Winter Wellness: Keeping Sinus and Allergy Symptoms in Check Indoors
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Winter Wellness: Keeping Sinus and Allergy Symptoms in Check Indoors

Winter Wellness: Keeping Sinus and Allergy Symptoms in Check Indoors

For many allergy sufferers in Dallas, winter may bring a welcome break from symptoms as certain plants pause their pollen production. However, for some, allergies persist no matter how chilly it gets outside.

Winter sniffles are no stranger to Texans. Thanks to the region’s mild climate, vegetation like cedar trees continues to thrive, releasing allergens even in the colder months.

On top of that, as people bundle up and spend more time indoors to escape the brisk winter air, exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites and mold increases, triggering symptoms for many.

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Manage Your Allergies and Sinus Issues With These Winter Wellness Tips

Fortunately, allergy sufferers can take proactive steps to manage allergies and sinus issues while staying cozy indoors during the colder months:

  1. Make sure you stay hydrated

Hydration is very important for your overall health, but it is especially important to counter the dryness of the cold winter air. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day. This helps keep your sinuses and throat moisturized. Additionally, ensuring proper hydration will help combat dry sinuses and help thin mucus, allowing proper mucus drainage and offering relief from congestion.

  1. Try nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation with a saline nasal spray is an effective method to manage your sinuses and allergy symptoms. It helps break down mucus buildup, clearing the sinuses. It can help you breathe better as it also thins the mucus and reduces nasal congestion. Slime nasal sprays can also moisturize dry sinuses, which reduces the risk of an infection.

  1. Steam inhalation works too

Steam inhalation is a simple technique that can help you clear your sinuses without having to buy or pay for anything.

To do this, simply pour hot water into a large bowl. Place your face above the bowl with a towel over your head to trap the steam. Breathe in slowly through your nose. A few drops of eucalyptus or camphor oil can further provide relief from congestion and comfort irritated sinuses.

  1. Use a humidifier and air purifier indoors

Winter air is dry. When the air is dry, the sinuses and throat are more prone to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. This can make you more susceptible to contracting germs, viruses, and bacteria that can lead to infection. You can counter this domino effect by using a humidifier in your home to introduce moisture to indoor air.

An air purifier is also a note-worthy addition to your home come wintertime. This helps get rid of dust, dirt, and other small contaminants from the air inside your home, improving indoor air quality.

  1. Use HEPA filters

Use HEPA filters in your home’s HVAC system. Such filters are of premium quality and can remove at least 99.97% of dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, and other airborne contaminants. Good indoor air will keep your family safer from allergies and sinus issues.

  1. Keep your home clean

As more people prefer to stay indoors during winter, keeping your home clean should be at the top of your priorities. Vacuum and dust around your house regularly. Use a damp towel to dust around your house so as not to stir up dust and pet dander, two common indoor allergens. Additionally, regularly clean indoor humidifiers and air purifiers. Regularly change the filters and clean your HVAC system too.

  1. Know your allergy triggers and avoid them

People can be allergic to a variety of triggers. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, smoke, poor air quality, and food. It would help you if you know what your allergy triggers are. This lets you know what medications and precautions you need to take to minimize the impact on your health.

  1. Maintain healthy habits

Lastly, maintaining healthy habits will strengthen your immunity against several health issues. Make sure you drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods. Avoid consuming too much caffeine or alcohol as these can be dehydrating. Exercise regularly and consider adding vitamin supplements to your diet.

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Know When to Seek Help: Let Dallas Breathe Free Help Manage Your Symptoms

If you’ve tried several tips and tricks to manage your sniffles this winter season but to no avail, we at Dallas Breathe Free might be of help. Get in touch with us to book an appointment and let’s start your journey toward a healthier you, no matter the season!

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