Winter Blues or Sinus Clues? Why Your Nose Hates the Cold

As the winter season approaches, it is common for people to experience nasal problems like- congestion, irritation, and a runny nose. These issues are sometimes often neglected as normal cold problems, such as seasonal affective disorder (Winter Blues), but can be hinted at as serious sinus issues.Maintaining nasal health and effectively managing symptoms can be facilitated by being aware of the common wintertime nasal problems.

How Does Cold Air Affect Nasal Comfort?

The cold air in the winter causes a lot of people to have nose pain. Since cold air is naturally dry, it dehydrates the mucous membrane in our nasal passages.

 In response, our lining produces excess mucus due to various patients experiencing a running noise in winter. In addition to it various patients also experience a congested and irritating nose as the cold air also triggers the blood vessels inside the nasal passage, constricting and dilating them simultaneously, resulting in swelling and congestion.

Sinuses and Their Role

Air-filled spaces are located around the eyes, nose, and cheek area, known as sinuses. ​Inflammation and blocking of these can cause pressure and pain. Sinuses are lined with a mucus membrane, which helps in trapping germs, dust, and unwanted particles, which helps in keeping our eyes and nose protected.

Common Winter Nasal Problems

Rhinitis (Runny Nose): A Runny nose is quite common in winter as the nose produces excess mucus as a defense mechanism to combat dehydration due to cold air.

Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses– resulting in pain, fever, and thick nasal discharge.

Nasal Congestion: Blood vessels inside the nose constantly contract and dilate if they come in contact with cold air, resulting in swelling and congestion.

Dryness and Cracking: The cold air sometimes dries out the nasal lining, resulting in cracking which causes irritation, dryness, and bleeding.