{"id":15159,"date":"2022-02-14T15:00:53","date_gmt":"2022-02-14T21:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=15159"},"modified":"2025-01-20T19:17:51","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T01:17:51","slug":"winter-dry-sinuses-and-what-you-can-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/winter-dry-sinuses-and-what-you-can-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter dry sinuses and what you can do"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of year. Cold winter weather and dry air are here. When you think about the winter season, you can\u2019t help but remember those mornings waking up with a dry mouth, sore throat and sinus congestion.<\/p>\n

Of course, we are on high alert for COVID-19 and the flu<\/a>. Still, other factors play a role in those unpleasant symptoms that are not directly related to infection, particularly when it comes to your sinuses. Environmental allergies<\/a> and dry winter air can also cause sinus congestion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What happens<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The nose warms and humidifies the air inhaled with moisture that evaporates from the lining of the nasal passage. When exposed to cold and dry air, the lining of the nose becomes irritated and inflamed, and it produces more mucus, resulting in nasal congestion.<\/p>\n

The excessive mucus drips into the throat and irritates it, causing a cough<\/a>. The excess mucus can also obstruct the sinuses and become trapped, encouraging bacteria to grow. If it\u2019s there for a long time, the increased amount of bacteria can cause an infection. This reaction is more pronounced in people with sensitive noses or nasal allergies,<\/a> such as hay fever.<\/p>\n

Allergies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Allergies<\/a> can occur in the summer and the winter. Winter allergy symptoms are just your typical seasonal allergy symptoms combined with dry air. And because of the winter weather, you\u2019re more likely to spend time indoors, increasing your exposure to indoor allergens.<\/p>\n

The most common indoor allergens that trigger symptoms include dust mites, pet dander or mold. Itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion and sneezing are common symptoms of allergies. Trying over-the-counter antihistamines<\/a> \u2013 like Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec and Zyzol \u2013 is recommended before going to your primary care provider or urgent care<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Infections<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most of the time, people think they have a sinus infection<\/a>, the common cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses), allowing germs to grow. While viruses cause most problems, bacteria can also cause sinus infections<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:<\/p>\n