Whatever the time of year, changes in temperature can affect your sinuses. In fact, seasonal allergies aren’t the only sinus problems linked to temperature.
Here are the main ways in which temperature can affect your sinuses, so that you can better understand your nose.
IN SHORT
Changes in temperature affect the sinuses in various ways, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
The main cause of sinus problems triggered by seasonal changes is seasonal allergies, but the sinuses are also affected by humidity, excessively high or low temperatures, and changes in barometric pressure.
Why Are Sinuses Affected by Seasonal Temperature Changes?
The sinuses are cavities connected to the nasal cavities and located within the facial bones.
Within the respiratory system, their main function is to moisten and filter the nasal passages, partly through the production of mucus.
However, weather conditions cause a number of changes in the body’s functioning, and several aspects of seasonal changes can lead to alterations in how the sinuses function. These include:
- Low or high humidity
- The presence of allergens in the air
- A change to warmer or colder weather
- Changes in barometric pressure
Seasonal Changes: Allergens in the Air
Firstly, the change of season, particularly the end of winter, often brings allergens into the air.
Many people are affected by seasonal rhinitis, also known as hay fever, and you probably already know if you suffer from it.
However, seasonal rhinitis can sometimes lead to complications that cause nasal congestion to persist beyond the allergy season.
Allergens are the most common cause of sinus problems linked to changes in temperature, but they are not the only possible cause.
Low Levels of Humidity in the Air: Possible Consequences
When the air is dry, your sinuses find it harder to keep your nasal passages properly moisturized. As a result, low humidity levels in the air can cause a number of problems.
Discomfort and congestion
Of course, a dry nose is very uncomfortable, but low humidity can also cause congestion.
This congestion is linked to irritation of the nasal and sinus mucous membranes, which respond by producing large amounts of thick mucus as a defence mechanism.
These problems are generally minor, but keeping your nose well moisturized can save you a lot of daily discomfort.
Higher risk of infection
A dry nose also means that your body is more vulnerable to health problems and ENT infections.
This is because, when your nose is dry, it is harder to produce mucus, which means your nose is less effective at trapping germs and other unwanted agents that can cause infections.
Thicker mucus and sinusitis
When the nose is dry, the nasal mucous membranes usually produce thicker mucus in an attempt to protect themselves.
As well as causing congestion, this thicker mucus can build up in the sinuses and potentially lead to sinusitis.
High Levels of Humidity in the Air: Possible Consequences
As far as the sinuses are concerned, changes in temperature that lead to an increase in humidity are less significant than drops in humidity, but they can still cause some problems.
Mould and dust mites
When the air is very humid, your nose is usually happy, but there are still a few potential problems associated with high humidity levels.
Humidity creates an environment conducive to the growth and proliferation of mould and dust mites.
First, dust mites are allergens that affect a significant proportion of the population. As such, they can cause a nasal allergy similar to hay fever, even when the pollen season is over.
As for mould, it can affect anyone and cause sneezing, a runny nose or other symptoms similar to those of allergies.
High humidity levels can therefore trigger allergic symptoms, which may in turn lead to sinusitis.
Cold Weather Can Cause Blood Vessels to Constrict
Lower temperatures can cause exposed blood vessels to constrict. This constriction reduces blood flow, making the sinuses more vulnerable to infection.
Heat Can Cause Dehydration
Just like low humidity, intense heat can cause dehydration, which can lead to the same complications as air that is too dry.
Changes in Barometric Pressure: Headaches and Sinus Pain
Finally, changes in barometric pressure linked to changes in the seasons and temperature can cause sinus pain.
This pain is usually caused by changes in pressure within the sinuses, which are located primarily in the forehead and beneath the eyes. These pressure changes can sometimes result in a headache that is felt more around the eyes than in the forehead.
Generally, these pains are not serious and do not lead to any serious complications.
How Can You Minimize Sinus-Related Discomfort and the Effects of Temperature Changes?
To minimize discomfort and potential complications linked to the sinuses and temperature changes, it is important to understand how your own body reacts to these fluctuations.
If your symptoms are severe or if you suffer from chronic sinus problems, you should probably consult an ENT specialist.
For a team dedicated to your ENT health, book an appointment at the Clinique ORL 1851 in Montreal, on the Plateau Mont-Royal.
We can provide you with a comprehensive assessment and offer practical solutions to your sinus problems.
