Dealing with stuffy nose during winter

The cold wind has already started, with blankets and sweaters in full display. And winter is a common time for a stuffy nose.

So, what is a stuffy nose? It results from inflammation affecting our nasal cavity, leading to swelling that blocks the nose. So breathing through the constricted airway becomes harder, giving rise to a 'stuffed up' feel. Almost all of us have that feeling sometimes. But fear not; there are ways we can minimise that risk this winter.

But why is this thing so common in winter? There are many reasons. First and foremost, the dry and humid air causes the nasal lining to dry up, with an increased risk of congestion. A dusty environment and a higher propensity for viral respiratory tract infection in winter exacerbate this. 

There are ways we can try to keep the nose healthy. As humidity is one of the major reasons, using room humidifiers to keep the air sufficiently humid is a good idea. There are a lot of humidifiers available in our market for that purpose. 

Taking warm showers are also beneficial, especially steam shower if possible. Such a shower can reduce nasal dryness a lot and reduce irritation. If someone has a stuffy nose, a warm shower may even help to relieve it temporarily. 

Maintaining nasal hygiene is also important. So, cleaning the nose with a saline solution (not by putting a finger inside) is advisable. This is called nasal irrigation and can help remove dust, allergens and germs trapped inside.

Using nasal decongestants preemptively may offer some help. These medications are usually available without a prescription and are used to treat nasal congestion. There is an option of using those as a preventive measure. However, decongestants should only be used infrequently and never long-term without the advice of a physician.

One common cause of nasal congestion is a sinus infection caused by bacteria and viruses. Therefore, maintaining good immunity is crucial for winter. This requires following a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, avoiding stress and drinking plenty of fluids. Proper hand washing is also vital. 

Keeping a distance from a sick person is recommended to minimise the risk of contacting infection. 

Even after adopting all the preventive measures, there is a chance that you might still get a stuffy nose. If that happens, Dr Ranbeer Singh, consultant ENT surgeon of Care Hospital in Hyderabad, India, advises using antihistamines, nasal decongestants or nasal saline sprays, all of which can be purchased without a prescription. 

But antibiotics are a no-go. If the congestion is severe and accompanied by more serious symptoms like high fever, breathlessness etc., medical help must be sought. 

Winter is a time when there is a high risk of respiratory infections. Therefore, we must be alert and ready for it. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is imperative for winter and all seasons. In addition, we should keep a close eye on the humidity of our surroundings, avoid cold showers and practice personal hygiene meticulously.  

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