Hernando Reporter

• Sinus infections and other illnesses are more common during the winter months. 

• Thirty-one million Americans suffer from sinus infections each year. 

• Using an air humidifier and frequently washing your hands can reduce your chances of getting a sinus infection.

Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers tells patients that changes in the weather can lead to facial pressure and pain.  

"When the sinuses get obstructed, it causes people to feel facial pressure and pain," Pate told the Hernando Reporter. "A lot of times, people have sinus headaches and a lot of pressure when the weather changes. The reason that happens is, the openings are blocked, so the air is not able to flow the way it's supposed to. This leads to chronic inflammation, when people have a sinus infections or the buildup of fluid in the sinus that sits in your cheek. So your teeth are there, and the fluid will sit and cause inflammation and lead to tooth pain."

Thirty-one million Americans suffer from sinus infections every year, experiencing symptoms such as congestion, a headache, pressure in the ears and sinuses, or a cough, according to Insider.

Sinus infections, common colds and the flu are more common during winter months, according to Heritage First ENT. One reason is because the air is typically drier during this time of year, which can dry out the mucus linings in the nose, causing an increased risk of infection and congestion. Warm air from electric heaters and fireplaces can also be irritating to the nasal passages. Cold and flu viruses can lead to sinus infections by causing inflammation.

Several simple steps can reduce the odds of developing sinus problems during the winter, according to Alabama ENT. Using an air humidifier or breathing in steam from a hot shower can help keep your nasal passages open and prevent congestion.

Washing your hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your face, can help prevent the spread of germs that might cause a cold, flu or other sickness. Using decongestants or nasal sprays can be effective, but they should not be used too frequently because overuse could lead to swelling.

If you're interested in learning more about diagnosis or treatment of chronic sinusitis, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.