Can consuming dairy products cause sinus problems or infections?

Consuming dairy foods doesn’t cause sinus problems for most people, however, milk allergies or dairy sensitivities can be a trigger for some individuals.

That thick or coated feeling you get after drinking milk? This occurs when the milk mixes with saliva in the mouth, it creates an emulsion that briefly coats the lining of the throat and oral cavity. This temporary coating alters the viscosity of the existing saliva and mucus, leading to a sensation of thickness or a film across the throat. 

Majority of the scientific evidence shows that dairy does not directly cause an increase in sinus problems. Several reviews have found the opposite, unless you have an allergy to dairy. Dairy products, particularly fermented ones like yoghurt, kefir and aged cheeses have a beneficial effect and are largely anti-inflammatory.^1,2 There have been some small studies that may have found a correlation, however further long-term research is needed to fully elucidate the effects of dairy foods on sinusitis and inflammation. 

Determining your specific sinus reaction requires observation and professional guidance. Discuss with your healthcare professional, such as your GP or an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). They can provide personalised advice and guidance to help identify patterns between dairy consumption and sinus congestion. 

References 

1. Nieman, K. M., Anderson, B. D., & Cifelli, C. J. (2021). The Effects of Dairy Product and Dairy Protein Intake on Inflammation: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 40(6), 571–582. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2020.1800532 
2. Bordoni, A., Danesi, F., Dardevet, D., Dupont, D., Fernandez, AS., Gille, D., Nunes Dos Santos, C., Pinto, P., Re, R., Rémond, D., Shahar, D. R., Vergères, G. (2017). Dairy products and inflammation: A review of the clinical evidence. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(12), 2497-2525.