Summer may bring sunshine and fun, but for many, it also brings persistent sinus discomfort. While spring and fall are notorious for allergy flare-ups, summer is no safe haven. Heat, humidity, and seasonal allergens can all contribute to sinus pressure, nasal congestion, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you’re struggling with sinus issues this summer, the good news is that effective relief is possible with the right strategies.
Seasonal allergens don’t stop in the summer
While tree pollen is mostly a spring concern, grass and weed pollens reach their peak during the summer months.
This means those familiar allergy symptoms—sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, postnasal drip, and sinus congestion—may persist or even intensify during summer.
How to find summer sinus relief
Limit being outside during peak pollen hours, especially during early morning and when it is windy. If you’re heading outside, consider wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to keep pollen out of your hair. After returning indoors, rinse off and change clothes to avoid spreading pollen through your home.
When driving, keep your car’s windows closed and use your car’s air conditioning system with a clean filter to prevent pollen from entering. The same applies at home. Keep doors and windows shut and rely on air conditioning to keep the air clean and cool.
Improve indoor air quality for lasting relief
Spending more time indoors can help, but indoor air isn’t always allergen-free. Dust, mold spores, and pollen can accumulate in homes, especially if air filters are not changed regularly.
To reduce exposure to indoor irritants:
- Replace HVAC and air conditioning filters every 1–3 months.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove allergens effectively.
- Invest in an air purifier, particularly in bedrooms or living spaces where you spend the most time.
- Maintain optimal indoor humidity, ideally between 30–50%, to prevent mold growth.
Avoid common sinus irritants
Summer brings more than just pollen. Environmental pollutants such as car exhaust, wildfire smoke, and secondhand cigarette smoke can all inflame sinus tissues. Avoid outdoor exercise near busy roads or during air quality alerts. If you attend social gatherings with bonfires or smokers, stay upwind and limit exposure as much as possible.
Swimming can also be a surprise sinus trigger. Chlorine in pools may irritate the nasal passages for sensitive individuals. Whenever possible, opt for freshwater lakes or the ocean, and use a nose clip to prevent water from entering the nasal cavity during your swim.
Keep nasal passages moist
Dry nasal passages can make sinus symptoms worse. In summer heat—or when traveling by air—this dryness becomes more pronounced. To counteract it, use over-the-counter saline nasal sprays throughout the day. These sprays help keep nasal tissues hydrated and flush out allergens or irritants.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps maintain healthy mucus flow and supports overall sinus function.
Cleanse with nasal irrigation
Incorporating a daily nasal rinse into your hygiene routine can offer significant sinus relief. Saline irrigation—using tools like a neti pot, squeeze bottle, or saline rinse kit—flushes out pollen, dust, and other debris, while also reducing inflammation and the risk of infection.
Be sure to use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water when performing nasal irrigation to prevent contamination.
Know when it’s time to see a specialist
If over-the-counter remedies such as antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec) or decongestants (Sudafed) aren’t providing lasting relief, it may be time to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. Chronic sinus symptoms, facial pressure, or recurring sinus infections may require prescription treatments like corticosteroid sprays or antibiotics.
ENT physicians can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend advanced treatments such as allergy testing, sinus imaging, or even minimally invasive sinus procedures when needed.
Don’t let sinus symptoms spoil your summer
You don’t have to suffer through another summer of sinus misery. Whether you’re battling nasal congestion, pressure, or lingering allergy symptoms, the right care can help you breathe easier and enjoy the season to its fullest.
Find a trusted ENT specialist near you to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.
