Each Year an estimated 37 million Americans experience sinus issues. The symptoms of postnasal drip, congestion, and facial aches and pain can make anyone feel miserable. The viruses and conditions that cause sinus issues are much less present during the summertime, and warmer weather provides many with a respite. As lovely as the summer can be, sinus issues can still arise if the right conditions are encountered. Fortunately, we are going to cover some steps you can take to avoid summer sinus problems all season long.
How To Deal With Summer Sinus Problems
Pollen
Produced by flowering trees and grass, pollen is normally a benign substance unless you have allergies. Unfortunately, it can be impossible to avoid pollen-laden air when outdoors. Symptoms of pollen sensitivities include itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, or congestion, which can lead to worse sinus issues. If you have allergies or are sensitive to pollen, you can try these steps to help mitigate its effect.
• Keep windows and doors shut to keep out pollen and other irritants.
• Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest, usually in the morning time.
• Install HEPA-certified filters in your central air system and vacuum cleaner to help clean the air.
• If your pets go outdoors, bathe them regularly to help cut down on how much they track in.
Avoiding Irritants
The sinuses and nasal cavities are lined with mucous membranes that can be damaged by airborne irritants like mold, dust, smoke, chemical vapors, or vehicle exhaust. It can be much more challenging to avoid indoor irritants, especially work-related ones. However, here are some steps you can take to reduce the effects of irritants in the air.
• Wearing a face mask or breathing filter while spraying paint, sanding surfaces, or other construction activities will protect your sinuses from irritants.
• Ensure that hood vents and exhaust systems are working before grilling or cooking indoors. Smoke is one of the most damaging irritants, even in small amounts.
• Using nose plugs while swimming in chlorinated pools can help reduce the effects of chlorine fumes on the sinuses. Avoid indoor pools if you are sensitive to chlorine, or seek out unchlorinated water and save your sinuses altogether.
Nasal Treatments
The most important thing to do to protect your sinuses is to keep them moist. When the sinuses dry out, they become vulnerable to infection from cold-causing rhinoviruses. Keep your mucous membranes healthy and moist with these tips.
• Using an over-the-counter nasal spray in each nostril several times a day moistens the sinuses providing protection.
• Adding nasal irrigation to your dental routine will help hydrate the sinuses and clear out any contaminants that could have built up. Keep a squeeze bulb, soft bottle, or neti-pot in your bathroom with your toothpaste.
Choosing the Right Medications
While nonprescription antihistamines and decongestants can be very effective against minor symptoms, such as runny, itchy nose, and sneezing, it’s important to watch for the following signs that indicate that you might need to seek more effective treatments from a doctor or health care provider.
• Over-the-counter medications are becoming less effective or don’t last as long as needed.
• Symptoms worsen over time despite taking over-the-counter drugs or other remedies.
• Symptoms persist concurrently for more than ten days or reoccur more than four times in one month.
Overusing nonprescription drugs can become habit-forming and cause long-term damage to your overall health. If you suffer from severe sinus issues, contact your doctor. Your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, antibiotics, or more powerful nasal sprays.