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Balloon Sinuplasty

Cold Weather Sinus Pain Treatment

March 1, 2019

4 minutes

Reviewed by Michael Kaplan, MD

Can cold weather irritate the sinuses? Unfortunately, it can. Sinus problems in winter are fairly common — but that doesn’t mean you should be stuck in a sinus-induced fog until it’s warm again. Learn how to overcome cold weather sinus pain with the following at-home and in-office treatment options.

Understanding cold weather and sinus problems

Cold weather sinus pain can be caused by a variety of common factors and illnesses. Here’s what we see the most:

  • The common cold or the flu
  • Winter sinusitis
  • Dust on stored bedding and clothes
  • Dry air, both outside and in the home (often caused by heating)
  • Extra humidity during wet winters & mold
  • Food allergies

Identifying the reason behind your cold weather sinus pain will get you one step closer to treating it. However, ignoring your sinus pain can lead to bigger problems, such as sinusitis.

If your cold weather sinus pain doesn’t abate with OTC medicines, cleaning, or the use of a humidifier, make sure to keep an eye out for early signs of a sinus infection.

Tips for treating nasal congestion in cold weather

Nasal congestion in cold weather is incredibly common. Why else would it be called a “cold?” Luckily, there are many ways to help alleviate your cold weather sinus pain.

  • Sinus rinses
  • Steroid sprays
  • Decongestants (short term)
  • Decongestant sprays (very short term)

Remember that the primary differentiator between a cold and a sinus infection is time. If your congestion lingers for more than a month, then your sinus pain and congestion might be sinus infection symptoms, not cold symptoms.

Why do I get sinus headaches in winter, and what can I do about them?

You’re most likely to get sinus headaches in winter when there’s a sudden change in the weather. That sudden changes in weather affect the sinuses is no secret, but what exactly is the reason behind increased sinus pressure and sinus headaches?

Oddly enough, sinus headaches in winter and sinus headache in summer often share a common cause: the change in barometric pressure. While we may not be able to tell that the barometric pressure is changing, it still affects our blood pressure. In turn, changes in our blood pressure can cause sinus pressure, especially sinus headaches.

While you may be able to combat this type of sinus headache with OTC medicines, the best chance of avoiding cold weather sinus pain typically involves proactive treatment.

Kaplan Sinus Relief treatments for cold weather sinus pain

Sufferers of cold weather sinus problems don’t need to dread winter. And they don’t need to be dependent on OTC medicines, sprays, or cleanses either. Luckily, there are treatment options that can provide patients with long-lasting sinus relief.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that can be performed in 20 minutes or less. During this procedure, a small balloon is inserted endoscopically into your nasal passages and then inflated — restoring healthy sinus drainage in the process.

As you can see from the balloon sinuplasty reviews, this procedure is tremendously successful. It can now also be performed with IV sedation, giving patients who struggle with surgical procedures the ability to relax and achieve the relief they deserve.

Freeze out cold weather sinus pain

Dr. Kaplan of Kaplan Sinus Relief is one of the best balloon sinuplasty specialists in Houston. He and his staff have performed thousands of balloon sinuplasty procedures, giving many Texans the ability to live their lives without cold weather sinus pain.

For more information about the balloon sinuplasty procedure, call Kaplan Sinus Relief at 713-776-1818 or request an appointment online today!

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Location

4101 Greenbriar Street, Suite 320

Houston, TX 77098