It’s now October, and you may be looking forward to cozy blankets and Halloween. Your spooky season could be affected, however, by flare-ups of sinus and ear symptoms due to the changing weather. Our bodies have a complex relationship to our environment, and factors like seasonal changes can have a greater impact on us than you might realize.
How Weather Changes Affect Your Sinuses and Ears
Here are some of the biggest weather factors of October that could be causing you sinus or ear symptoms.
Barometric Pressure
Your ear, nose and throat (ENT) system is highly sensitive to air pressure, and fall is known for sudden drops of barometric pressure. You’ll feel these drops in two big ways.
- In the sinuses. There are hollow pockets of air behind your face, called the paranasal sinuses (you may just call them your sinuses for short, but actually the word “sinus” is a broad medical term that can refer to many air-filled pockets throughout your body), and when air pressure between these pockets and the outside air is imbalanced, it can lead to pressure and discomfort.
- In the ears. Your ears are also sensitive to rapid changes in air pressure. To keep things equalized, you have two channels called the Eustachian tubes. There’s one on either side of your head, running from the middle ear to the back of the throat. These open and shut when air pressure changes to equalize the pressure between your middle ear and the air outside.
Cold, Dry Air
When the air gets colder, it can’t hold as many water particles, so it naturally becomes drier, too. Breathing in this cold, dry air can lead to dryness and irritation in the nasal passages, which prefer to be well-hydrated and moisturized. They may also constrict more due to the cold, leading to congestion and blocked mucus.
Furthermore, irritation in the nasal passageways can lead to swelling and inflammation in the sinuses, which can crowd and block the Eustachian tubes. This is why sinus symptoms are often associated with ear pain; crowding the Eustachian tubes makes it harder for them to do their job.
Common Symptoms Associated with Weather Changes
To review, here are some symptoms you may experience when fall weather rolls in:
- Congestion
- Facial pressure or pain around the bridge of the nose, eyes, forehead and cheekbones
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Dry, irritated nasal passages
- Ear popping
- Stuffy ears
- Temporary hearing changes
- Sinus infection
How to Find Relief
If you’ve been dealing with any of these uncomfortable symptoms, here are some strategies that may alleviate the discomfort:
- Stay hydrated. Water keeps the body running smoothly. Keeping your whole body hydrated will help the nasal passages stay moisturized when the air dries out and keep the tissues and tubes that equalize pressure in peak condition.
- Use a humidifier. This is another excellent way to keep your nasal passages moist. Keep one next to your bed while you sleep.
- OTC medications. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve the worst of your symptoms: decongestants can help immensely with facial pressure due to irritated sinuses, and anti-inflammatory medications can help if your Eustachian tubes are clogged.
If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, or if you just aren’t getting the relief you need from OTCs, consider visiting an ENT specialist at California Sinus Centers. We understand San Francisco’s climate and know how to help with the worst ear and sinus symptoms. Call today to learn more.