Summer Sinus Infections: Causes and Prevention in Humid Climates

New Orleans, Louisiana, has a unique, warm, and humid climate, thanks to its proximity to large bodies of water. In fact, New Orleans was named the most humid city in the United States in both 2024 and 2025.

New Orleans’ humidity not only feels heavy and sticky, but it can also aggravate sinus issues and allergies for many of us who suffer. If you’ve noticed increased nasal congestion, sinus pressure, or fatigue during summer in New Orleans, humidity may be a key trigger.

How New Orleans’ Hot and Humid Weather Impacts the Sinuses

Here’s how the hot and humid weather in New Orleans, LA can be bad for your sinus health:

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🫁 High humidity = respiratory issues

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High humidity can worsen respiratory issues as extreme humidity levels create a less-than-ideal environment for your lungs. When air feels heavy and sticky, it prevents the body’s respiratory system from functioning properly, putting people at increased risk of developing respiratory conditions.

Humidity also makes mucus thicker and stickier, potentially leading to mucus buildup and impaired drainage. This environment can contribute to an increased risk of sinus infections.

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👃 High humidity = impaired cilia function

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Contrary to popular belief, high humidity can hinder the function of cilia—tiny hairs in the nose that help filter allergens and irritants. When this system is disrupted, your risk of experiencing congestion, infections, and sinus pressure may increase.

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🍃 High humidity = increased exposure to allergens

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High levels of humidity increase your exposure to allergens, irritants, and pathogens that can be harmful to your sinuses.

Residents of New Orleans should be especially mindful of common summer allergens, including Bermuda, rye, and fescue grasses. Additionally, New Orleans ranks as the #1 most challenging place to live with seasonal allergies, so expect high pollen levels nearly year-round — especially during hot and humid summers.

Mold spores, which thrive in warm, moist conditions, often worsen sinus symptoms during summer months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCpdQw_zF2Y

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Practical Tips for Managing Summer Sinus Woes

Here are simple yet effective relief tips for those of us who consistently suffer from sinus issues:

✅ Track and monitor New Orleans pollen and allergen counts. Make it a habit to always check local pollen levels to start your day. This allows you to plan your day accordingly. Stay home if allergen levels are dangerously high, and if you need to go out, protect yourself with dust masks, hats, and sunglasses.

✅ Run a home dehumidifier in your New Orleans home. Summer air can feel heavy, sticky, and uncomfortable. You can reduce moisture in the air and support better sinus health by running a home dehumidifier.

How about air conditioning?

Living with hot and humid summers, of course, it would be difficult to imagine going through the summer months without the power of air conditioning. However, you might want to take air conditioning slowly if you’re already dealing with sinus troubles, as extremely dry air can be drying to the nasal passages as well, exacerbating existing symptoms.

✅ Change your HVAC filter regularly to improve indoor air quality. Keep indoor air healthy by routinely changing HVAC system filters and maintaining a clean unit.

✅ Use saline nasal sprays to flush your sinuses. Saline sprays break down mucus buildup, ease nasal congestion, and help clear out allergens and irritants in the nasal passages.

✅ Take your allergy medications consistently. If prescribed or recommended by your provider, maintain a regular medication schedule. Starting allergy medication before peak season may offer added protection.

✅ Shower after time outdoors in New Orleans. Immediately get out of your outdoor clothes and into the shower after spending time outside to wash away pollen and allergens that might have stuck to your skin and hair.

✅ Stay hydrated. Hydration is essential to keeping the sinuses healthy. It keeps mucus thin and encourages proper mucus drainage — especially important during hot New Orleans summers.

Know When to See a Specialist for Your Summer Sinus Issues

If your symptoms persist despite home remedies — or if they’re interfering with your daily life — it’s time to see a specialist.

At ENT & Allergy of New Orleans, we’re proud to help residents of New Orleans, Metairie, and surrounding communities find lasting relief from sinus problems.

At ENT & Allergy of New Orleans, we offer a full range of ENT care including allergy testing, personalized sinus management and treatment, and minimally invasive procedures like balloon sinuplasty–an in-office procedure that may help improve sinus drainage in appropriate candidates. Schedule an appointment and take back control of your health this summer!