Do you notice that your nose feels stuffy and congested and you have more difficulty breathing during winter months? Do you sometimes even have bloody crusty discharge or even frequent nose bleed? That is because exposure to dry, cold air outside can irritate your nasal membrane. It does not help that indoor heat cause more dryness and leads for irritation of your throat and sinuses.
Good news there are some things you can do that can help you easy the symptoms:
RINSE YOUR NOSE WITH SALINE
Using saline spray every day and dabbing saline gel inside your nostrils (or unscented alcohol free body lotions – no petroleum based products), helps you flush you mucous and moisturize nasal passages.
To better rinse out your nasal passages, consider purchasing a neti pot, which is sold in your neighborhood drug store. Fill it only with distilled or boiled water to avoid bacteria.
DRINK UP
Water keeps your nasal passages and lungs lubricated. Drink at least 4-6 glasses of water and stay away from alcohol, which is dehydrating.
HYDRATE AT NIGHT
To relieve the symptoms of painfully dry nose and mouth, put a cool-mist humidifier near your bed. Warm –mist units can be drying over time, leading to nasal swelling. Make sure to clean your humidifier regularly to keep it germ free.
REDUCE INDOOR ALLERGENS
Leave your window cracked open during the day to circulate air and dilute allergens. Washing bedding once a week in hot water, and consider pillow covers designed to protect against dust mites. If your home is heated with forced air, change your air filter every six months. These steps will reduce symptoms associated with dust mites and pet dander that can make your uncomfortable congestion symptoms worse.
ADD GINGER
This age-old remedy will relax your nasal passages, relieving congestion. Add ginger to soups and stir-fries, or drink ginger tea.
