Protect Your Nose From Irritation This Winter Season
During the cold weather month we often experience runny noses
, nasal congestion and stuffiness. Although we do often associate colds with the winter season, it's very common to suffer from sinus or nasal discomfort all year round. Is it a cold, allergies, or sinuses? Get to the bottom of your symptoms. Sinuses are characterized by
Commonly, many do not understand the nature of their nasal congestion or what produces their symptoms. Before visiting their local ENT, they seek relief for nasal and sinus discomfort by taking non-prescription medication, which may not target the appropriate areas for proper treatment. Congestion of the nasal membranes may lead to the blockage or the Eustachian tube leading to the ear, which can result in a feeling of blockage in the ear or fluid behind the eardrum.
Tips for Sinus Sufferers during the Holiday Season
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membrane lining of any sinus. Acute sinusitis is a short-term condition in which antibiotics and decongestants have been proven to work well. Chronic sinusitis is determined if you have suffered at least four different recurrences of acute sinusitis. In this case, either medication or even surgery is a possible treatment option.
Some at-home treatments may include:
Saline nasal sprays that moisturize the nasal cavity, reduce dryness, and help clear thick mucus
Humidification of your living spaces in dry climates will aid the movement of mucus through the sinuses
Visit your ENT to determine if you have an infection requiring an antibiotic treatment. In addition, your ENT can discover if you require intensive medical treatment for a condition such as a nasal obstruction.
Treating your Runny Nose (Post-Nasal Drip)
Glands in your nose and throat are constantly producing mucus. Daily, your nose and throat can produce one to two quarts of mucus. The mucus that is produced moistens and cleans the nasal membranes, humidifies air, traps and clears inhaled foreign matter, and fights infection. Swallowed unconsciously, the feeling of mucus accumulating in your throat or dripping from the back of your nose is called post-nasal drip. Often, this is caused by excessively thick secretions or by throat muscle and swallowing disorders.
Due to colds, the flu, allergies, cold temperatures, bright lights, certain foods/spices, pregnancy and other hormonal changes, you can exhibit increased thin, clear mucus secretions. In the winter, increased thick secretions can often result from dryness in heated buildings and homes. It can also be the result of sinus or nose infections and allergies. Often, this can be associated with allergies to foods such as dairy products. If your thin secretions become thick with green or yellow color, it is likely that a bacterial sinus infection is developing.
Correct diagnosis of your sinus irritations requires a detailed ear, nose, and throat exam. Your treatment can vary based on these causes:
Bacterial infects can often be treated with antibiotics. In cases of chronic sinusitis, surgery may be recommended to open the blocked sinuses.
Allergies tend to be managed by avoiding the source of the irritation.
Gastroesophageal reflux is frequently treated by elevating the head of the bed by six to eight inches, avoiding foods and beverages for two to three hours before bedtime and eliminating alcohol and caffeine from your daily diet.
It is important to take extra precautions this winter season to protect your nose from irritations. The common cold, if not treated properly, could lead to even more sinus problems. Upon initial sinus irritations it is important to visit your local ear, nose and throat doctor in Bend for further instructions on how to eliminate your symptoms.
by: Gen Wright
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