Can Humidity Cause Sinus Problems? [Discussion]
If you’re dealing with sinus problems, there’s a good chance humidity is to blame. Excess moisture in the air can cause your sinuses to become inflamed and irritated, leading to congestion, sneezing, and general misery.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to ease symptoms and get your life back on track. Read on for tips on how to combat humidity-related sinus problems.
How to know if you really have sinus?
The first step in combating humidity-related sinus problems is to determine if you actually have sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses.
Many people mistakenly believe they have sinus problems when, in fact, their symptoms are caused by another condition.
If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are due to sinusitis, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Can humidity cause sinus problems?
Yes, humidity can cause sinus problems. Excess moisture in the air can lead to an increase in humidity levels. This can cause nasal congestion, sinusitis, and other symptoms that mimic a common cold.
People who experience sinus problems often complain about the following:
- nasal congestion
- runny nose
- postnasal drip, or mucus
How Does Excess Humidity Affect Your Sinuses?
When there’s too much moisture in the air, your sinuses can become congested and irritated. This can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes or nose
- Feeling “off” or out of balance
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s likely that humidity is to blame.
What Can You Do to Combat Humidity-Related Sinus Problems?
Sinus can be really uncomfortable, but fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to ease your symptoms. Here are a few tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid dairy products and other foods that may cause congestion
- Get plenty of rest
- Try over-the-counter sinus medications
If your symptoms are severe, see your doctor for a prescription medication.
How does Sinus actually work?
The sinuses are a series of small, air-filled spaces inside the bones of your face. They’re located around your nose and eyes, and help to improve the resonance of your voice.
When you’re exposed to excess humidity, moisture seeps into these spaces and causes them to become inflamed and congested. This can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms, as listed above.
Sinus problems are extremely common, and can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, a cold or the flu, and environmental factors like humidity.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, there’s a good chance humidity is to blame.
If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are caused by sinusitis, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. He or she will be able to tell you what’s causing your symptoms and recommend the best course of action.
How much humidity is good for sinus patients?
Doctors generally recommend keeping the humidity level in your home between 30 and 50 percent. If it’s higher than this, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier or other humidifying device.
Humidity levels outside should remain between 30 and 50 percent as well; if they’re too high, it’s a good idea to stay indoors or seek refuge in an air-conditioned building.
Humidity above this level can be especially troublesome for people with sinus problems, so be sure to take steps to keep the humidity in your home and environment within this range.
Final Words
When the humidity is normal, it will not cause sinus problems at all. However, if there is too much moisture in the air, this could cause an excess of mucus that will lead to a multitude of problems, including sinus issues.
In order to avoid this from happening, always dry your nose well after going outside. If you have a humidifier or a vaporizer in your home, make sure to clean it regularly to avoid bacteria buildup.