Colorado winters are known for cold temperatures and dry air. Not only does that dryness make you thirsty, but it can also increase your risk of nosebleeds. Giving your nasal health a little extra attention can help you stay comfortable all season long.
How Dry Air Affects the Nose
Both cold outdoor air and heated indoor environments lack humidity. This dryness causes the nasal lining to lose moisture, making it thin and fragile. As blood vessels become more vulnerable, even minor irritation can lead to bleeding. Maintaining moisture is key to protecting these sensitive tissues.
Tips to Protect Your Nose
Try the following to keep your nose in tip-top shape this winter:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water consistently throughout the day helps maintain moisture in your nasal tissues. Warm beverages like herbal tea or broth can also be soothing in cold weather.
- Use a humidifier. Running a humidifier in your bedroom at night can help replenish moisture and protect nasal tissues while you sleep.
- Blow your nose gently. Dry nasal tissue is more prone to irritation and bleeding. Blow one nostril at a time and avoid forceful pressure. If congestion persists, saline sprays or nasal irrigation can help loosen mucus without causing damage.
- Don’t pick or scratch. Dryness can cause itching inside and around the nose, but scratching can easily break delicate blood vessels. Applying a small amount of moisturizer or petroleum jelly around the outer edges of the nostrils can help relieve discomfort.
- Try saline nasal sprays. Saline sprays add moisture to dry nasal passages. They’re especially helpful if you’re dealing with a winter cold, flu or allergies.
- Cover up outdoors. When spending time outside, loosely covering your nose and mouth with a scarf, neck gaiter or face covering helps warm and humidify the air before it enters your nasal passages. This is especially important during windy days or while enjoying winter activities like skiing or hiking the Greeley Poudre River Trails.
If you’re dealing with persistent dryness or nosebleeds, contact Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC today to schedule an evaluation with one of our specialists.