Do you also have a heavy head, aching forehead and cheekbones? A stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, and frequent nasal discharge? Many people are familiar with this problem called 'sinus'. Usually, we think that this increases during the cold and rainy season. But, surprisingly, some people can also get sinus problems during this very hot summer. Let's see why this happens, and what we can do to avoid this annoying condition.

Why do sinuses still occur in this hot weather?

Most sinus problems (sinusitis) are usually caused by viruses that cause colds. These viruses are less active in warm weather, so colds are less common in the summer. However, other 'enemies' in our environment become active during this time.

The main enemy is pollen . Simply put, these are very fine pollen grains found in flowers, grasses, and trees. They are carried far and wide by the wind. Most people are not harmed by this pollen. However, some people are allergic to it. When these people breathe in air containing pollen, they sneeze, have itchy and watery eyes, and their nose becomes blocked and starts to run. This is what we call hay fever.

This is how the nose becomes blocked and the delicate membranes inside the nasal cavities swell, blocking the sinus cavities from getting air and causing mucus to build up. That's when sinus problems begin.

What can we do to avoid sinusitis?

The good news is that with a little care, you can largely prevent sinus problems this summer. Let's take a look at some of the things you can do about it.

1. Be careful of pollen

It's impossible to completely avoid pollen, but you can reduce your exposure.

• Stay indoors in the morning: Pollen levels in the air are usually highest in the morning, so try to limit your time outdoors as much as possible.
• Keep the windows closed: Keeping the windows closed and the air conditioning (AC) on, both at home and in the car, greatly reduces pollen entry.
• HEPA Filter: If you have carpet in your home, it is very useful to use an air purifier or vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
• Take care of your pets : If you have a dog or cat, they will be covered in pollen after coming out. So it's a good idea to bathe them regularly during this time.
• If you're going on vacation: If you're going on vacation during this time, it's better to go to a beach than to camp near a forest. Because the pollen is carried by the sea breeze, the pollen levels are lower in coastal areas.

2. Moisturize the nose

Keeping the inside of your nose moist and free of dryness can help reduce the risk of viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances entering your nose. The best and easiest way to do this is to use a saline nasal spray, which you can buy at a pharmacy. This is simply a solution of pure salt water. Spraying it into both nostrils several times a day will help keep your nose well-moisturized.

3. Let's learn about nasal irrigation

This may sound a bit strange, but it is very beneficial for people with sinus problems. It cleanses the inside of the nasal passages thoroughly, flushing out bacteria , viruses, and pollen that may be trapped there.

This is very easy to do. Once a day, tilt your head over a sink and squirt warm salt water into one nostril and out the other. You can do this with a spray bottle, a syringe, or a small device called a Neti Pot . If you make it a daily habit, like brushing your teeth, it will take less than five minutes.

4. Stay away from things that are harmful to the nose.

There are other things that can damage the delicate membranes inside our nose.

Also, the chlorine in swimming pools is not good for the sinuses. This is especially true in indoor swimming pools with poor ventilation. If you are a frequent swimmer, wearing a nose clip can provide some protection. However, swimming in the sea, a clean river, or a lake will not cause much harm.

5. Be especially careful when traveling by air.

The air inside an airplane is very dry and can be full of germs. That's why sinus protection is essential during a flight.

• Use saline nasal spray frequently throughout the trip.
• Drink plenty of water.
• If you already have a stuffy nose, you may experience ear popping as the plane ascends and descends. If you can't postpone your trip, ask your doctor about using a nasal decongestant spray like Oxymetazoline before you fly. But remember, these medications shouldn't be used for more than a few days, as they can be addictive.

What kind of medicine can be used?

There are some medications you can buy from the pharmacy for minor symptoms, but they should be used with great caution.