinus congestion.
• Combat dry air by adding some much-needed moisture back into it by investing in a humidifier. Even moderate humidity—between 35 and 50% can help the nasal membranes and help prevent them from drying out.
• Every year, or as often as you can, get your heating ducts cleaned, so dust and other allergens are not being recirculated in the house. To prevent further irritation, make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning.
• Consider using a HEPA filter in your heating system—but make sure you remember to clean the filter regularly.
By following these helpful tips, you can help lower your chances of coming down with winter sinus congestion. Or contact us today!—we’re happy to talk with you about some of the ways you can help prevent and treat sinus infections this winter season.