Moist room air against dry noses

Moist indoor air prevents dry nose

27/01/2012

The warm, dry heating air can dry out the mucous membranes of the nose and form unpleasant crusts or barking. Moist cloths or a container of water on the heater help to increase the humidity. Those affected should also drink plenty of tea and ventilate regularly.

Home remedies help with dry nose
Especially during the heating season is often complained of a dry nose, the so-called rhinitis sicca. The reason for this is the drying out of the mucous membranes, which is favored by warm and dry heating air. Wolfgang Hornberger from the German Association of Otolaryngologists in Neumünster reports that the ideal humidity is between 50 and 60 percent. Regular short ventilation of the rooms helps against dryness of the nose as well as drinking enough tea or water. If the room air dries quickly during the heating season, damp cloths or containers with water on the heater are well suited.

The doctor reports that nasal douches also help to keep the mucous membranes moist and ward off pathogens. If the dryness of the nose is already developed, special nasal ointments as well as saline and oily nasal sprays could provide relief, according to Hornberger. However, the decongestant sprays should not be used for more than one week.

Follow a dry nasal mucosa
As a rule, sufferers complain of itching and burning in the nose. In addition, the drying of the mucous membranes easily forms crusts or barking. In addition, nosebleeds can occur.

In acute nosebleeds, the head should not, as is often assumed, be placed in the neck, since the blood then runs into the throat and can lead to nausea and vomiting. Experts therefore recommend an upright, slightly forward bent posture that can be taken while sitting. The affected person can pinch the nostrils for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. Also helpful is an ice compress that is placed in the neck. It works by the cold irritation hemostatic. If the nose bleeds a lot and causes a lot of blood loss, a doctor should be advised as a precaution. (Ag)

Also read:
Self-treatment for a cold
Home remedies for colds

Image: Dieter Schütz