Can Weather Changes Cause Sinus Pain? Here’s What You Should Know

Ever feel facial aches or a heavy head before a storm or sudden temperature drop? You’re not imagining it—many people experience sinus pain or pressure with weather changes, and there’s a medical reason behind it.

As otolaryngologists (ENT specialists), we often hear patients say, “I can feel a storm coming in my sinuses.” While it might sound like folklore, there’s real science behind how weather can affect your sinus health.

How Weather Affects Your Sinuses

Your sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind the cheeks, forehead, and between the eyes. Under normal conditions, these cavities help regulate air pressure and produce mucus to keep your nasal passages moist and clear. But when the weather shifts — especially with changes in barometric pressure — it can disrupt this balance.

Here’s how weather changes can trigger sinus discomfort:

Barometric Pressure Drops

When the air pressure outside your body drops quickly, such as before a storm, the pressure inside your sinuses can become higher than the pressure outside. This imbalance can create a feeling of pressure or fullness, similar to what you might feel during a flight.

Common symptoms include:

Facial pain or tightness
Headaches (especially in the forehead or behind the eyes)
Congestion without a cold

Temperature Swings

Cold air can cause nasal tissues to swell and blood vessels to constrict, which can restrict airflow and increase sinus pressure. Meanwhile, warm, humid air may increase mucus production, especially if you suffer from allergies or sinusitis.

Humidity Changes

High humidity can encourage the growth of mold, dust mites, and other allergens — all of which can inflame the nasal passages. Low humidity, on the other hand, can dry out your nasal lining, making it more prone to irritation or infection.

Wind and Air Quality

Strong winds can stir up allergens, pollutants, and even Saharan dust (depending on where you live), all of which can worsen sinus symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Who’s Most at Risk?

You’re more likely to experience weather-related sinus pain if you have:

Chronic sinusitis
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal or year-round allergies)
Nasal polyps
A deviated septum
Migraines (which can sometimes be mistaken for sinus headaches)

What Can You Do About It?

If you’re regularly dealing with sinus pain tied to the weather, there are ways to manage and reduce your symptoms:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water helps thin mucus and keeps your sinuses draining properly.

Use a Humidifier

Dry indoor air, especially in winter, can make sinus pain worse. A humidifier helps keep your nasal passages moist.

Try Saline Nasal Rinses

Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can flush out irritants and reduce inflammation.

Manage Allergies

If allergens are a trigger, staying on top of your allergy treatments can prevent flare-ups when weather changes stir up pollen, dust, or mold.

Over-the-Counter Relief

Decongestants or antihistamines may help during high-symptom periods — but they should be used carefully and not long-term without medical advice.

Consult an ENT Specialist

If sinus pain becomes chronic or significantly affects your quality of life, it’s time to seek professional evaluation. You could have an underlying condition like chronic sinusitis, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps that require treatment.

Final Thoughts

Weather changes can absolutely trigger sinus pain — and for many people, it’s more than just an inconvenience. Understanding the connection between atmospheric shifts and sinus pressure can help you prepare for flare-ups and manage your symptoms more effectively.

If you're experiencing ongoing sinus pressure or headaches that seem to follow the forecast, we can help get to the root of the problem.

Call us today at 954-942-6868 or visit our site at DrLapco.com for more information.