Cool Weather Blowing in Sinus Problems
By: Rebecca Jeffrey
Updated: October 25, 2012
As the cold front moves in, so do allergens and sinus problems. Especially for 6 year old Tyler, whose dad says it's been an issue for a while.
"This time of year he would get a bunch of ear infections. So we went through that. A bunch of shots and a bunch of antibiotics and stuff like that," Kent Rushing, Tyler's dad said.
Cooler temperatures are the culpret.
"With the cold weather, frequently what you'll see is there's a lot more nasal congestion. Whenever he air is a lot cooler, certainly the nose has to work a lot harder."
Before an infection develops Dr. Manning says to remember these simple yet effective tips."Just make sure you know personal hygiene things. Keeping the hands clean and using hand sanitizer, things of that nature, not sharing drinks, common sense stuff but it really does help as far as with the spreading of infection."
Already have the sniffles? Head to the drug store."Things that help some people will be saline irrigations or saline sprays if they're in an environment where they're inhaling a lot of allergens simply to get those out of the way," Dr. Manning said.
If you're symptoms are not improving, it's time to see a doctor."When we get in a situation where those infections become recurrent, having more than 3 or 4 a year or it's a situation where you have a persistent infection for more than about 3 or 4 weeks," he said.
After following Dr. Manning's tips, things are clearing up for Tyler.
"Things are a lot better."
Now if you're not sure if your sinus issues are a cold or allergies, Dr. Manning said a cold or the flu typically includes a fever, while allergies cause more isolated problems like congestion.
Also, if you know you have winter allergies he says it's important to start taking an antihistamine right now.
