Winter ENT Woes: The Cold Brings Three Things
Unfortunately, we know winter brings many health-related challenges, and our ears, nose, and throats are no exception. The familiar feelings of irritation and pressure in your sinuses and the dryness in your nose serve as a friendly reminder that fall is turning to winter.
Just like you prepare for the seasonal changes by winterizing your house, bringing your outdoor plants inside, putting extra emergency supplies in your cars, or getting out your winter gear, you can also prepare to combat the top three effects the weather often has on the ears, nose, and throats of you and your loved ones.
Three Winter-Related ENT Conditions
1. Sinusitis
You may notice the cold dry air irritating your nasal passages and sinuses. These environmental conditions can lead to inflammation or swelling of your sinuses, resulting in sinusitis. Instead of your sinuses flowing with air, they become blocked and filled with fluid from bacterial infections, viral infections, or allergies. Viruses that cause the common cold are often the cause of sinusitis. The symptoms include facial pain, pressure, nasal congestion, or a runny nose.
2. Ear Infections
The cold weather and changes in air pressure contribute to ear infections. This occurs when bacteria or viruses infect the space between your eardrum and inner ear. Pain in your ear, fluid drainage, or hearing loss may be signs of an ear infection.
Ear infections are most often found in children between six months and two years but are common up through eight years of age. Indicators in young children include fussiness, irritability, or a fever ranging from 100.5 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Dry Throat and Irritated Airways
The dry winter conditions can lead to irritation of the throat and airways, similar to sinusitis, and are usually minor. This is common when the air is dry and cold, and flu viruses are spreading. You may experience a dry cough, sore throat, or feel hoarse.
Combat Winter: Protecting Your Ears, Nose, and Throat
The key to combating sinusitis is keeping your mucous membranes moist. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air or saline nasal sprays to keep your nasal passages moist. Avoid prolonged exposure to cold and dry air. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Depending on your symptoms and the severity, you may need over-the-counter decongestants or prescription medications. If the pain does not go away after about ten days, then you may have bacterial sinusitis and need an antibiotic and decongestants to clear it up. Fungal sinusitis is caused by a fungus and can be serious. It is more likely to occur if you have a weakened immune system.
To combat ear infections, keep your ears dry and protected from cold wind. Wear a winter hat that extends over your ears or windproof ear warmers. Ensure your ears are thoroughly dried after exposure to moisture. Remember to wash your hands frequently. Treat respiratory infections immediately to prevent the spread of bacteria to your ears.
Ear infections often clear up on their own but sometimes need antibiotics or pain relievers. The treatment depends on your or your child’s age, severity of the infection, body temperature, and whether the fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time.
Antibiotics are often prescribed if bacteria are causing the ear infection after determining that the infection is not clearing up on its own. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) are often used to reduce fevers and relieve pain. Note that aspirin is for adults only, and children should never take aspirin due to the risks of Reye’s Syndrome.
The key to avoiding a dry throat and irritated passageways is moisture and hydration, similar to sinusitis. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Add moisture to the air by using a humidifier. Gargle warm salt water to relieve the scratchy symptoms of a sore throat. Use cough drops, throat lozenges, or sprays to relieve irritation. Avoid space heaters, which remove moisture from the air.
Remember to:
- Stay hydrated.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Use a humidifier or nasal sprays to keep your nasal passages moist.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to cold, dry temperatures.
- Cover your ears.
- Act fast with over-the-counter symptom relief to prevent bacterial infection and relieve pain.
If you have any questions or experience symptoms that persist, you are not alone. Contact me anytime to discuss and determine the best path forward to meet your needs.
[Source: Cleveland Clinic - Sinusitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis)
[Source: Cleveland Clinic - Ear Infection (Otitis Media)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8613-ear-infection-otitis-media)
[Source: Healthline - Dry Throat](https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-throat#dehydration)
