Nosebleeds: Is Your Home too Dry?

WebMD explains, “Because wintertime humidity is so low, what little moisture that is around is quickly sucked up into the air. Moisture also evaporates from your body, leaving your skin, nose, and throat parched.” The issue is compounded when the artificial heat is turned up higher because the higher the temperature, the lower the humidity.

The good news is that the resulting nosebleeds are more annoying than harmful, although if they are heavy, last longer than 20 minutes and/or occur frequently, you should call your doctor. Washington University Sinus Institute explains, “Nosebleeds, clinically known as epistaxis, occur when the membranes lining the inside of the nose are disturbed or irritated enough to cause bleeding.”

Aside from bleeding, there are a few problems that may accompany a consistently dry nose.

• Less protection: As we discussed in our blog “Much Ado About Mucus,” mucus plays an important role in our health as a filter for things like dust, smoke, bacteria, viruses and other allergens, and it contains antibiotics and enzymes to attack these things when they do get in. So it follows that the less mucus that is produced, the more likely irritants can get in causing allergies or illness.

• Discomfort: When your nose becomes so dry, the skin inside can become irritated and crack. It’s not a severe pain, but any discomfort, especially in the middle of your face, is something you’d probably rather avoid.

• Infection: Less mucus and/or cracks the membranes of your nasal passages are an invitation for infection. Everyday Health tells us that there is an additional risk for infection when “someone’s nasal passages are already inflamed from allergies.”

So what can you do to stay healthy and comfortable when your house is too dry? Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to add moisture to the air in your home and your nasal passages.

• Humidifiers. You can buy humidifiers of every shape and size that will not only humidify your room, but also look great doing so. That said, no matter which humidifier you choose, it is extremely important to keep it properly maintained and free from mold, bacteria and other allergens. Also be careful not to turn it up too high and creating too much moisture, which can bring mold.
• Saline rinse. A little saline can go a long way towards keeping your nasal passages moisturized. These are sold over-the-counter and since they are non-medicated, are safe to use throughout the day.
• Hydration. Here is yet another reason why drinking a lot of water is good for you. Stay hydrated, friends.

Dry nasal passages can also be the result of sinus and allergy issues. The best way to know for sure what’s causing it and how to treat it is to call CT Sinus Center and schedule an appointment with one of our expert physicians. When you come in. we will take the time necessary to sit down with you and fully discuss your symptoms and medical history. Then we will do a series of tests to figure out exactly what is causing your discomfort and develop a treatment plan that works with your lifestyle and leaves your parched nasal passages out to dry.

Call 860-BALLOON today and schedule your appointment at one of our four conveniently-located offices.

For all things sinus– and allergy-related, visit the CT Sinus Center website and blog.