cold wind can cause sinusitis?
 

In a desparate quest to find what plagues me with chronic sinusitis attacks: Could it be that the cold wind to my face while riding triggers another acute sinusitis? This is my ENT's hypothesis along with a nasal septum abnormality that i have. I'm cycling for 15 years now,the situation only emerged the last 3. Brothers on wheels, is there any of you absolutely convinced that cycling can worsen a sinusitis problem and what is your doctor's suggestions? I need a way out, the disease and the medication make me a stiff several times a year let alone keeping me off the saddle for weeks!

I would not expect that your exposure to cold while biking has changed much as opposed to the 12 years prior to your outbreaks. So I'd tend to look elsewhere first.

In the past three years, have you moved or do you have a different job? Maybe there is something like a mold or dust or pollen problem at either your residence or work. something that triggers your sinus congestion.

My wife has similar sinus problems to your description. She starting using a Neti pot daily about 6 years ago - it's helped tremendously. Now she can go 18 months or longer between infections. Still frequent but a far cry from one every three months.

I find that cycling helps with sinusitis. I used to have infections often, but my nose runs when I am cycling which clears all the nasties. In addition, I use steam a couple of times a day and a saltwater solution to rinse/drain when I feel the beginning of a problem. If I cycle or run outdoors, or work hard inside at the gym, it keeps my nose running and the infection doesn't get a chance to get locked in.

After my doctor couldn't help me any longer, and 2-3 years of sinus infections, I went to specialist who gave me antibiotics so strong and sickening that I couldn't continue taking them. I haven't had sinusitis for a few years now. For me the answer has been nasal lavage. I found a newsgroup online, and a sinus specialist who had invented an electric nasal lavage pump, the Grossan Hydro Pulse System. Once a day for a few months cleared up my chronic sore throat, ear infections, and congested runny nose.

http://www.hydromedonline.com/hp.html

I have no connection with the doctor.

I still use the device as a precaution, but I am no longer suffering from sinusitis.