Houston Texas Freeze and Your Sinuses
Your Sinuses
Home heat has a tendency to dry everything out. Have you noticed more static electricity? It’s partially due to the heat in your home. The heat can also dry out your sinuses and skin. The increased cold temperatures can trigger rhinitis (runny nose) and cough.
The back and forth cold and hot with power outages can really do a number on your sinuses. Runny nose one minute, dry and possibly bloody nose the next. Here are a few ways to help keep your sinuses healthy during the Texas Freeze.
- Do regular saline nasal washes. This will help clear out any allergens and moisturize your sinuses. Check out our video on how to do a nasal wash here.
- Use a saline spray. Saline sprays are a quick way to add moisture to dry sinuses.
- Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air. If you don’t own one, boiling water can help add water vapor to dry air.
- Stay hydrated. When it’s hot and we’re sweating, it's easy to remember to drink water. It's just as important in the cold weather too!
Allergens & Allergies
There's some good news here! The recent snow, ice and freezing temperatures in the Houston area could delay our pollen season. For pollen sufferers this means some temporary relief.
If mold is your trigger now is the time to start taking your antihistamines. Moisture from the snow and ice creates increased mold growth, especially as temperatures start to warm.
If you’ve had a water leak in your house, try to dry it out as quickly as possible. According to FEMA it takes 24-48 hours for mildew and mold to grow after water exposure. Heat and AC ducts can move the mold spores around, creating an even bigger problem long term. If you are unsure what to do to prevent mold growth after a burst pipe, follow this FEMA guide.
As a reminder if you don't know your allergy triggers, the way to find out is with an allergy test. We offer these right in our office. We can also work with you to cure your environmental allergies for good.
General Health
Being closed up in your house means increased flu and cold transmission. This is the time to boost your vitamin C and zinc intake. Do what you can to wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
Between cold and heat, loss of power, loss of water and bursts pipes this has been a tough time for everyone. We hope these tips can help you keep your sinuses healthy while we all navigate the aftermath of the storm. Stay warm, stay safe.