In the United States, people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, whether at home, work or school. Because we spend so much time indoors, the quality of the air we breathe can have a significant impact on our health. Dry air has been identified as a potential cause of certain ear, nose and throat (ENT) health issues. Understanding how dry air interacts with our ENT system and the preventative measures we can take is critical to maintaining good health.
What Affect Does Dry Air Have on Your ENT Health?
Dry air has a reputation for causing discomfort, commonly resulting in dry skin and eye irritation. This effect is especially noticeable in enclosed spaces like airplanes or vehicles, where low-moisture air is common. Similarly, the moisture depletion caused by dry air can harm the nose and throat, leading to a range of conditions. For instance, a sore throat, characterized by irritation or a scratchy sensation, can occur when the throat swells or becomes infected. Dry air is even more likely to cause a sore throat if you breathe through your mouth due to nasal congestion or other breathing issues.
Nosebleeds, another consequence of dry air, arise when the delicate nasal tissues crack from dryness. While most nosebleeds are not severe, with only about 10% necessitating medical intervention, they are an unwelcome and often annoying consequence of low indoor humidity.
Another consequence of dry air is an increased risk of respiratory issues. Respiratory issues can escalate when dry air compromises the protective mucus in our sinuses and nasal passages, increasing susceptibility to asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections.
When our nose and throat become swollen or blocked, it can negatively impact our ears through the Eustachian tubes. Our Eustachian tubes drain fluid from the middle ear and balance air pressure between our middle ear and the environment around us. When congestion blocks the Eustachian tubes, hearing problems, tinnitus, ear infections and more can result.
What Can You Do?
Strategies you can employ to mitigate the adverse effects of dry air on ENT health include:
- Run a humidifier in your home to keep humidity levels between 40% and 60%.
- Drink water to help you stay hydrated.
- Go for walks around Tyrrell Park to help reduce your time indoors.
For more information on safeguarding your ENT health, contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.
