Colder temperatures, however, spread viruses, worsen symptoms, and affect the immune system’s response. Sinus issues, colds, and the flu are more pervasive during winter and are caused by viral infections rather than colder temperatures. Understanding how cold weather exacerbates symptoms can help you stay healthy this winter. 

Cold Weather’s Impact on Common ENT Issues 

While cold weather doesn’t directly produce illness, it amplifies some symptoms, making it easier for viruses to spread. Here are a few examples of how colder temperatures impact the most common ENT-related health issues: 

• Colds and Sinus Infections: The common cold and sinus issues are caused by viral infections. During winter, we are more likely to stay indoors and close to others, which results in less ventilation and allows viruses to spread. Dry air reduces the mucus membrane’s ability to prevent viruses from penetrating nasal airways.
• Sore Throat and Runny Nose: These common symptoms can result from various issues, including viral infections or allergies. Dry air exposure at home or in the workplace can irritate a sore throat and/or runny nose. 
• Ear Infections: Ear infections commonly result from bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear. Because ears are more exposed to cold temperatures, they are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather impacts blood circulation in the ears, 

Healthy Habits for Fall and Winter Months from ENTOne

• Dress appropriately for the weather to prevent getting too cold or too hot and protect your immune system. Layering allows you to adjust to temperature changes.
• The dry Colorado climate, combined with high elevation, can cause dehydration. Drinking lots of water will help maintain hydration and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. 
• Keep coats, hats, gloves, and water in the car to prepare for winter driving conditions. 
• Maintain indoor air quality during cold weather by changing furnace filters on schedule.
• Hand hygiene year-round is essential, as well as covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. 

Cold weather does not directly lead to infection. Still, it can worsen symptoms and spread infections more quickly, making us more vulnerable to experiencing these common ENT issues during winter. 

The team at ENTOne is available to answer any questions you may have about your ear, nose, and throat concerns in the winter months ahead.  

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician before implementation. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC, and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

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Nosebleeds Causes

Nosebleeds can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Dry, heated indoor air can dehydrate nasal membranes, causing them to crack, crust and bleed.
• Allergies, colds, or sinus problems: These can cause tissue inflammation.
• Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and nasal sprays, can increase the risk of nosebleeds.
• Injury to the nose: Nose picking can cause nosebleeds.
• Anatomic deformities: A deviated septum or vascular malformations can increase the risk of nosebleeds.

Prevention

Try to keep your nose moist when you’re at a higher altitude or drier climates. A saline nasal spray can help. Drinking a lot of water will help prevent your body from dehydrating, too. This can help prevent your nose from drying out and cracking. Using a humidifier at night is an easy way to prevent your nose from drying out. While anyone can experience nosebleeds, they are most common in children between the ages of 2–10 and adults between the ages of 45–65. Nosebleeds can be alarming, but most are not serious and can be treated at home.

Treatment

If you do get a nosebleed while at a high altitude, don’t worry. Treating nosebleeds is the same no matter what altitude you’re at. First, sit upright or lean slightly forward. Firmly pinch your lower nose, below the upper bony part. Use a tissue or, if your nose is bleeding heavily, a paper towel or even a facecloth. Hold your nose for 10-15 minutes. If it continues to bleed, hold it for another 10-15 minutes. If you need help stopping the bleeding, an over-the-counter nasal spray could help If the bleeding doesn’t stop, or if you think you or your child needs to see a doctor, you should call your doctor.

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician prior to being implemented. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC and ENTOne, PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

The post Nosebleeds – A Common Occurance in Drier Climates And Higher Elevations appeared first on ENTOne.

As the cold and dry weather begins and the furnaces kick into full gear, we often look forward to grabbing a blanket and cuddling on the couch to watch our favorite holiday movies. However, nothing is worse than getting a nosebleed while you’re trying to relax and enjoy the beautiful Colorado winter. Growing up in Colorado, I have had my fair share of nosebleeds, and I know many of you have as well. It seems like they always occur at just the wrong time, and you never know how long it will take to stop them. For these reasons, nosebleeds can interfere with your day-to-day events and even prevent you from engaging in activities you enjoy. Let’s take a little time to talk about the best ways to prevent nosebleeds, and then discuss the best way to stop a nosebleed.

How to prevent nosebleeds – Moisture, moisture, moisture

Using a humidifier is a good way to add moisture to your environment. Even though whole house humidifiers on the furnace are helpful, it will be even more beneficial to have a humidifier right next to your side of the bed at night. If you have a CPAP machine or oxygen that you use, make sure you have a humidifier on the machine/tank. If you don’t, contact the supply company, and ask if you can have a humidifier added.

The use of nasal moisturizers is extremely important in the efforts to prevent nosebleeds. Saline nasal spray can be used all throughout the day – it is convenient to use because you can take the can with you and spray it in your nose as needed. Saline nasal gel is something I would highly recommend you use at least twice a day. There are various brands such as AYR, NeilMed, and Rhinase. I recommend either applying the gel by putting a pea size amount on a qtip and gently massaging it about 1cm into the right and left nostril; or by putting a pea size amount on the tip of your finger, holding your finger up to your nostril, and gently sniffing the gel into your nose.

How to stop a nosebleed

My favorite way to stop a nosebleed is as follows:

1. Soak cotton (i.e. cotton ball, rolled dental cotton) with OTC Afrin nasal spray
2. Place afrin soaked cotton into the nostril that is bleeding
3. Pinch your nose at the nostrils to apply pressure for 15 minutes
4. Lean forward a little bit or stay upright (just don’t lay backward) to prevent blood from running down your throat
5. After 15 minutes, if it is still bleeding, then replace the cotton with a new piece of afrin soaked cotton and repeat the process again
6. If bleeding continues, go to the ER, urgent care, or call our clinic for evaluation If you find yourself having nosebleeds frequently or having nosebleeds that are difficult to stop, please call our clinic! We will be happy to evaluate for the source of bleeding and offer treatment options, including in office cautery with silver nitrate.

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician prior to being implemented. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

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