What causes dry sinuses in winter. How can you alleviate sinus congestion during cold months. What are the symptoms of winter allergies and sinus infections. How to prevent respiratory issues in dry, cold weather.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Sinus Health

As winter settles in, many people experience the discomfort of dry sinuses and nasal congestion. The cold weather and dry air create an environment that can significantly affect our respiratory system, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms. Understanding the relationship between winter conditions and sinus health is crucial for managing these issues effectively.

Why does cold weather affect our sinuses? The nose plays a vital role in warming and humidifying the air we breathe. When exposed to cold, dry air, the nasal passages become irritated and inflamed. This irritation triggers the production of excess mucus, resulting in nasal congestion and other related symptoms.

Common Winter Sinus Symptoms

• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Coughing

Is there a difference between winter sinus issues and infections? While these symptoms can mimic those of a cold or flu, they are often a direct result of environmental factors rather than viral or bacterial infections. However, prolonged irritation and mucus buildup can create conditions favorable for bacterial growth, potentially leading to sinus infections if left unchecked.

Winter Allergies: A Hidden Culprit

Contrary to popular belief, allergies are not exclusive to spring and summer. Winter allergies can exacerbate sinus issues, especially as people spend more time indoors during colder months. Indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold become more problematic when homes are sealed against the cold, leading to increased exposure.

How can you differentiate winter allergies from other sinus issues? Winter allergy symptoms often include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Persistent sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sinus congestion

Can over-the-counter medications help with winter allergies? For many individuals, antihistamines like Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, or Zyzol can provide relief from allergy symptoms. It’s advisable to try these options before seeking medical attention, unless symptoms are severe or persistent.

Sinus Infections: When Congestion Turns Serious

While not all winter sinus issues lead to infections, it’s important to recognize when congestion has progressed to a more serious condition. Sinus infections occur when fluid accumulates in the sinuses, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Key Symptoms of Sinus Infections

1. Bad breath
2. Persistent cough
3. Facial pain or pressure
4. Severe headache
5. Post-nasal drip
6. Thick, discolored nasal discharge
7. Prolonged sore throat

When should you seek medical attention for sinus symptoms? If you experience severe headaches, facial pain that worsens after initial improvement, symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement, or fever lasting longer than 3-4 days, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, if you’ve had multiple sinus infections in the past year, medical evaluation is recommended.

Preventive Measures for Dry Air Congestion

Taking proactive steps to combat dry air and its effects on your sinuses can significantly reduce discomfort and prevent more serious issues from developing. Here are some effective strategies:

Humidify Your Environment

How can you increase humidity in your home? Using vaporizers or air humidifiers can add moisture to the air, alleviating dryness in your nasal passages. Ensure to clean these devices regularly to prevent mold growth.

Stay Hydrated

What’s the recommended daily water intake for sinus health? Aim to drink at least 85-90 ounces (about 2.5-2.7 liters) of water daily, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Proper hydration helps maintain moisture in your nasal passages and thin mucus secretions.

Nasal Irrigation

Is nasal irrigation effective for sinus congestion? Yes, using saline nasal sprays or performing nasal irrigation can help moisturize nasal passages and clear out excess mucus. However, it’s crucial to use the right type of water to avoid introducing harmful microorganisms into your sinuses.

What type of water should be used for nasal irrigation? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using:

• Distilled or sterile water
• Boiled and cooled tap water
• Water passed through a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller

Never use untreated tap water for nasal irrigation, as it may contain organisms that can cause serious infections.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Help

While many winter sinus issues can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. Understanding these red flags can help you decide when it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.

Signs That Require Medical Evaluation

• Severe headache or facial pain
• Symptoms worsening after initial improvement
• Persistent symptoms lasting more than 10 days
• Fever lasting longer than 3-4 days
• Recurrent sinus infections

How do doctors diagnose sinus infections? Healthcare providers typically diagnose sinus infections based on symptoms and physical examination. In some cases, they may recommend imaging studies like CT scans to assess the extent of sinus inflammation or to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Winter Sinus Issues

The approach to treating winter sinus problems varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. From home remedies to medical interventions, a range of options is available to provide relief and promote healing.

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Solutions

• Saline nasal sprays
• Steam inhalation
• Warm compresses applied to the face
• Over-the-counter decongestants
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief

Are antibiotics necessary for all sinus infections? No, antibiotics are not always required. Many sinus infections are viral and will resolve on their own. Antibiotics are typically reserved for bacterial infections that don’t improve with other treatments.

Prescription Treatments

In cases where over-the-counter remedies are insufficient, healthcare providers may prescribe:

• Prescription-strength decongestants
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays
• Antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections

How long does it take for sinus infections to clear up? With appropriate treatment, most sinus infections improve within 7-14 days. However, some cases may take longer to resolve completely.

Long-Term Strategies for Sinus Health

Maintaining sinus health throughout the winter season and beyond requires a proactive approach. By incorporating certain habits and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of sinus issues.

Year-Round Sinus Care Tips

1. Practice good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of viruses
2. Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens
3. Avoid known allergens and irritants
4. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
5. Manage stress, which can impact immune function
6. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
7. Exercise regularly to boost overall health and immunity

Can dietary changes improve sinus health? Yes, certain foods may help reduce inflammation and support immune function. Consider incorporating these into your diet:

• Omega-3 rich foods (e.g., fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds)
• Citrus fruits high in vitamin C
• Garlic and onions for their antimicrobial properties
• Ginger and turmeric for their anti-inflammatory effects

By implementing these strategies and remaining vigilant about your sinus health, you can navigate the winter months with greater comfort and fewer respiratory issues. Remember, while many sinus problems can be managed at home, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications.

Winter dry sinuses and what you can do

It’s that time of year. Cold winter weather and dry air are here. When you think about the winter season, you can’t help but remember those mornings waking up with a dry mouth, sore throat and sinus congestion.

Of course, we are on high alert for COVID-19 and the flu. Still, other factors play a role in those unpleasant symptoms that are not directly related to infection, particularly when it comes to your sinuses. Environmental allergies and dry winter air can also cause sinus congestion.

What happens

The nose warms and humidifies the air inhaled with moisture that evaporates from the lining of the nasal passage. When exposed to cold and dry air, the lining of the nose becomes irritated and inflamed, and it produces more mucus, resulting in nasal congestion.

The excessive mucus drips into the throat and irritates it, causing a cough. The excess mucus can also obstruct the sinuses and become trapped, encouraging bacteria to grow. If it’s there for a long time, the increased amount of bacteria can cause an infection. This reaction is more pronounced in people with sensitive noses or nasal allergies, such as hay fever.

Allergies

Allergies can occur in the summer and the winter. Winter allergy symptoms are just your typical seasonal allergy symptoms combined with dry air. And because of the winter weather, you’re more likely to spend time indoors, increasing your exposure to indoor allergens.

The most common indoor allergens that trigger symptoms include dust mites, pet dander or mold. Itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion and sneezing are common symptoms of allergies. Trying over-the-counter antihistamines – like Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec and Zyzol – is recommended before going to your primary care provider or urgent care.

Infections

Most of the time, people think they have a sinus infection, the common cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses), allowing germs to grow. While viruses cause most problems, bacteria can also cause sinus infections.

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:

• Bad breath
• Cough
• Facial pain or pressure
• Headache
• Mucus dripping down the throat
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Sore throat

To avoid sinus and respiratory infection, remain hydrated and avoid being outdoors for long periods.

If you develop severe symptoms such as severe headache or facial pain symptoms that get worse after initially getting better, symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement or fever longer than three or four days, you should seek medical care. You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

While antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections, your primary care provider can help you with the best treatment option. You should see your primary care provider for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

What you can do

That’s why it’s essential to be proactive when you first develop sinus congestion, preventing it from progressing to an infection. It’s important to run vaporizers or air humidifiers in your home, drink extra liquids and use a nasal spray or nasal irrigation to moisturize your nasal passages.

If you plan to use nasal irrigation, don’t use tap water. Use distilled, filtered, bottled or boiled water at room temperature — never tap water. Tap water may not have been filtered properly and may cause irritation and infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend taking at least one of the following actions when using nasal irrigation to lower your risk for infection:

• Boil water for one minute and let cool. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes.
• Filter water using designated “NSF 53” or “NSF 58” filters. Filters designated as “absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller” are also effective.
• Buy distilled or sterile water.

There are potential side effects to nasal irrigation. Follow the instructions on your device and always use a clean irrigation device with purified water.

Make it a goal to drink at least 85-90 ounces or five or six bottled waters a day unless instructed by your primary care provider. If you think you have an allergy or infection, talk to your primary care provider.

Last Updated: April 20, 2022

View all posts by Tina Doretti, APRN

Tags: allergies, cold, flu, headache, sinus infection, sore throat

Categories: General

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Dry sinuses occur when the mucous membranes in your sinuses lack proper moisture. This can lead to dry nasal passages, discomfort, nosebleeds, and similar unpleasant symptoms.

In severe cases, untreated dry sinuses can become infected and require antibiotics. Luckily, having dry sinuses is often a complaint that is usually easy to treat. With a combination of the proper home treatments and guidance from your doctor, your symptoms can be alleviated.

Dry sinuses can cause many uncomfortable symptoms in your head, nose, mouth, and throat. Some of these common symptoms include:

• sore throat
• headache
• sinus pain or pressure
• nosebleeds
• dry nose
• dry mouth

When your sinus cavities are dried out, it means you’re not producing enough mucus. This causes your throat, nose, and mouth to become dry as well. When your sinuses get too dry, the tissues become inflamed and irritated.

Irritation in the sinuses can also lead to headaches, aches and pains in the cheeks where the sinuses are located, and sinus pressure.

There are several conditions and irritants that can cause dry sinuses, including:

Seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies like allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can keep the sinuses irritated, causing the tissue to become dry and inflamed. This can lead to thickened or sticky mucus, which makes the problem worse. Allergic rhinitis can be triggered by allergies to:

• pollen
• blooming plants
• grasses
• trees
• mold

Sometimes, over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications can also cause your sinuses to dry out.

Depending on where you live and when certain plants bloom, you might experience allergies more than once a year. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• itchy or watery eyes
• sneezing
• itchy throat, sinuses, or ear canals
• postnasal drainage
• fluid on the ears
• headache
• cough
• wheezing
• shortness of breath

Pet allergies

If you have pets in your house like dogs or cats, it’s possible that you could be allergic to their dander. You might need allergy testing to determine whether your pet could be contributing to your symptoms.

Making an appointment with your doctor or an allergist will give you insight into what is triggering your dry sinuses.

Antihistamines and decongestants

Over-the-counter and prescription medications formulated to dry out excess mucus also tend to dry out the nasal passages and sinus tissues. Antihistamines and decongestants are the medications that most commonly cause this problem.

But there are other medications that can dry your mucus membranes. If you’re taking prescription medication and think it might be causing your dry sinus problem, talk to your doctor about its potential side effects. Your doctor might want to change your prescription or recommend a different over-the-counter medication.

Dry air

Low humidity in your home can cause your nasal passages and sinuses to become dry and irritated. Running the central heating unit (or other heaters) in your home during the winter months can dry out the air. During cold weather, it’s common for people to experience nosebleeds from lack of proper humidity in the house.

Chemical and environmental irritants

Many chemicals and products for cleaning, home repair, and more can irritate your nasal passages and sinuses. This can cause you to have dry sinuses, sore throat, dry nose, nosebleeds, or other symptoms similar to allergies. Some chemicals and products that can irritate your sinuses include:

• household cleaning products
• cigarette smoke
• industrial irritants (such as chemicals in the workplace)
• paint or varnish fumes
• strong perfumes and other synthetic fragrances

Sjögren syndrome

Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that prevents the body from creating enough moisture. People with Sjögren syndrome tend to have dry eyes and dry mouth most often. But because the disorder affects the entire body, it can also cause mucus membranes to become too dry. In some individuals, this can lead to dry sinuses.

Some of the symptoms of Sjögren syndrome include:

• dry mouth
• dry eyes
• dry skin
• joint pain
• vaginal dryness
• fatigue
• skin rashes
• chronic inflammation

Untreated dry sinuses can lead to prolonged discomfort as well as acute or chronic sinusitis. When the membranes in the sinuses stay irritated, this sets the stage for infection. It’s important to treat your symptoms as quickly as possible. Your symptoms should resolve quickly with the right approach.

See your doctor if you have symptoms of sinusitis, including:

• facial pain
• sinus headache
• fever
• thick nasal discharge that is cloudy, green, or yellow
• nasal congestion
• irritated or sore throat
• cough
• hoarse voice

Your doctor may prescribe a round of antibiotics to treat the infection in your sinuses. You will need to increase your water intake to stay hydrated and help thin the thickened mucus. With plenty of rest and proper treatment, your symptoms should be alleviated in 7–10 days.

Dermatovenereologist told why dry indoor air is dangerous – Moscow 24, 09/23/2021

September 23, 2021, 09:30

Society

Outside the window is chilly autumn, but it is warm in the houses. It would seem that we should rejoice in hot batteries, but the Russians are worried because of the undesirable influence of dry air. We figured out how to take care of ourselves during the heating season.

Photo: depositphotos/yocamon

Norm of life

Experts say that if the humidity in the apartment in cold weather is from 40 to 60%, then there is nothing to worry about. However, people do not always have to live in normal conditions.

“On average, indoor humidity during the heating season, unfortunately, is below 20-30%,” says dermatovenereologist Natalia Zhovtan.

Excessive dryness immediately makes itself felt. According to the expert, as soon as the humidity falls below the 40% level, undesirable symptoms appear. In particular, people experience increased eye fatigue due to a decrease in the production of tear fluid. Many people complain of feeling as if they had sand in their eyes.

“Dry crusts form in the nasal passages, itching and discomfort appear, the likelihood of nosebleeds increases,” says dermatovenereologist Natalia Zhovtan.

The mucus, drying up, begins to irritate the membranes of the eyes and nose, and the person reflexively rubs them with his hands. In particular, children reach for their nose with their fingers due to itching and unpleasant crusts.

Thus, the skin becomes an open gate for the penetration of infections into the respiratory tract and dermatological manifestations of bacterial and viral infections (pyoderma, molluscum contagiosum).

Natalia Zhovtan

dermatovenereologist

In rooms with low humidity, people experience difficulty in breathing, sore throat, hoarseness of voice. This is especially dangerous for patients with asthma.

Photo: depositphotos/tumsasedgars

Bottom line

Appearance is also affected by negative factors. According to the doctor, in a room with low humidity, the skin begins to dry out, evaporating its own water.

“The skin becomes more sensitive and receptive to allergens and opportunistic microorganisms that live on it. This fact is especially unfavorable for people suffering from atopic dermatitis, skin xerosis, psoriasis and other skin diseases,” says the doctor.

The dermatovenereologist emphasizes that aging processes are activated in heated rooms. Small wrinkles appear in the area around the eyes, cracks form in the corners of the lips.

“The loss of moisture leads to the fact that blood circulation in the upper layers of the skin is disturbed. It receives less nutrients, which makes regeneration difficult,” explains Natalia Zhovtan.

The expert notes that low humidity is also harmful to the hair. They become dry, thin and brittle. In the heating season, emollients come to the aid of the skin – products that moisturize the skin. According to the doctor, the daily use of these products immediately after water procedures significantly reduces the feeling of tightness and relieves itching.

Photo: depositphotos/oksun70

Help yourself

According to the expert, it is important to know that humid air is always cleaner than dry air. Dust particles containing water vapor are heavier. They settle better on surfaces, and therefore regular wet cleaning helps during the heating season. In addition, clutter and the accumulation of a large number of soft toys, rugs and carpets should be avoided in the apartment. It is also necessary to regularly ventilate the room – 15 minutes twice a day.

Sometimes housewives use a folk method of dealing with dryness – they cover the hot battery with wet towels. However, according to the dermatovenereologist, if you use this method, then only as an extreme and one-time measure.

“There may be detergent residue in the fibers of the towel, which is extremely bad for breathing. And the fabric will dry on the battery in a matter of hours. So there will be no benefit,” the expert continues.

According to Natalia Zhovtan, it is better to put a flat bowl of water on the windowsill above the battery for uniform evaporation of a clean liquid.

“Today there are many modern ways to humidify and at the same time purify indoor air. For example, purchase household air humidifiers with various built-in filters that allow air to pass through and purify it from viruses and bacteria,” the doctor notes.

Modern devices are equipped with a digital display indicating the temperature and humidity level in the room, they have additional options for air aromatization, they can be set to a convenient program. In budget options for humidifiers, you have to constantly update the water from which steam is generated, and all operations are performed manually. However, even the most inexpensive models cope with the task of increasing the level of humidity.

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Even more news – in the telegram channel Moscow 24 Subscribe!

Dry but uncomfortable: 7 ways to humidify the air in the apartment in winter | House/renovation | Real estate

05.10.2015 17:45

Stepan Chaushyan

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Shutterstock.com

As soon as the temperature on the street with the onset of autumn falls below 20-21 degrees comfortable for human life, we begin to look forward to the heating season, so that at least in the apartment we can warm up. But the cherished hot batteries also have the other side of the coin: excessively heated radiators dry the air a lot. And dry air can either lead to diseases or exacerbate existing diseases, such as, for example, asthma. In addition, dry air is bad for the skin and hair.

For human life, as we have already noted, the optimal ambient temperature is around 20-21 degrees Celsius. But it is also important that a certain percentage of moisture is retained in the air. Therefore, in the room where you live, it is best to keep the humidity level between 50% and 70%.

Special and inexpensive devices that can be purchased at the hardware store will allow you to measure the humidity of the air. But how to humidify the air if the level has fallen below normal? AiF.ru gives useful tips that will allow our readers to feel comfortable even with the hottest batteries in the coldest weather.

Humidifiers

Today, electronics stores have a huge selection of specialty humidifiers. Therefore, if you are not constrained by funds, you can buy a device that, without your help, will maintain the optimal balance of air humidity in your apartment. It will automatically take the necessary measurements and adjust the mode of operation so as to achieve the desired results.

But there are relatively inexpensive models on the market that are not equipped with so many functions. By purchasing a conventional humidifier, you will also get the desired result, but you will have to switch the operating modes of the device manually, based either on your feelings or on the indicators of additional devices.

Ventilation

If you don’t want to buy a humidifier, there are a number of other ways to add moisture to the air. One of them is regular ventilation. And don’t be afraid, you won’t have to leave the windows open for several hours in winter and cool your apartment. It is enough to open the window for 5-10 minutes three times a day. This will make the air in the apartment wetter, and the flow of oxygen from the street will be useful in winter, when everyone is sitting in “walled” apartments.

Flowers and plants

Another, very beautiful, by the way, way to humidify the air in your own apartment is to organize a greenhouse in it: plant flowers and other plants. Just as forests are the “lungs” of our planet, the green spaces in your home will be a source of oxygen. They will retain a large amount of liquid, moistening the air. An additional source of moisture is the evaporation of the water that you will water them with.

Dry laundry

There is another way that will help you kill two birds with one stone. But this time, our improvised humidifier will not be decorative, but a useful function. Agree, no matter what modern washing machine you have, its centrifuge cannot bring things to a dry state – they have to be hung either on the balcony or in the bathroom. In winter, the dryer for clothes and linen can be moved to the room. Your clothes will dry, and the evaporated water will humidify the air.

Wet towels

If the clothes dryer can’t be moved from the bathroom, or if you don’t do your laundry often enough to keep the air moist all the time, regular towels will help. It remains only to wet them, squeeze them out so that water does not drip onto the floor, and place them on the radiator. The towel will dry quickly, releasing enough steam to bring the room to the right level of humidity.

Water in a basin

An ordinary basin of water is a great way to humidify the air in a room. It is enough just to collect the required amount of water and put the basin in a convenient place: under the table, under the sofa, next to the radiator or behind the cabinet. Not only basins can go into battle, but also any container into which you can draw water, with the exception of bottles with a narrow neck. In a warm room, the water will evaporate quickly, significantly increasing the humidity in the apartment.

Aquarium and fountain

Many people don’t like the bowls of water placed throughout the apartment. But here there is also a way out: in place of an ordinary basin of water, there can be any element of decor that contains moisture and allows it to evaporate in a warm room. An ideal option, for example, would be an ordinary aquarium. It will perform both a decorative function and a moisturizer.