So, you’ve made it out of winter and the seasonal cold and flu season. You should be healthy for another year. Right? That is not always the case. High humidity and heat can affect your throat as well as your nose and ears. Here is what you can do to stay your healthiest.
Nose
During the summer months, high temperatures can cause the nasal passages to become dry and irritated, leading to a range of issues. These can include a dry nose, nosebleeds, and congestion, which in turn can lead to sinus pressure, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
On the other hand, humidity can also have an impact on our nasal passages, especially if the air is too humid. Excessive moisture can cause the nasal passages to become swollen and congested, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Additionally, high humidity can promote the growth of allergens, leading to symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Lately, Oregon County has experienced days of 99% humidity!
Ears
High temperatures can cause the ear canal to become swollen and inflamed, leading to a condition called swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection that affects the outer ear canal and can cause pain, itching, redness, and discharge. In some cases, it can lead to hearing loss and other complications.
Humidity can also affect the ear by altering the balance of fluids in the inner ear. When there is excessive humidity, the fluid in the inner ear can thicken, leading to a condition called hydrops. Hydrops can cause dizziness, imbalance, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Throat
If your nose is stuffy, you tend to breathe through your mouth. This causes dryness and a sore throat. Additionally, excessive humidity can exacerbate throat issues by promoting the growth of bacteria and viruses, which can lead to infections.
Dehydration is also a common issue during the summer, which can cause the throat to become dry and scratchy. When there is not enough fluid in the body, the throat may not produce enough mucus, leading to a dry and painful sensation in the throat. When you are in front of fans, you may not realize how much moisture your body is releasing due to higher temperatures.
Prevention
A big prevention factor is hydration. Continue drinking; it helps balance your body’s systems. Try using a dehumidifier. It removes humidity from the air, lessening the workload on your nose. Get plenty of rest. And, of course, eat healthy with fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers’ Markets are full of locally grown items.
If you have trouble breathing or have other serious issues, do not hesitate to seek a healthcare professional.
