NW LA Times

Spring can increase the severity of sinus inflammation in patients suffering from allergies.

Twice a year, the days and nights are equal in length, which is called an equinox. The spring equinox arrived on March 20, but for many who suffer from sinus inflammation or sinus headaches, the allergy season is just ramping up, according to The Farmer's Almanac. 

Tree pollen is the first offender to bring on sinus inflammation and other symptoms during the month of February. Trees can begin producing pollen as early as January and continue producing into June in some cases. Tree pollen can cause the same allergy symptoms as “spring allergies,” such as sinus inflammation, sneezing, congestion and itchy, watery eyes, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

In March, tree pollen becomes more of an issue, but there are added triggers from grasses that may be coming in. Tree, grass and ragweed pollens do particularly well during cool nights and warmer days, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).  

In April, grass pollen emerges and flowers are still in bloom, causing worsening seasonal allergic rhinitis, according to AAFA.

May is likely to bring much of the same. All these conditions are weather-dependent, of course. If the weather is favorable to any particular plant, any one type of pollen might see higher than normal levels, according to ACAAI.

"We've definitely found that there's a spectrum of patients, from mild sinus disease to severe sinus disease," Dr. Glenn Waldman of Bella Vista ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery told NW LA Times. "Any of them potentially can be a candidate. Age is not really a factor, and other health issues are not much of a factor either."

If you have the compounding problems of narrow sinuses and allergies, there are treatment options available. To treat narrow sinuses or structural problems, a specialist might recommend balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, which is typically done in a doctor's office, in which tiny balloons are inserted into the sinuses to expand the narrow opening, according to Healthline.

This Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz can help you evaluate your symptoms and decide if you might want to see a doctor.