Tips To Manage Your Sinus During The Winter
Winter brings changes in the environment that can mess with your sinus and leave youin pain. Read on to learn what causes your sinus problems and what you can do forrelief during the winter months.
Causes of Sinus Problems During Winter
There are plenty of factors that can trigger your sinus problems during the wintermonths. You should find out what triggers your sinus problems to protect yourself. An examination will determine if you have conditions that harm your sinuses regardless of the season. Narrow sinus passages, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum are all conditions that may cause your sinus problems.If your nasal passages are perfectly healthy, then it’s time to look for external factors.
Here are the most common external factors that can cause your sinus problems:
Dry Air
The air you’ll breathe from outdoors becomes dry during the winter months. When you’re indoors, the air will still be dry because of the heater. Dry air makes it more difficult for the Cilia in your nose to function. Your normal nasal secretions will be unable to wash off the debris and dirt that irritate your nasal cavities.
Fragrances
Your doors and windows will be shut while the heater is running during the winter months. The lack of fresh air in your area may lead others to use candles and air fresheners to remedy the smell. These fragrances will introduce new chemicals and particles to the air you breathe. The foreign material brought by the fragrances can irritate your sinus regardless of your allergies.
Pets
Your pets are going to stay inside during winter. Their pet danders may trigger your allergies, sinusitis, and asthma because of the increase in your exposure. Their pet danders can get stuck at the furniture and rugs, leaving you exposed to many allergens.
Furniture
Your upholstered furniture and rugs can contain a lot of allergens. Molds, dust mites,dust, and other household debris can stick and linger in your furniture. Your home does not get proper circulation during the winter months causing these allergens to pile up. Sitting down on your couch or even walking through your rugs can release allergens up in the air. These particles can trigger your sinus problems or asthma.
Tips to Manage Sinus Problems in Winter
Treat Your Air
The most important measure you can take is to make sure that your air is clean all year round. Your sinus may experience a flare-up because of the air you’re breathing. A High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air filter should be installed in all of your rooms because they remove allergens from the air. If that is not possible, install the HEPA filter in your bedroom or other rooms you spend extended periods of time. You also need to use a humidifier to add moisture to the dry air.Your sinuses and respiratory system will feel and function better when the air is clean and moist.
Clean Your Home
You must regularly clean your home to keep the allergens away. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can remove the debris and dust from your home. Depending on your allergies severity, you may have to clean your home more frequently. You can also wear a face mask, goggles, and gloves while cleaning to prevent the allergens from triggering your allergies while you clean.
Unclog Your Sinus
You can help unclog your sinus by applying a warm and moist towelette on your face several times a day. Moistening the air without a humidifier can be done in your bathroom. Turn on the hot shower in your bathroom and inhale the steam. Drink plenty of water to thin out the mucus in your sinus, making it easier to expel.
Take Medication
There are many medicines that can help you manage sinus problems.
Here is a list of medicines that can help ease sinus problems:
Decongestants
Decongestants reduce the swelling in your nose, ease sinus pressure, and relieve stuffiness. These medicines can come in the form of nasal sprays and pills.
Warning: do not use nasal sprays for more than three days and do not use oral decongestants for more than seven days
Anti-inflammatory Medicines and Pain Relievers
These types of medicines can be bought at grocery stores. They can relieve the pain you feel from sinus pressure. You must always read and follow the instructions on the labels. You need to see a doctor if you find yourself using them for more than seven days.
Nasal Steroids
These medicines relieve stuffy noses when your allergies have been triggered. They may also help relieve your nasal polyps. The medicines come in many varieties, some you can buy over the counter and others that require a prescription.
Warning: Do not use any medication without consulting your doctor. Doctors will be able to give you the right medication and the correct dosages.
In the end, it is important to understand what triggers your sinus problems during the winter. Dry air, fragrances, pets, and furniture can all be culprits causing your sinus problems. Knowing what measures to take can help you minimize or remove what triggers your sinus problems. Simple measures like cleaning your air and home,clearing your sinus, and taking medications can help bring your sinus relief.