When it’s cold outside, it’s not uncommon for people to spend the majority of their time indoors during the winter season. However, when it comes to winter, there’s more than just the cold air that will get you. During the winter season, the cold air is dry, and when you go inside to escape the heat, that air is often dry as well, especially if you are using forced-air heating or a wood-burning stove. When the heat is on indoors, it can reduce the moisture in the air, drying out your sinuses, which can cause sinusitis symptoms to occur. This is why dry air and sinusitis can, sadly, go hand-in-hand.
Dry Air and Sinusitis: What are the Effects of Dry Air on Our Body?
• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Chapped lips
• Joint and muscle pain
• Tender eyes
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Itchy throat
• Hoarse throat
• Dehydration
• Respiratory problems
If you are living in an environment that has dry air and often experience these symptoms, this can lead to frequent or chronic sinusitis. If you are unsure if dry air is present in your home, review these common characteristics:
• Peeling of wallpaper (usually at the edges)
• Increase in static electricity
• There are gaps present in the crown moldings (along the tops of the walls)
• Holes and cracks present in hardwood floors
• Household items appear shrunken or warped
• Your piano (if you own one), frequently needs to be tuned
If you find that you have dry air present in your home or office, check out these helpful tips that can help you avoid experiencing sinusitis symptoms.