Winter in Florida

Winter in Florida: Protecting Your Sinuses From Seasonal Changes

Snow isn’t common during the winter season in the state of Florida. But depending on which part of the state you’re in, you can experience mild to moderate winters. Regardless, winter seasons often have dry air that can be irritating and detrimental to your sinuses.
People with sensitive sinuses and seasonal allergies know too well how difficult it is to deal with the symptoms, especially over the holidays when you should be enjoying yourself and spending time with friends and family.
The colder air is typically drier, causing dryness and irritation in the sinuses. This puts people at risk of developing inflammation, irritation, and infection. This prevents proper mucous drainage and makes it difficult to breathe along with other symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

Protect Your Sinuses From Seasonal Changes

• Keep yourself hydrated

Ensuring you are properly hydrated through seasonal changes will not only keep your body in optimal health but will moisturize your throat and mucous membranes. Additionally, it can help thin mucous, which can encourage proper mucous drainage, offering a solution for nasal congestion.

• Try nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation with a saline nasal spray is an effective technique to get rid of congestion, helping you breathe better. It also moisturizes the sinuses, getting rid of the dryness brought about by the cold and dry winter air.

You can also try steam inhalation for some congestion relief. Simply pour hot water into a large bowl and place your face directly above it. Cover your head with a towel to keep the steam in. Breathe in slowly through the nose. You can add a few drops of camphor or eucalyptus oil for even more comfort and relief.

• Moisturize your sinuses

Sinus issues can easily dry the nose. Moisturize the lining of your nose with a moisturizer or petroleum jelly so your nose feels more comfortable.

• Keep windows and doors closed

Keep the windows and doors to your house closed, especially on dry and windy days as allergens can easily travel through the air for miles. Florida winters allow plants to grow throughout the year so pollen is also present regardless of the weather or season. Minimize your exposure to such allergens, especially on days with high pollen and allergy counts.

• Use a humidifier indoors

Cold winter air is dry, making your sinuses more prone to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Counter this by using a humidifier indoors. This will introduce more moisture into the indoor air which will be good for your sinuses.

• Keep your home clean and allergen-free

Whether you spend more time outdoors or indoors, it’s important to always keep your home clean. Aside from outdoor allergens, you also need to think about common indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Vacuum and dust regularly and when you do, always wear protective gear like face masks so you don’t inhale any of the allergens.

• Consult with an allergy specialist

An allergy specialist will perform tests to determine if you have allergies and what your allergies are. From there, they can offer ways in which you can manage your allergies, triggers, and symptoms. Management techniques can include allergy medications and antihistamines.

• Boost your immune system

Keep your body healthy and your defenses up. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol as they can be very dehydrating. Focus on a healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods. Exercise regularly and add vitamin supplements to further boost your immunity. Practice regular handwashing to stop the spread of germs and viruses, especially over the holiday season.

Sinus Woes in Florida? Jupiter Sinus and Allergy Can Help!

If you’ve exhausted several ways to manage your sinus issues over the cold winter season but with no luck or success on the horizon, maybe it’s time to talk to an expert. At Jupiter Sinus and Allergy, we are committed to helping our patients find solutions to their sinus concerns. Book an appointment with us today and let’s talk about how we can help!