Protecting Your Sinuses From Dry Winter Air: Tips for Tampa Bay Residents
Winter is here and Tampa Bay residents can feel the colder and sometimes quite chilly winter air. Many look forward to the changes in the air–often looking forward to wearing more layers.
Florida’s winter season is typically mild, with freezing temperatures being rare. However, that doesn’t mean Tampa Bay residents are completely in the clear. Cooler days can still bring challenges—especially when it comes to sinus health.
Florida Winters and Their Impact on Sinuses
Florida winters are typically mild and temperatures rarely dip below freezing points. Even then, the winter season’s cooler and drier air can impact your sinuses.
Winter air is not only cooler–it is also drier. The lack of moisture in the winter air can quickly dry and irritate the sinus linings. Dry and irritated sinuses can become inflamed. This prevents proper mucus drainage and leads to mucus buildup. This then becomes the perfect breeding ground for germs, viruses, and bacteria, increasing sinus infection risks.
Even with Florida’s milder winter weather, sinus infections are still a major health concern and if left to their own devices, can quickly impact one’s quality of life.
Sinus Relief Tips for Tampa Bay Residents
Here are some simple tips to protect your sinuses this cold and dry winter season:
- Keep yourself hydrated
The winter season brings drier air conditions. To protect your sinuses from the dryness in the air, keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help thin mucus and allow it to spread easily on the sinus cavities. This encourages proper mucus drainage. Along the same line, limit alcohol and caffeine intake as these beverages can increase dehydration.
Additionally, use ointments to moisturize your nose. While this isn’t a treatment for sinus infections, it provides instant relief from the dryness.
- Use an indoor humidifier
Winter air is often dry due to the lack of moisture in the air. Counter this by running an indoor humidifier to manage indoor humidity and reduce the risk of dry and irritated sinuses.
- Monitor pollen counts and plan accordingly
Florida boasts of a beautiful and warm climate all year round. While other states with colder winters get to enjoy a break from most pollen allergens, it’s not exactly the same for Florida residents.
Because of this, you will want to make it a habit to monitor daily pollen counts and plan your days accordingly. Make sure to keep doors and windows closed during high pollen days. Limit outdoor activity during these days too and if you need to go out, wear protective clothing. When you get home, change out of your outdoor clothes and wash them immediately.
- Try nasal irrigation
The colder winter air can make the sinuses more congested. Try nasal irrigation with saline nasal sprays. This will help break down mucus buildup and clear nasal passages. They can also effectively moisturize the sinus linings.
- Steam inhalation can work too
Steam inhalation is a tried and true method that offers relief through harsh, cold, and dry winters. This DIY method can moisturize and soothe irritated sinuses while getting rid of congestion.
To do this, pour hot water into a large bowl and place your head above that bowl. Cover your head with a towel to trap the steam in. Then, breathe deeply through your nose. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or camphor oil for even more added relief.
- Keep your home clean
People tend to spend more time indoors come winter season–which is why you will want to make sure your home is clean.
Regularly vacuum and dust around your home to get rid of dust, pet dander, and other airborne allergens. Regularly wash and change your bedding too, especially if you have pets that sleep with you on your bed.
- Ensure proper ventilation
Stale air is often drier. Make sure your home gets proper ventilation and a good circulation of fresh air. When the weather permits, open a few doors and windows to improve airflow and let fresh air circulate through your home.
Trust Tampa Bay Breathe Free This Winter Season
At Tampa Bay Breathe Free, we are on a mission to help Tampa Bay residents find relief from various sinus concerns and find ways to protect their sinus health from the dry winter weather. Schedule a consultation with our team and breathe better than ever today!
