Beat Morning Sinus: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment Options

It generally refers to morning symptoms related to the sinuses, including

• Headaches
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing through the nose (stuffy nose)
• Drainage of mucus down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip)
• Pain and pressure in the face
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Cough

There are several factors that can contribute to sinus in the mornings. Some of the most common causes include:

• Allergies: Patients with seasonal allergies or who are allergic to dust mites, mold spores, animal dander, or other irritants may experience an allergic reaction, with symptoms of morning sinus and a blocked nose in the morning.
• Cold and flu: Common cold and flu viruses can also cause morning sinus symptoms by mimicking allergy symptoms, causing inflammation in the sinus passages and causing excess mucus production.
• Sinus infections: Sinus infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria and can cause severe sinus headaches, congestion, and pressure.
• Change in altitude: If you live at a high altitude or travel frequently, changes in air pressure that are experienced can lead to morning sinus symptoms.
• Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, pollution, and other environmental irritants can also cause symptoms of morning sinus.

There are several reasons why sinus symptoms can be worse in the morning, including:

• Mucus accumulation: As we sleep, mucus can accumulate in the sinuses and nasal cavity, leading to morning congestion and pressure.
• Allergies: An allergic reaction can be more intense in the morning, especially if you have been exposed to allergens overnight. For example, sleeping with your pet in the same bed all night, with exposure to pet dander, can cause severe symptoms in the morning
• Dry air: Dry air can cause sinus tissues to become dry and irritated, leading to increased symptoms.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes can affect the sinuses, causing them to become congested and leading to increased symptoms in the morning. Pregnancy rhinitis is a form of non allergic rhinitis, also thought to be due to hormonal changes

• Avoid triggers: Try to identify and avoid the things that trigger your symptoms, such as cigarette smoke, certain foods, and certain pollutants,
• Allergy medication: If your symptoms are due to allergies, taking allergy medication such as antihistamines can help to reduce your symptoms and prevent morning congestion
• Nasal sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays can prevent the immune system from going into overdrive when exposed to an allergen, and can help to reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion. Some examples  of nasal sprays include saline sprays and decongestant sprays.
• Steam therapy: Steam therapy can help moisten nasal passages and reduce nasal congestion. Alternatively, taking a hot shower, using a humidifier, or boiling water on the stove and breathing in the steam may also help.
• Sinus rinse: A sinus rinse, also known as a nasal irrigation, can help to flush out mucus and allergens from your sinuses. You can purchase pre-made saline solutions or make your own by mixing 200mls of warm water, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Surgery (as a last resort): In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct structural problems in the nose and sinuses; or treat complications such as acute / chronic sinusitis.

If left untreated, it can lead to other associated health problems, such as a sinus infection (acute / chronic sinusitis) or an ear infection (otitis media). It is important to seek medical attention early to receive proper treatment.

Surgery may be recommended in severe cases, where symptoms persist or where other treatments have failed. Sinus surgery can help to relieve blocked sinuses and improve sinus drainage, helping to relieve symptoms. Septoplasty can also be performed for a blocked nose secondary to a deviated septum, making more space in nasal passage. Inferior turbinate reduction can also be performed to improve the symptoms of nasal congestion and a stuffy nose.