Montgomery News

During winter, if you have a stuffy nose and a near-constant headache, it's a sign that your nasal passages are obstructed, and it could also be a sign of sinusitis.

"Our sinus cavities are located right behind our facial structure, so when there's inflammation going on, you get this referred pain. The nerve endings are shared all throughout the head and neck area, so inflammation in the sinus cavity can refer down into the upper teeth. And we see this a lot with patients who will go to their dentist, the dentist will do their exam and say, 'Your upper teeth are fine; the problem is this inflammation in your sinus cavity," Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Montgomery News.

The sinuses are hollow, air-filled cavities that can get inflamed due to a number of reasons.

Dr. Manish Khanna | Capitol Breathe Free

"Treating sinus infections, we start generally patients with topical sprays, antibiotics, steroids at times. But if this is a chronic thing or a recurring issue with patients, then balloon sinus dilation can be a permanent fix for them," Khanna said.

When the temperatures drop, the outside is filled with dry air, and indoors, you are exposed to heated air. This combination often takes a toll on your sinuses and results in congestion.

"(Antibiotic overuse) becomes a problem for people down the road," Khanna said. "Our GI tract just becomes much more sensitive to these medications with repeated use, and it becomes a problem for us as we get into our older years. We start to deal with more resistant, tougher and more virulent bacteria out there that don't respond to antibiotics, and this is becoming a problem."

Viruses, bacterias or even fungi can cause inflammation of the sinuses. If the infection is viral, it can be passed to others.

Common symptoms of a sinus infection include a runny nose, a severe headache, congestion and facial pain. Ignoring these symptoms for too long can worsen them and exacerbate the pain.

Sinus specialists have a few suggestions that can help you potentially get through the winter without a sinus infection. It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after coming in from outside to avoid germs entering the mouth and causing a cold.

Change the rugs in your home often and keep the furniture, faucets, countertops, curtains, pillows and mattresses clean. Be sure to rid your home of mold. Try to avoid exposing yourself to pet dander and keep the windows closed.

Use a steam humidifier to avoid pain and pressure in the sinuses. Keep yourself hydrated so that the sinuses won't dry out. Cover your face when you venture out during the cold weather because dust, pollutants and allergens can aggravate your sinus problems.

If you are interested in evaluating your symptoms and are considering seeing a doctor, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.