Dry air creates a lot of problems for the mucus lining of the nose, which makes getting rid of buildup in the nose nearly impossible.
In the wintertime, the mix of the cold temperatures and strong wind make the air-dry outside, and the use of the heater and/or fireplace make the air-dry inside, so nowhere is safe if you suffer from sinus problems.
Whether you are outside enjoying winter sports or simply walking from your car to the office, you are breathing in that dry air. Then, once you get inside, you’re breathing in the heated air which is also very dry. And not only is the heat running nonstop indoors, but the windows of our offices and houses are always shut tight during the long winter months.
Without any fresh air from the outside, the air inside can get stale and smelly, which leads many people to spray air fresheners and burn candles. Without realizing it, people are adding chemicals and particles to the already dry air that can really irritate your sinuses and nasal passages- even if you aren’t allergic to them.
The best thing you can do to help your winter sinus flare ups and fight these issues is to condition the air you breathe. Try using a humidifier to get rid of dry air inside, and also an air filter to remove particles from the air. Your sinuses will appreciate the moister air from the humidifier and your whole respiratory system will function much better when the air is free of dust, mold and pet allergens.
If none of that helps, and you are one of the millions of people who suffer from sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus tissues that can prevent your sinuses from draining effectively, you may benefit from Balloon Sinus Dilation. This is a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure for treating recurring or persistent sinus pain and pressure. Balloon Sinus Dilation offers long-term relief from blocked sinuses by reshaping your sinus drainage pathways to restore normal sinus drainage.
This in-office procedure lasts only an hour and most patients resume normal activities in one to two days. If you suffer from facial congestion, or a feeling of fullness around the nose, nasal blockage or discharge, or sinus pressure that isn’t responding to rounds of medical treatments, make an appointment with our ENT physicians to find out if in-office Balloon Sinus Dilation is right for you.