Why are Sinus Problems worse in winter?

Sinus problems can be challenging at any time of year but are often worse during the winter months. The colder conditions can trigger a range of symptoms that leave us feeling under the weather with sinusitis that can last for several weeks. Although many of us tend to associate anything related to sinuses with the high pollen count that arrives with spring, winter can be an incredibly troublesome time for sinus problems for people of any age.

What is the most common sinus problem?

Sinusitis is what most people would call a ‘sinus problem.’ This is usually experienced as similar to a cold, with a runny nose and a sore throat, as well as other symptoms such as a headache and post-nasal drip. One of the most common indications of sinusitis is facial pain around the sinuses, as well as bad breath. There could be any number of reasons why you have sinusitis, including an infection after a regular cold, polyps, tumours, immune system disorders or an infection after allergies.

Why does winter make it worse?

• The air tends to be drier in winter. This will cause the mucus linings in the nose to dry out and the mucus may start to thicken. When this happens there is an increase in the potential for the congestion and infection that can lead to sinusitis.
• Central heating doesn’t help. When the temperature drops, most of us will turn our thermostat up or light a fire. This will dry out the air in the home and can irritate the nasal passages.
• But humidity can also be a problem. Winters are wetter than summers and this can also make sinus problems worse. Where there are storms this tends to lead to pressure changes in the air that can cause us to feel pain in our sinus cavities, which are filled with air.
• Less inclination to clean the house. During the spring and summer months, the sunlight tends to illuminate every dust particle and we are more inclined to be actively cleaning on a regular basis. In winter, there is a tendency to want to curl up and get cosy and that can sometimes mean that cleaning schedules are abandoned and dust builds up, triggering more sinus problems.
• Animal dander. This is a problem for the sinuses all year round but can be worse in winter when we’re in the house more with doors and windows shut, especially if we’re not cleaning as much as we were.
• Overindulgence. Christmas and New Year mean lots of rich food, dairy and alcohol and this can trigger a lot of inflammation in the body, including around the sinuses.
• Cold and flu viruses. There are more colds and flu viruses circulating at this time of year and we are more likely to get sick. Colds and flu attack the nasal passages and can trigger congestion that leads to sinusitis.

If you tend to struggle with sinus problems during the winter then there is plenty you can do to help yourself. Keep your home clean, use a HEPA air filter, a humidifier if you struggle with dry air and keep yourself as healthy as possible with a varied diet and plenty of exercise.

Harley Street is the UK's foremost private medical centre which is dedicated to providing high-quality care for your ear, nose, throat, head & neck, and balance-related disorders. Find out more information on how Harley Street ENT can help you here.