The weather is definitely cooling down here in upstate South Carolina as we approach winter. You’ll notice an uptick in sinus issues when the weather gets cold, including congestion, a runny nose or even a sinus infection. Sinus issues have many possible causes, so let’s discuss why your sinus issues get worse in the winter and how to tell if the issue is chronic or seasonal.
Why Congestion Worsens in the Winter
Air particles hold water, but the amount of water they can hold depends on the temperature. Colder air particles carry less water, resulting in significantly lower humidity levels during the cold months. Your body actually prefers to breathe in moist air; that moisture keeps the skin, blood vessels and mucus membranes in your nose and nasal passages well-hydrated.
When your nose and nasal passages dry out, they’re more susceptible to inflammation. Inflamed nasal passages swell and obstruct, or even close, the airways entirely, causing congestion. That’s why, when you blow your nose with a stuffy nose, no mucus comes out: it’s blocked behind the swelling.
Is It Winter Congestion or a Chronic Issue?
Dry winter air may cause congestion, but it could also exacerbate another underlying problem, such as:
- Allergies. Allergies occur when your body overreacts to a foreign substance, which is harmless in itself, such as dust or pollen. If your nasal passageways are dried out and irritated, your body’s reaction to the trigger will feel even more intense.
- Deviated septum. The septum is the thin wall of cartilage between your nasal passages, separating your left nostril from your right. For most people, this wall is not perfectly straight, but a dramatically off-center septum can cause breathing difficulties and chronic sinus issues.
- Chronic sinusitis. Congested, inflamed nasal passages can block mucus from draining. This mucus builds up in the sinus cavities and then becomes infected. While winter air can certainly cause a sinus infection, it’s considered chronic after it lasts more than two weeks.
- Nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages that result from ongoing inflammation. If dry air is causing prolonged inflammation, polyps may develop.
How Can I Treat Congestion?
Treat winter congestion before it causes or aggravates another condition. You can decrease inflammation by getting moisture back into the air with a humidifier and staying hydrated, as well as taking hot showers or using a warm compress to reduce swelling. For over-the-counter remedies, consider decongestants, mild pain relievers or nasal sprays.
If at-home treatments aren’t helping and your congestion looks like it’s developing into something chronic or triggering another sinus issue, consider seeing an ENT specialist. We can diagnose the issue and provide a treatment plan that manages the cause and relieves your uncomfortable symptoms. Call Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment.