Most of us have already been warned by our grandmas to avoid draft. Our grandmas were right on this advice because doctors warn us that the main reasons for sinus inflammation are air conditioners and draft.
Otorhinolaryngology doctors warn that people do not actually know how to properly use air conditioners. People believe that lower temperature better cools the body down, but it is not. The air conditioner should be set to lower the temperature to a level that can be tolerated, but not lowered down and make a huge difference on the temperature outside and inside the room.
Most people who are exposed to drafts and uncontrolled use of air conditioners suffer from acute sinusitis which is characterized by general weakness, runny nose, temporary loss of sense of smell, headaches and inability to breathe through the nose.
Specialists warn that when the outside temperature is about 30 degrees, the optimum air conditioners should be set to 23-24 degrees which would made a difference of just several degrees. If the outside temperature is around 40 degrees, air conditioners must be set a few degrees higher, not lower because you will not only risk for getting acute sinusitis but you risk to shock your body due to sudden change in temperature.
Besides in rooms with air conditioning we all must be careful when it comes to air conditioning in cars as well. Like in room, people want to drastically lower the car temperature too. This drastic temperature change may take a toll on your health, doctors say.
And more causes of sinusitis
While many things can cause sinusitis, most cases occur due to the following five reasons:
1. Viruses
Viral infections cause 90% of sinusitis cases in adults. When we say virus, we’re typically referring to upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or flu.
2. Nasal polyps
If you’ve developed nasal polyps in your nose or sinuses, the good news is that these growths aren’t necessarily a cause for concern. If the polyps are large or numerous, however, they can block your nose and lead to breathing problems and chronic infections.
3. Deviated septum
Your septum ― which is made up of bone and cartilage ― divides your nostrils. In a perfect world, your septum would divide your nasal passages equally. Most people, however, have some degree of deviation in their septum, and the more severe the deviation, the more prone they can be to developing complications, such as congestion and sinus infections.
4. Structurally small sinuses
Some people suffer from chronic sinusitis because of structurally small sinus cavities. If your sinuses are on the smaller side, this can leave very little room to accommodate even modest swelling, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
5. Allergies
With allergic rhinitis, allergens irritate the nasal passages and sinuses, which leads to an inflammatory response. People with allergic rhinitis typically experience seasonal sinusitis.