Late-Summer Sinus Problems in Charleston:
Allergies, Humidity, Mold, and Infections
Have a stuffy nose? Pressure around the face? Reaching for tissues more often than usual?
Many Charleston residents know it all too well, especially as summer winds down. Late summer brings heat, humidity, seasonal allergens, and increased opportunities for mold growth that contribute to various nasal problems. For example, both a common cold and a sinus infection can cause many of the same complaints. This often makes it difficult to determine the actual cause. So, understanding some of the common triggers can help you know when it’s reasonable to monitor your symptoms and when it may be time to see a sinus specialist.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies are perhaps the most common reason for sinus problems around this time. In the Lowcountry area, pollen from trees and various grasses and weeds can trigger an immune response in the nose, leading to inflammation and increased mucus production. But the immune response also might cause swollen nasal passages, making mucus drainage difficult. This congestion leads to facial pressure, and sometimes pain. You may also notice a lot more sneezing and itchy or watery eyes.
Unlike a cold or sinus infection, allergy symptoms often persist as long as you’re exposed to the trigger. They also tend to come and go depending on the environment. Even with this information, it can be hard to determine if the culprit is allergies or a sinus infection.
Humidity
The humidity around August and September can make an already irritated nose feel even more uncomfortable. Moist, heavy air may may make nasal secretion feel thicker and more noticeable. The obvious answer to most people is to spend more time indoors with air conditioning, but unfortunately, frequent AC usage can also expose you to rapid changes in temperature and humidity.
It’s also important to remember that humidity itself does not cause a sinus infection. However, changes in the environment can contribute to nasal irritation and inflammation, especially if you’re already experiencing an allergic reaction or congestion. When the nasal passages are swollen, normal sinus draining becomes difficult, which can make symptoms such as pressure, stuffiness, and postnasal drip even worse.
Mold
Warm, humid conditions can create an environment where mold thrives. Many people think mold is an indoors problem, especially around bathrooms and basements, but mold can be found outdoors as well. Mold allergies in Charleston are incredibly common, affecting roughly 1 in 3 residents of this area. Symptoms often include congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchiness.
For those who are sensitive to mold, these symptoms may become more noticeable after exposure to damp areas, water damage, and poorly ventilated spaces. Deep cleaning and AC maintenance can help keep home areas free of potential mold buildup.
Sinus Infection
Not every stuffy nose is a sinus infection. Many symptoms begin with a viral upper respiratory infection, such as a common cold. In some cases, where inflammation and blockage persist, a bacterial infection may develop and become a serious problem.
Also known as sinusitis, a sinus infection can cause similar symptoms to the previous sections: congestion, pressure or pain, thick mucus, cough, and a reduced sense of smell. Persistent symptoms that are severe and continue without improvement is one sign of an infection. Sometimes, symptoms improve and then become significantly worse. If this sounds familiar, it may warrant an evaluation by a sinus specialist.
Many Symptoms Overlap
One of the frustrating things about summer nasal problems is that allergies, colds, environmental irritation, and sinus infections can look very similar. Nasal congestion and drainage, postnasal drip, facial pressure, cough, and changes in your sense of smell can occur with several different conditions.
Commonly overlapping symptoms include:
- Congestion or stuffiness
- Runny nose
- Thick mucus
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pressure or discomfort
- Cough
- Decreased sense of smell
When You May Require an evaluation by a Sinus Specialist
Consider consulting with a Charleston sinus specialist if your symptoms are persistent, severe, or frequently recurring. You may also benefit from an evaluation if your condition interferes with sleep, work, exercise, or your everyday quality of life (such as an inability to breathe through your nose).
A sinus specialist can help determine whether you’re dealing with allergies, chronic inflammation, recurrent sinus infections, or another condition affecting your nasal and sinus health. Rather than simply treating the symptoms, getting the right diagnosis will allow you to address the underlying causes.
Addressing Your Sinus Problems
At the Charleston Sinus Center, we have several sinus specialists, also known as ENT (ear, nose, throat) physicians and physician’s assistants, to help you. To schedule an evaluation, you can reach us at 843-863-1188.