National Pollution Control Day: Expert Explains How Winter Allergies Are Turning Into Silent Chronic Sinusitis

Winter brings many seasonal joys, but also pollution, allergies, and illnesses. As temperatures drop, many people begin experiencing what they assume are routine winter allergies, sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, or watery eyes. However, experts warn that these recurring symptoms can sometimes evolve into a more persistent and “silent” condition: chronic sinusitis.

We spoke to Dr Deepti Sinha, Lead Consultant, Dept of ENT at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, to better understand the situation.

Chronic sinusitis builds up over time and is often ignored, on the assumption that symptoms are minor or general seasonal problems.

She said, ‘The signs often overlap; individuals may continue treating their symptoms as seasonal allergies, allowing inflammation and infection in the sinuses to worsen over time.”

Why Winters Worsen Allergies

Dr Deepti explained, “During winter, cold, dry air, indoor heating, increased exposure to dust mites, and mould growth in humidifiers or closed spaces can irritate the nasal passages. For those prone to allergic rhinitis, this triggers repeated bouts of swelling in the nasal lining.”

Read: 5 Tips To Travel Safe In Winters If You Have Allergies And Asthma, According To Expert

The result is inflammation.

When this inflammation persists for weeks, it blocks natural sinus drainage, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

What begins as a mild allergy can therefore progress into chronic sinusitis, defined as sinus inflammation lasting more than 12 weeks.

The Silent Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

Unlike a typical cold, chronic sinusitis doesn’t always crash in dramatically. It creeps in.

Symptoms are subtle yet constant:
• facial pressure
• nasal obstruction
• thick discharge
• reduced sense of smell
• persistent headaches

Many keep dismissing these as “lingering winter issues,” delaying proper care—and allowing pollution-triggered inflammation to worsen.

Timely Diagnosis Can Change the Season

Simple interventions, like saline irrigation, steam inhalation, humidifying safely, and avoiding known allergens, can prevent winter-triggered inflammation. For persistent symptoms, ENT specialists use endoscopy or imaging to identify deeper issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps.

“Winter allergies should never be ignored, especially when they occur repeatedly each year,” Dr. Sinha emphasized. “Early management prevents complications and ensures clear, healthy sinuses throughout the season.”

As Delhi’s air turns dense again this December, understanding what is happening inside our bodies, and taking adequate care is essential.