Managing blocked nose and sore throat issues during winter

Winter is almost knocking on the door. That means cold waves, dry air and a lot of coughing and sneezing. Remember the days when we wake up in the morning, and suddenly, the throat feels dry with blocked nostrils? Those are not far away.

But why does that happen during winter? Because the cold and dry air is detrimental to our nasal lining. Winter air makes our noses dry. This condition has a name- winter nose. The dryness causes irritation and greater blood flow, increasing the chances of nose bleeds.

There may be additional complications in the form of inflammation, leading to excess mucus production. This results in blockage of one or both nostrils. The mucus can also clog the openings of our sinuses, facilitating the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and giving rise to sinusitis.

Conditions like the common cold and flu are ubiquitous in winter. Nasal blockage and sore throat could be a manifestation of either. In both cases, affected individuals may suffer from sneezing, runny nose, pain around the sinuses, etc.

To avoid the risk of having our nostrils blocked or our throats dried, the best practice is to maintain a hygienic lifestyle. This is applicable to all seasons, not just winter. Just washing hands regularly can go a long way to keep us away from cold, flu or other contagious diseases. Drinking plenty of liquid to avoid dehydration is also essential. But the liquid should not be a beverage loaded with sugar. A warm bath is good, but not if it goes on for hours.

Using a humidifier can minimise the risk of nose or throat issues significantly. A whole-home humidifier is a better choice, but it is super expensive. A small, portable, and less expensive humidifier can also offer benefits. This can be set up in the bedroom and switched on during the night. If it is not those self-cleaning types, then the humidifier needs to be cleaned every two weeks. Otherwise, there is a risk of microbial growth inside.

Winter nose is dry, so moistening it can help prevent blockage. There are nasal sprays available in the market for that specific purpose. Another option is to use nasal irrigation. There is a risk of infection depending on the type of water used. That is why it might be sensible not to use our tap water.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made some recommendations to conduct nasal irrigation. They offer several options. One is boiling water for a minute, then cool it and use. Filtered water can be applied, but those should be very specific filters (NSF 53/NSF 58). Distilled or sterile water will also do.

If someone develops a sore throat, lemon and honey are very good soothing options. Drinking tea mixed with these can offer a lot of comfort. Drinking lukewarm water, avoiding cold drinks, etc., are also suggested if someone is suffering from throat problems.

Winter can be a great season if we adjust to it appropriately. Properly taking care of our nose and throat is critical during this time of the year. If necessary, we should reach out to a medical professional and seek help.

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