Your sinuses can be very sensitive, especially during certain times of the year such as spring or fall. This is the time when sinuses tend to cause the most problems, as this is when pollen, mold and other factors change, wreaking havoc on your sinuses. Your diet can also affect your sinuses; caffeine, for instance, tends to dry your nasal cavity and cause inflammation and swelling.
Caffeine
Everyone has a different sensitivity level to caffeine, according to KidsHealth. The amount of caffeine your body can tolerate may vary depending upon how much you normally consume. KidsHealth also notes that larger people tend to handle large amounts of caffeine better than those who are small; this means men may be able to tolerate more caffeine than women, or that someone who is overweight or has a lot of muscle mass may tolerate caffeine better than someone who is of ordinary weight or underweight. If caffeine is the root of your sinus problems and other health conditions, you may need to reduce your caffeine intake.
Sinuses
Your sinuses can become dry, irritated and inflamed for a variety of reasons. Caffeine can zap moisture out of your body, including your sinuses. Dry sinuses can cause irritation and lead to other problems. You may become more susceptible to developing sinus infections, as your nasal cavity lining becomes inflamed and irritated, or you could become more prone to snoring. Caffeine should be avoided at least two hours before bedtime, according to HelpGuide.org. Caffeine intake can also cause problems with post-nasal drip. Chronic inflammation and irritation can lead to sinus headaches on a regular basis.
Solution
To prevent sinus irritation, infections and avoid complications with snoring and post-nasal drip, reduce your caffeine intake. It may be necessary to reduce your caffeine intake more than once to find a level of caffeine that your body can easily tolerate. If you’re not big on caffeine consumption, you may consider eliminating it from your diet completely. Drink plenty of water to help keep your nasal cavity and body properly hydrated. Water can help prevent your sinuses from drying out, which can reduce or eliminate inflammation and irritation.
Considerations
If you have chronic sinus inflammation and suffer from sinus infections or sinus headaches on a regular basis, consult your physician. Chronic inflammation, irritation, and infection could be due to a structural abnormality in your sinuses, allergies or another unknown cause. Only take sinus medications recommended by your doctor, and take them exactly as advised by your physician or as instructed per the product packaging.
References
- HelpGuide.org: How to Stop Snoring: Cures, Remedies and Tips for Your Partner; Sarah Kovatch, Suzanne Barston, Gina Kemp, M.A., and Robert Segal, M.A.; June 2011
- KidsHealth: Caffeine and Your Child; Feb. 2009
- FamilyDoctor.org: Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion; April 2011
- KidsHealth: Headaches; Nov. 2010
- American Academy of Otolaryngology: Post-Nasal Drip
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