Summer’s Humidity And Your Sinuses

 July 10, 2019

It’s July in New York! It’s such a fun time of year to celebrate our nation and to be outside. If you struggle with sinus issues, New York’s humidity could be causing you problems, and it’s not a fun time at all. July’s humidity in New York can be brutal. Current Results explains Humidity Levels in Yew York During July. The average relative humidity percentage in July is 74% in the morning.

Extreme humidity, as we experience in New York, can wreak havoc on your sinuses. Extreme humidity causes the cilia (the little hairs that coat mucous membranes) not to function normally. The cilia are responsible for moving your mucus over their surfaces. When they are not working correctly and moving mucus, it gets trapped in your sinuses and bacteria can invade your sinuses. This invasion causes inflammation, which results in painful sinus issues.

Naturally Helping Your Sinus Problems Related To High Humidity

1. Drink plenty of water. Hydration helps your body in many ways during the summer months. Water also helps to keep your sinuses moist.
2. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration.
3. Eat foods that may help clear your sinuses. Hot peppers, mustard, curry, horseradish, and wasabi may help.
4. Give your nasal passage a saline wash. By flushing your nasal passage, it will thin your mucus and help clean it.
5. Apply a warm compress to help keep your nasal passage moist.

New York Sinusitis Treatment

Dr. Greg Levitin takes a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat your sinus problems. Contact his New York Sinusitis Treatment office today to arrange your first appointment.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Gregory Levitin, New York Sinusitis Treatment

Columbus Circle Office

(212) 784-6643

Yumi P

I’ve struggled with sinus congestion for my entire life. I’ve seen numerous doctors however none have been able to even diagnose the issue beyond “allergy” or propose any solution but nasal sprays. Dr. Levitin was the first to accurately diagnose the issue, propose balloon sinuplasty as a permanent fix, and successfully complete the procedure. His warmth and professionalism, plus a quick and easy procedure, have been a life changer. My quality of life has improved so much. I wish I had gone to him years ago! I highly recommend him.

Elizabeth L.

My balloon procedure greatly improved my ability to breath. I was constantly taking decongestants prior to the procedure, suffered from numerous sinus infections, and was on and off antibiotics repeatedly. Since the balloon procedure I have not had to take decongestants. The sinus infections and constant sinus pressure are gone, as is the fluid in my ears that reduced my hearing. I recommend the balloon to anyone who suffers from sinusitis!

Christine D.

I highly recommend Dr. Levitin for the balloon sinuplasty procedure for sinusitis and migraine sufferers. In addition to a dramatic reduction in sinus infections (both in frequency and duration), my recurring migraine headaches are almost entirely gone. I did not even know that the headaches that I had for 20+ years were related to my sinuses. The balloon sinuplasty is also low-risk as the procedure itself was quick and completely painless with an easy recovery (resting at home for 2 days), and mine was fully covered by insurance.

Todd R.

Since my balloon procedure 3 years ago, I have experienced virtually zero sinus infections. I used to get one after every cold.

Brett K.

Dr. Levitin is fantastic! I was getting sinus infections three times a year – and they would last for several weeks. I wasn’t crazy about traditional sinus surgery. Dr. Levitin recommended non-surgical Balloon Sinuplasty. Now I can breath better and my nose colds only last a few days.

Clara S.

I was very pleased with my experience with Dr.Gregory Levitin. Felt that I got the best possible treatment regarding the Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure. I highly recommend this procedure (if it is necessary to be done) because it is painless and the recovery time is so quick that I didn’t need any pain medication after the procedure! Dr. Gregory Levitin was patient and took his time with explaining the steps of the procedure. The staff were also very helpful and welcoming. Thank you Dr. Gregory Levitin!

Mark M.

I went to Dr. Levitin because winter equated blindingly painful sinus headaches. After discussing the matter with a friend, he recommended Dr. Levitin to me. We decided on a less invasive ballon sinuplasty instead of full surgery to see if it would bring me relief, and it did. Two months later of a bitter cold winter and so far I have been spared from these sinus headaches. My only regret was not have done this procedure sooner! I will definitely recommend Dr Levitin to those seeking sinus relief.

Chadi L.

I’ve been supervised by Dr Levitin for the past 3 years. Came in due to respiratory issues and frequent sinus infections (up to 4 a year). Had both the Latera and a balloon sinuplasty and feel much better now. Breathing much more easily and only had 1 sinus infection since the surgeries. Definitely recommend Dr Levitin

Michael F.

Terrific experience with Dr. Levitin. I struggled for years with intense sinus pressure and headaches, and was generally shrugged off by other ENTs. Dr. Levitin did a more thorough examination and identified the issue – my narrow nasal passageways. We scheduled a balloon sinuplasty procedure, and i’ve been much better since. He has great bedside manner – kind, patient, confident, gives ample time for any questions. His staff has been consistently good in all my visits. Highly recommend.

Deborah F

Dr Levitin is excellent. He is an outstanding physician with an unusually good bedside manner. Unlike so many other busy physicians, he’s busy but never makes you feel rushed. He listens to you. He considers what you say before he gives an opinion or suggests treatment. He is responsive to questions.
I came to Dr Levitin with breathing problems and chronic sinus infections and he treated me systematically until they are all resolved. He did in office procedures that gave me freedom from a perpetually stuffy nose at night and recurrant sinus infections. To me, he is a miracle worker. I have referred friends, family members and work colleagues to him for a variety of issues and they all have told me how he has helped them. From a sinus cyst to a tongue biopsy to a chronic nosebleed and I’m not sure what else, everyone was really grateful for the referral to him.
I wish all my medical providers were as nice, devoted, and knowledgeable as Dr Levitin is. Seriously, he is great.

Mark G.

I can FINALLY breathe at 100% for the first time in decades. Thank you , Thank you, Dr. Levitin. You and your team at NY Sinusitis Treatment are world class. From the 1st visit where you were able to access my chronic sinus problems correctly ( not like my last ENT…) , to the prognosis, to the procedure and finally to aftercare and follow up Dr. Levitin was with me every step of the way and always there to answer ALL of my questions. This Sinuplasty procedure truly has now changed my quality of life! If you are reading this review and are even thinking about finally getting some help for this chronic sinus issue and changing your life, then I highly suggest that you contact Dr. Levity’s office TODAY. (Did I mention I can BREATHE again!!!!) Amazing… MG.

Jennifer W.

Dr. Levitin has been a lifesaver. The procedure has improved my quality of life. I highly recommend for anyone with sinus troubles. I can breath better and can now even smell the roses.

How Heat and Humidity Harm Sinuses

Houston weather isn’t easy on anybody. But for people with sinusitis and other sinus issues, the constantly changing weather can make life absolutely miserable. The unpredictability can certainly be rough, but the heat and humidity can truly harm your sinuses. As Houston’s long, hot summer continues to settle in, learn why the heat and humidity affect your sinuses, and what you can do to relieve your symptoms during these warm months.

“Why Do Heat and Humidity Affect My Sinuses?”

We normally associate sinus infections and runny noses with cold weather, but for people with sinusitis, these symptoms can strike during a warm day at the beach. But why?
Your sinuses are lined by a delicate layer of skin known as the mucous membrane. The mucous membrane is partially made up of tiny hair-like particles known as cilia. Working together, the cilia are supposed to help clean your sinuses, brushing out any left-over mucus that could clog your sinuses. Cilia thrive in slightly warm, moist climates; as anyone who has spent more than five minutes in Houston will tell you, Houston’s heat and humidity takes both to an uncomfortable extreme.

In the extreme heat and humidity, cilia don’t function properly, allowing mucus to clog and bacteria to flood into the sinuses. When bacteria, allergens, and other irritants invade your sinuses, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, leading to painful sinus symptoms including mucus buildup and pressure. On top of the heat and humidity, now you have sinus pain, pressure, swelling and headaches to deal with.

How To Relieve Summer Sinus Infections

It’s not always possible to avoid the humidity, but there are still steps you can take to achieve relief and avoid sinus infections during summer.

• Avoid Seasonal Allergens: In addition the heat and humidity, people with sensitive sinuses also have summer allergens to deal with, especially pollen. Keep your indoor spaces clean with a HEPA air filter and vacuum regularly so that your sinuses can get a rest while indoors.
• Be Careful Around Irritants: If you have sinus issues, you might want to be careful at your summer cookouts. Smoke is a common sinus irritant, and when combined with heat and humidity, it can quickly turn into a recipe for a sinus infection. Steer clear of cigarette smoke, and don’t spend too much time inhaling smoke near the grill.
• Use Nasal Sprays: Keeping your nasal passages moist helps to keep your cilia in proper working shape. If you know you’re susceptible to sinus infections, take early action by using nasal spray.
• Seek Help For Chronic Sinus Infections: Sometimes sinus infections can be a sign of a larger problem. If you experience summer sinus infections in addition to other sinus problems year-round, it might be worth seeing a sinus specialist to find a solution.

Prevent Summer Sinus Infections at Kaplan Sinus Relief

If you suffer from frequent sinus infections and chronic sinusitis, all the nasal spray in the world won’t prevent you from getting sinus infections. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, Dr. Kaplan and his team specialize in Balloon Sinuplasty, a revolutionary procedure that painlessly delivers lasting sinus relief through any weather, even Houston’s heat. To determine if Balloon Sinuplasty, or any of Dr. Kaplan’s other treatments are right for you, schedule a consultation today.

Nose crusts: diagnosis and treatment in adults

Publication date: 06/18/2022
Updated: 06/18/2022

Contents:

Types of crusts in the nose 900 11

Causes of crusting

Diagnostic features

Treatment and prevention

The nasal passages, in particular the nasal mucosa, serve as the first filter for air entering the respiratory tract. The mucous membrane lines the airways up to the bronchi. It produces a viscous mucus that traps dust, viruses, allergens, and disease-causing bacteria, preventing them from entering the lungs.

In addition, the air in the nostrils is heated and moistened, and a healthy mucous membrane produces enough secretion (mucus) to moisten. When the natural ventilation process is disturbed, the mucous membrane secretes more mucus. The secret accumulates in the sinuses and nasal passages, dries up. This is how dryness in the nose and crusts appear, thereby disrupting the normal barrier function of the nose.

Scabs that form in the nose can vary in color and density. It is by these indicators that it is possible to suggest the cause of the disruption of the normal functioning of the nose. Consider common types:

• Dry. Such crusts in the nose are equally common in children and adults. White crusts in babies can be a normal variant, this problem is easy to get rid of during normal hygiene procedures. In other cases, such crusts indicate overdrying of the mucosa, can cause discomfort and require the identification of causes.

• Bloody. Blood crusts in the nose can appear due to careless hygiene procedures, the traumatic removal of ordinary dry crusts, the habit of picking your nose or aggressive blowing your nose.

• Yellow or green. Associated with the development of a viral or bacterial infection. Treatment of the underlying disease allows you to return the normal state of the nasal mucosa.

• Purulent. Such crusts are associated with the development of inflammation, including the reproduction of staphylococcus or streptococcus. Inflammation occurs against the background of trauma, improper treatment of rhinitis, the addition of a bacterial infection to a viral one.

Why do crusts form in the nose in the absence of other symptoms? Most often, in this case, they talk about a violation of the water balance of the mucous membranes due to insufficient air humidity. Overdried mucosa ceases to cope with its task and does not transport mucus through the nasal passages. The process slows down, and the mucus literally thickens and dries up.

If dryness in the nose and crusting are accompanied by other symptoms, the following causes are possible:

• diseases of the nose and sinuses: some forms of rhinitis, sinusitis;

• long-term (more than 5-7 days) use of vasoconstrictor drugs;

• allergic reaction;

• diseases of the endocrine system;

• climate change, hypothermia and other temporary factors;

• inhalation of harmful substances or polluted air;

• injuries and anomalies of the structure of the nose;

• vascular changes.

Often the formation of crusts is associated with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, in particular with their neglected course, improperly selected therapy. To prevent such a situation, it is important to treat a runny nose in a timely and correct manner. Thus, the herbal medicinal product Sinupret® can be used from the first days of the disease. It helps relieve nasal congestion and has an antiviral effect.

Dry crusts in the nose may be accompanied by impaired sense of smell, nasal congestion, and an unpleasant odor. A person may feel discomfort, a feeling of tightness and a burning sensation inside when inhaled. Sometimes there is dryness in the throat and the associated increased thirst, headache, night snoring. Less often there are foci of ulceration on the mucous membranes of the nose.

To understand how to treat crusts in the nose, it is important to find out the causes of their formation. To do this, you should contact an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT). He will conduct an examination and prescribe a comprehensive diagnosis in order to select an adequate treatment.

At the first appointment, the doctor finds out the complaints, specifies how long ago the crusts appeared, what preceded this, what other symptoms bother. It is also important to tell the specialist about the medications that are taken regularly and the medications that have been previously used to treat dryness and crusting.

After that, the specialist will examine the nasal cavity – perform a rhinoscopy to assess the condition of the mucous membrane, the structure of the turbinates, nasal passages and septum, to determine exactly where the crusts are. For a more detailed study of the nasal cavity, the possibilities of endoscopy are used, due to which the ENT detects rhinitis or sinusitis, neoplasms in the nose and other diseases.

If infectious inflammation is suspected, diagnostics may be indicated in the form of the following tests:

• general blood and urine tests to assess the state of health in general;

• microscopic examination, bacteriological cultures of discharge from the nose;

• sinus radiography;

• tests for allergic reactions, etc.

Treatment of nasal crusts in adults is carried out using different drugs and procedures, it all depends on the identified causes. In case of overdrying of the mucous membrane with dry air or vasoconstrictor drops, as well as in the case of a viral or bacterial infection, rinsing with saline solutions is used.

Rinsing allows you to moisturize the mucous membrane, achieve a slight antiseptic effect, mechanically remove viruses and bacteria. Depending on the condition of the nasal cavity, the doctor may advise not only rinsing, but also irrigation of the mucosa in order to restore water balance and ensure that the mucosa performs its protective function. If dryness is caused by inflammatory diseases, the ENT will prescribe a specific treatment.

The following recommendations can be given to relieve dryness in the nose:

• daily wet cleaning in the apartment, regular ventilation;

• air humidification to the optimum level of 50–70% using a humidifier or a wet cloth hung on radiators;

• daily hygiene of the nasal cavity – washing, irrigation with saline solutions.

These recommendations should also be followed to prevent crusting. And in order to prevent such complications in ARVI, the herbal drug Sinupret® can be used.

It helps to relieve nasal congestion, has an antiviral effect, can be used from the first days of a runny nose. The drug is available in the form of drops for oral administration, allowed for children from 2 years old, as well as tablets.

“Cranky” nose – articles from the specialists of the clinic “Mother and Child”

Why do some people cope with a runny nose quickly and easily, while in others it drags on and is complicated by troubles? What ways out of the situation does modern medicine offer?

Andrey Kuzmich Boklin, Candidate of Medical Sciences, head of the otolaryngological department of the Lapino Clinical Hospital of the SC “Mother and Child” in the capital, tells.

The first reason

ANOMALIES OF THE NOSE CAVITY

As a rule, we are talking about the curvature of the nasal septum. You can suspect this condition by frequent nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. At the same time, the runny nose that occurs from colds and SARS lasts a long time and is complicated by various types of inflammation of the sinuses.

Treatment

The problem is solved surgically. ˇToday it is possible to carry out a minimally traumatic intervention. It’s called a septoplasty. The operation is performed without incisions on the skin of the face. Through a puncture in the nasal cavity. And the final success is determined by the postoperative period. To speed up the healing of the nose, advanced clinics today use “breathable” tampons and silicone stents. This relieves patients of discomfort. And allows you to reduce their stay in the hospital to a day.

The second reason

LOW VASCULAR TONE IN THE NOSE

In medical terms, this condition is called vasomotor rhinitis. And it develops more often in young people with vegetovascular dystonia and low blood pressure. It also occurs with some endocrine problems. The essence of this type of runny nose is that the so-called “nasal cycle” changes in a person. Normally, the turbinates skillfully regulate the volume of inhaled air, changing in size due to filling with blood. Thus, they react to temperature and humidity. In this case, the vascular tone in one of the turbinates is greater than in the other. And it changes about every hour.

But with “weak” vessels, this cycle lengthens or shortens. There is a “causeless” congestion. Problems with breathing and smelling when the weather changes, pressure drops. Even stress can exacerbate vasomotor rhinitis.

Treatment

It is important to improve the functioning of the vegetative-vascular system as a whole. And from this point of view, hardening, massage of the cervical-collar zone, physiotherapy exercises are useful. Be sure to appoint special drops and sprays that strengthen the wall of blood vessels and relieve swelling. As well as inhalations and physiotherapy. In particular, phonophoresis with drugs, UHF and laser.

If conservative treatment fails, endoscopic ENT surgery comes to the rescue. The meaning of the operation is to destroy the excess vascular plexuses in the nose and prevent them from increasing due to filling with blood.

Technically, this manipulation is carried out in different ways – using ultrasound, radio waves or a laser. All of them have their pros and cons. But the most effective today is considered to be radio wave exposure.

Third reason

ALLERGY

In this case, nasal discharge usually remains clear. And besides them, a person is worried about itching in the nose and bouts of sneezing.

Often the eyes also become red and watery. There is a sore throat and dry cough. Unfortunately, against the background of a protracted allergy, irreversible changes can occur in the nose. Its mucous membrane grows, forming polyps. And they, in turn, begin to interfere with full breathing and contribute to chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. In this situation, accurate diagnosis is indispensable. Therefore, not only x-rays or ultrasound are performed, but also computed tomography of the sinuses. And then, to clarify the subtleties, an endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. In addition, nasal cultures and blood tests are done. This allows you to identify or exclude a bacterial infection.

Treatment

The basis of the fight against allergic rhinitis are antihistamines – tablets, sprays and drops. Sprays based on sea water should be used 2-4 times a day. They help clear the nasal cavity of allergens and germs. Vasoconstrictor drops relieve the symptom of congestion. But they should not be used for more than 5-7 days. In difficult cases, hormonal preparations in the form of sprays are also used. They effectively relieve swelling and allergic inflammation in the nose. But you need to use them only as directed by a doctor and for at least a month.

Medical treatment goes well with physiotherapy. As a rule, this is phonophoresis or electrophoresis with antihistamines. These procedures clean the nasal cavity and the respiratory tract in general. The so-called salt mines and inhalations are very effective.

However, you need to keep in mind: you can completely recover from allergic rhinitis only by getting rid of the allergen. Or, if this is not possible, undergo a special “vaccination” with an allergist. Then the sensitivity to this substance or product will be reduced to a minimum.

Fourth reason

MEDICATION DEPENDENCE

In this case, the provocateur of problems is the long-term use of the drug.

The most common culprits of drug-induced rhinitis are vasoconstrictor drops and sprays, which, on the contrary, are designed to ease breathing during a cold.

In addition to being addictive, these seemingly harmless drugs can increase heart rate and make people with hypertension and glaucoma worse.

In addition, few people know that drug rhinitis can be caused by high blood pressure pills and some psychotropic drugs.

Treatment

The only way out of this situation is to cancel the causative drug, or replace it with an alternative, but safe one. However, in the first days of cancellation, the nose can be “naughty”: swell, breathe poorly, and smell badly. Sprays

based on sea water and inhalation can help here. As well as restorative self-help measures – gymnastics, hardening, breathing according to Strelnikova.

And a very extreme case – if the nose still does not breathe – this is a small surgical correction. In terms of meaning and technically, it resembles that of vasomotor rhinitis.

Cause Fifth

THINNING OF THE NOSE MUCOSA

Doctors call this problem atrophic rhinitis. It may be due to heredity or due to poor ecology. Especially unfavorable in this regard is work in hot, dry, dusty rooms. But in addition, this type of runny nose may indicate a deficiency of vitamins or iron in the body.

A specific sign of such a runny nose is the appearance of dry crusts in the nose and periodic bleeding from the nose.

Treatment

The first step is to identify the factors that cause the disease and eliminate them. Then local treatment is prescribed. It includes drugs that soften crusts in the nose. These are sprays based on sea water and vegetable oils. They need to be used for a long time. Also, ointments containing vitamins, trace elements and healing substances are useful for a “dry” nose. They improve the nutrition of the mucous membrane, due to which the structure and functioning of the organ is restored.

Another component of the treatment regimen is drugs that reduce the viscosity of nasal discharge. These are preparations with fluimucil, alkaline inhalations or simply irrigation of the nose with alkaline solutions.

Vitamins and biostimulants also play an important role. They mobilize the restorative properties of the body and promote the healing of nasal tissues.

The sixth reason

POLYPS IN THE NOSE

These formations are nothing but overgrown areas of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity or sinuses. For the time being, they can behave quietly, without showing themselves in any way. But as they grow and in the case of infection, they provoke the development of a special type of runny nose – polypous rhinosinusitis.

Computed tomography and endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity help to clarify the diagnosis and measure polyps to the nearest millimeter.

Treatment

There are both conservative and surgical treatments for this problem. However, an integrated approach is the most effective.

First, the doctor removes the polyps themselves. The operation is performed through the nose, without incisions and leaves no marks on the face.

And then outpatient treatment. Its meaning is to clean the nasal cavity and restore damaged tissues with the help of

special sprays. Slow down the growth of new polyps in the nasal cavity.

Metered dose inhalers are used to irrigate the nasal cavity every day for at least three

months.