Nobody likes being sick. And, unfortunately, many spend the winter battling one illness after another. One common symptom you may encounter frequently in the chilly months is sinus congestion.
Why Do My Sinuses Get Clogged in the Winter?
There are a few reasons you may notice an uptick in sinus congestion in the winter:
- Cold and flu season. A cold or flu can inflame and clog the sinus passages. If the illness sticks around long enough, it can turn into a sinus infection. People are most likely to develop a cold or flu in the fall and winter, with flu cases skyrocketing from December through February. One of the reasons for the uptick is the increased amount of time you spend indoors around a lot of people—the perfect environment for spreading germs. Reduce your likelihood of getting sick by washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with sick people.
- Indoor allergens. Indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander can inflame the sinuses. When you spend more time indoors, that allergen buildup may affect you more than it did in the warmer months when you spent your time outdoors. Cleaning your home regularly can help limit these indoor allergens and the associated symptoms.
- Dry air. Dry indoor air, usually made worse by heating, can irritate the sinus passages, making them more likely to crack and bleed or clog with mucus.
How Can I Improve My Sinus Congestion?
Winter doesn’t have to mean you carry a box of tissues around all the time. Instead, try a few of the following to minimize sinus congestion:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration irritates the sinuses. Drink at least eight glasses of water or Bonsai Tea House beverages to stay hydrated.
- Run a humidifier. If the air in your home is extra dry, run a humidifier to keep the moisture between 30% and 60%.
- Nasal saline rinses. Saline rinses help flush blocked mucus from the sinuses. You can pick up a kit from your local drugstore.
- Take a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower will hydrate your nasal passages, lessening the chance or irritation and congestion.
- Take medication. Cold and flu or allergy medication can provide temporary congestion relief. Just limit your use of decongestants to no more than a few days, as prolonged use can cause rebound congestion.
If you’re battling constant sinus congestion, contact Midwest ENT Centre today. We’ll pinpoint the underlying cause of your winter sniffles and get you started on the right treatment path.