Ashford Clinic Blog
Barometric Pressure and Your Sinuses
Many of us have a friend or relative who could tell a thunderstorm was coming because their knees hurt. It turns out that there may be something to that. Have you ever noticed that changes in the weather can mean changes in your sinuses (headaches, pressure, etc.)? It's not your imagination! Recent studies have shown that there can be links between changes in barometric pressure and some changes in our bodies. While much remains unknown about Low and High Barometric Pressure Symptoms, here is what we know so far...
What is Barometric Pressure?
Barometric Pressure is, in short, how the weight of the atmosphere is measured. This can be lower or higher depending on the air's density and moisture content, temperature, altitude, and more. One of the more obvious environmental signs of barometric pressure is rain. This occurs when the atmospheric pressure decreases, causing air to rise and condensation to occur - which falls back to earth as rain.
What Does That Have to Do With My Sinuses?
These changes in the atmosphere's weight can impact more than just the weather. Here's what that means for your sinuses. Our sinuses are filled with air, and the pressure in those sinuses is no longer at equilibrium with the pressure outside of the body when the barometric pressure changes. This difference in pressure is what causes sinus pressure and sinus headaches, which can be exacerbated by an existing sinus infection, allergies, congestion, or other sinus issues. When the atmospheric pressure drops, it can also cause lower blood pressure, which can result in dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue in some cases. This "perfect storm" of circumstances and symptoms can make it hard to go about your day and even keep you from getting out of bed if the symptoms are bad enough.
At Ashford Clinic, we can help with all of your ENT issues like sinus infections, allergies, and more. Give us call to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
