Litchfield Hills Today

• 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 the chances of getting a sinus infection.

Dr. Robert Weiss of CT ENT Sinus Center tells patients that pain and pressure in the face is a common symptom of a sinus infection.

"Facial pain is a big part, a significant component. It's one of the symptoms that we try to ask about," Weiss told Litchfield Hills Today. "There are many reasons people get headaches and facial pain when their sinuses are not healthy. The biggest reason is usually a pressure issue. The sinuses need to drain, but they also need to exchange oxygen and CO2 and equalize pressure. If we can get their sinuses to behave normally and drain properly in a relatively easy way, they don't go on to develop the chronic situations that we see."

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.