Winter brings plenty of joy, from the first snowfall to shared holiday meals. It also marks the start of flu season, a time when our bodies have to work harder to stay healthy. While flu season makes you more likely to catch the flu, it can also make you more vulnerable to certain ENT conditions.
Let’s look at a few ENT issues that may arise during flu season and how you can protect against them.
Sinus Infections
Whether you catch a cold or the flu, both conditions can inflame the tissues lining your sinuses. If the inflammation is severe or lasts long enough, you can develop a sinus infection. Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Facial pressure
- Nasal blockage
- Headaches
- Tooth pain
You can help prevent a flu or cold from turning into a sinus infection with the following:
- Use a humidifier to moisturize the sinuses
- Stay hydrated to thin mucus
- Irrigate your sinuses with a saline solution
If your symptoms last more than 10 days, schedule an appointment with one of our ENT specialists for a treatment consultation.
Ear Infections
An ear infection is an infection of the space behind the eardrum. It arises when the Eustachian tubes, thin canals connecting the ear to the throat, become swollen or blocked, causing fluid to accumulate and become infected. When a cold or flu inflames the Eustachian tubes, you might experience more ear infections. Symptoms include:
- Ear pain or pressure
- Fluid leakage from the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Fever
Most ear infections clear on their own. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen or use numbing drops to manage your symptoms. In severe cases, your provider will prescribe antibiotics.
Sore Throat
A sore throat could be a symptom of a cold or flu, or point to another condition like strep throat or postnasal drip:
- Strep throat. Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection of your throat and tonsils. Antibiotics are usually recommended to clear the infection, help you feel better faster and reduce the risk of complications.
- Postnasal drip. Postnasal drip happens when excess mucus builds up and drips into your throat. The most effective way to treat it is by addressing the underlying cause. For colds and flu, that means drinking plenty of water or tea and taking short-term decongestants. For chronic or ongoing postnasal drip, Midwest ENT Specialists offers in-office evaluation and treatment options to help relieve symptoms and address the underlying cause.
Protecting Against Winter Illness
Spending a lot of time indoors during the winter increases your likelihood of developing a cold or flu. You can minimize your risk of contracting or spreading illness by washing your hands frequently, avoiding the sharing of food or drinks, limiting contact with sick people and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. Not only will these tips help prevent a nasty cold or flu, but they will also minimize your risk of further ENT complications.
If you’re dealing with chronic or urgent ENT issues, our expert and caring team at Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists is here to help. We do our best to accommodate urgent concerns as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment or learn more about managing your ENT health this winter, contact our office today.