How Seasonal Weather Changes Can Affect Your Sinuses

The Great Smoky Mountains already saw four inches of snow fall back on October 15, which means for the rest of us here in East Tennessee, colder temperatures and snow are waiting in the wings.

For those prone to experiencing sinus issues, the sudden changes in the weather that are common this time of year can cause sinus pressure, sinus headaches, chronic congestion and inflammation, and sinus infections.

With this post, I want to take a moment to draw your attention to how seasonal weather changes can affect your sinuses, as well as provide you with some ways to prevent sinus issues or ease your symptoms so you don’t miss out on all the festivities during the holiday season.

What Happens to Your Sinuses When the Weather Changes?

“If you don’t like our weather, just wait a minute, it’ll change.” Some attribute the saying to Mark Twain, others to Will Rogers. Whoever said it first, they were making an accurate observation about how quickly the weather can change in our region.

Changes in fall and winter weather in our region of the country can be pretty dramatic from one day to the next, which certainly frustrates and exacerbates symptoms for those who struggle with sinus challenges.

Sudden weather changes, including changes in temperature and humidity, often cause the nasal membranes to swell, leading to a runny or stuffy nose. In addition to these changes, there is often a corresponding change in barometric pressure that can trigger pain and discomfort, including headaches.

The dip in humidity and temperatures during fall and winter months often contributes to dry air conditions, both indoors and out, ushering in a host of potential discomforts for sinus sufferers, including:

• Respiratory problems
• Dehydration
• Dry nose and sinuses
• Damaged cilia
• Sore throat

Though not typically common during changes between fall and winter, seasonal allergies from spring to summer or summer to fall can double the challenges faced by those with chronic sinusitis or other sinus health issues.

Consequently, when you experience sinus symptoms and discomfort, it can be difficult to determine whether the cause is allergies, a sinus infection, or a cause related to changes in the weather.

Addressing Sinus Issues as the Weather Changes

The American Sinus Institute provides some good guidelines for addressing sinus issues as the weather changes that I would like to share with you here.

Weather Changes vs. Allergens

Determining whether your symptoms are related to changes in the weather or to allergens is the first step in finding the right solution. Essentially, weather-related stuffiness and sneezing or non-allergic rhinitis are not caused by allergens, so they won’t respond to antihistamines.

Pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications are apt to improve your symptoms in cases of non-allergic rhinitis, as will investing in a humidifier, especially during the night.

Be Aware of the Triggers

If you experience seasonal allergies related to various allergens like pollen, you’re probably already aware of what triggers your symptoms. The same can be true with changes in the weather.

Watching the weather for upcoming changes in the barometric pressure, along with being aware of the climatic changes that trigger congestion and headaches, gives you a chance to get ahead of the symptoms before they have a chance to knock you out of the office Christmas party.

Treat Chronic Sinusitis and Rhinitis

Many decongestant and antihistamine remedies are available in today’s pharmaceutical market. Some are more effective than others, but some issues are too severe and complex to be addressed by medications.

Various medical interventions are necessary to address chronic sinusitis and rhinitis, which can be exacerbated by weather changes, allergens, or both. One of the most effective treatments for chronic sufferers that does not require the painful traditional surgical procedures of cutting through nasal bone and tissue is a balloon sinuplasty that allows your ENT specialist to clear out the sinuses with no incisions and a virtually no downtime while you recover.

Let Us Help You Prepare for the Changes in Weather

Your best bet is to get ahead of the game. Our Ear Nose and Throat Specialists can help you prepare for the onset of cold, dry weather as well as provide you with preventative measures to help keep the symptoms of weather-related sinus challenges at bay.

If your sinus symptoms are a constant menace and get worse as the seasons change, but never really go away, then treatment for chronic sinusitis is what the doctor orders.