Barometric Pressure Changes & Sinus Pain
Barometric pressure, or air pressure, is the weight of the air as measured by a barometer. Changes in barometric pressure cause weather fluctuations and, according to some, aches and pains--including sinus pain and headaches. Although the jury is still out on the true cause-and-effect relationship, anecdotal evidence and research show a possible link.
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Sinus Facts
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Sinuses are hollow cavities located around the nose and right above the eyebrows. They are lined with a moist tissue called mucosa, or mucous membranes.
Sinus Pain/Sinusitis
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The lining of the sinus can become inflamed from a variety of factors, including allergies, irritation and viral infection. This swelling can also lead to bacterial infections. Pain and pressure from the swelling can occur around the face (particularly behind the eyes), in the forehead and in the cheeks.
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Barometric Pressure
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Atoms and molecules in the air are in constant motion and the total pressure exerted from them creates what we call air pressure. The most common unit of measurement in the U.S. is "inches of mercury," as measured by a barometer. The standard measure at sea level is 29.92.
Weather Changes
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Falling barometric pressure is associated with wet and/or windy conditions in general, as well as with thunder in very hot weather. Rising pressure is associated with approaching fairer weather, although it could indicate snow if the weather is already frosty. On weather maps, low pressure locations are indicated with a red "L" and high pressure locations with a blue "H."
Relationship
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Sinus pain can occur when the high pressure of trapped air in swollen sinuses reacts with a decrease in air pressure around you. In addition to weather-related conditions, sinus pain or discomfort can also occur when you go up in an airplane or in an elevator in a particularly tall building.
Research
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A study published in the March 2009 edition of "Neurology" found that high temperatures and low barometric pressure (albeit to a lesser extent) did influence headache risk. However, some researchers, like Dr. Joel Saper, director of the Michigan Head Pain and Neurological Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan, question the findings, citing the possibility of other causal factors involved in the study group headaches. The need for more research is clear, as many questions remain regarding the relationship of air pressure to sinus pain and overall health.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Nicholas
