Winter brings hardship for the nose. Many people experience waking up with dry, uncomfortable nasal passages that not only obstruct breathing but also develop bloody crusts that hurt when touched.How can this be alleviated?
Huang Zhichun, Chief Physician of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, explains that winter's dry climate dehydrates nasal mucosa. Combined with irregular eating habits—frequent consumption of fried, spicy, or heat-inducing foods—this easily leads to nasal dryness and nosebleeds. If this occurs, applying specialized anti-inflammatory ointment inside the nasal passages can protect the mucosa.In daily life, also pay attention to the following aspects:
Steam inhalation. For dry, painful noses, a quick remedy is to pour hot water into a cup, inhale deeply over the rim to steam the nasal passages for 5 minutes. Repeat morning and evening to relieve symptoms. Stay hydrated daily to enhance bodily circulation.Using saline solution rinses can alleviate nasal dryness. Alternatively, choose physiological seawater nasal sprays to moisturize the nasal mucosa. Avoid using tap water directly. Additionally, consider nasal moisturizing products, but never insert erythromycin ointment or suppositories into the nose. The nasal mucosa is highly delicate, and these products are not specifically designed for nasal dryness, posing potential safety risks.Erythromycin is an antibiotic that can lead to bacterial resistance; avoid using it without infection. Use a humidifier. Higher indoor humidity significantly improves nasal comfort, especially during dry seasons like winter, spring, and autumn. For office workers, prolonged winter heating in poorly ventilated buildings often causes respiratory discomfort. Consider placing a small humidifier on your desk.If no humidifier is available, placing a bowl of water indoors can also increase humidity.
Dietary adjustments. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C during winter helps prevent nasal dryness and bleeding. Recommended options include honeysuckle tea, chrysanthemum tea, or fish腥草 tea. Eat plenty of vitamin-rich foods like grapefruit, oranges, apples, kiwis, tomatoes, and leafy greens to promote saliva production and moisturize dryness.Opt for light, bland meals and minimize greasy, spicy, or heat-inducing foods.
If these measures fail to alleviate symptoms, seek timely medical attention at a reputable hospital to prevent minor issues from escalating.