Sinus infections can worsen in the cold season due to several causes: air that becomes too dry in homes when heating sources are used, high atmospheric humidity in some geographical areas, dust particles in the air and, last but not least, , viruses that cause colds or flu are the main causes that can worsen the symptoms of sinusitis.
Low temperatures favor the appearance of pressure in the sinus area, as well as the appearance of infections caused by purulent nasal secretions and pain felt in the teeth and jaw (maxillary sinusitis).
The risk of developing a chronic sinusitis increases if there is a deviated septum, nasal polyps, asthma, a dental infection, tumor formations, low immunity, cystic fibrosis, a series of allergies, regular exposure to pollutants, cigarette smoke, states in an article specialist doctors of an important provider of laboratory diagnostic services in Romania.
In the long term, the too dry air in the homes, caused by the heat sources used during the winter, can cause drying and atrophy of the nasal mucosa, with the risk of nasal congestion and an increased probability of infection.
High humidity in the winter also causes discomfort to people suffering from sinusitis. Frequent weather changes in this season cause pressure changes in the atmosphere, which is why pain and pressure sets in at the level of the sinuses.
In the cold season, using multiple bedding can be a source of dust. At the same time, in homes where there is also a pet, the presence of their hair can be a trigger for sinus infections.
Viral infections, more common in cold seasons, also affect the lining of the nasal passages, causing inflammation and congestion that can promote sinus infections. The risk of viral infections can be reduced by maintaining good hygiene, adequate rest and a healthy diet.
Both chronic sinusitis and its acute form have similar signs and symptoms. Acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection, often associated with a cold. It manifests itself over a period of about 10 days, while chronic sinusitis persists for at least 12 weeks and is preceded by several episodes of acute sinusitis.
The signs of acute sinusitis, as described by specialists, are: abundant nasal secretions, stuffy nose, pain, inflammation and pressure in the eyes, cheeks, headache, partial or total loss of smell, fatigue and sometimes the appearance of fever, which, however, does not is a common symptom in both types of sinusitis. Fever occurs more frequently in acute sinusitis than in chronic sinusitis.
Complications of chronic sinusitis are rare, but can include serious vision problems if the sinus infection spreads to the eye socket; very rarely, people with chronic sinusitis can develop meningitis, skin or even bone infections. This worsening of sinusitis symptoms is treated according to the causes that produced it. If it’s not an infection, drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation can help, doctors say. When sinusitis is caused by an infection, the doctor can also recommend an antibiotic, to avoid complications, and if it is triggered by an allergic background, the allergist is the one who will indicate the most suitable treatment. (I. N.)
2023-12-20 22:14:50
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