How ENT Doctors Treat Chronic Nasal Congestion in Winter

If you’ve been breathing through your mouth for the past three weeks and can’t remember the last time your nose actually worked properly, you’re not alone.

Winter has a way of turning your nasal passages into a stuffy, uncomfortable mess that just won’t quit. Maybe it started with a cold that never fully went away, or maybe the congestion just showed up one day when the temperature dropped and decided to stick around.

Either way, you’re tired of waking up with your mouth dry and your nose completely blocked, tired of trying every nasal spray at the drugstore only to have them stop working after a few days, and tired of feeling like you can’t take a full breath through your nose.

At some point, chronic congestion stops being a minor annoyance and starts affecting how you sleep, how you feel during the day and whether you can even taste your food anymore.

Maybe it’s your sinuses, maybe it’s how your nose is structured, maybe it’s allergies you didn’t know you had or maybe it’s just that the dry winter air is wrecking your nasal passages.

Whatever it is, an ENT doctor has ways to treat it that go beyond the stuff you can buy at the pharmacy, so you can finally breathe normally again instead of spending another few months mouth-breathing your way through winter.

What Causes Ongoing Nasal Congestion

Ongoing nasal congestion can make everyday life feel more difficult than it should. It may interfere with sleep, make breathing feel uncomfortable and affect how you feel throughout the day. There are a number of factors that can contribute to congestion that does not go away, and understanding the range of possible causes can help you see why it persists.

Several common factors can lead to ongoing nasal congestion:

• Allergies: Seasonal or year-round allergens like pollen, dust or pet dander can trigger swelling in the nasal passages and increase mucus production.
• Chronic sinus inflammation: Sinus tissues that remain inflamed from infection, irritants or structural issues can keep your nasal passages blocked.
• Structural issues: A deviated septum or enlarged nasal turbinates can limit airflow and make congestion feel constant.
• Environmental irritants: Smoke, pollution, dry indoor air or strong odors can worsen swelling and mucus buildup.
• Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as chronic rhinitis or frequent colds can make congestion more persistent.

How Cold Weather Changes Affect Your Nose

As temperatures drop, your nose works harder to warm and humidify the air you breathe. This increased effort can cause the blood vessels in your nasal passages to swell, leading to a sensation of stuffiness or a runny nose. Cold air can also dry out the delicate lining of the nose, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation.

The combination of dry indoor heat and cold outdoor air can make nasal tissues more fragile and reactive. This can cause sneezing, itching or mild discomfort, even without an underlying illness.

For some people, these changes may also trigger inflammation in the sinuses, contributing to a feeling of pressure or congestion.

Seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity have a direct effect on how your nasal passages function day to day, which is why congestion can feel more pronounced during winter months.

Telling the Difference Between Short-Term and Chronic Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion can show up in different ways, and knowing how to distinguish between short-term and long-term issues can help you understand what your nose is experiencing.

Short-term congestion often comes on quickly and clears up within a few weeks, while long-term congestion lingers, sometimes affecting daily comfort and sleep.

Short-term and long-term congestion can be separated by a few key factors:

• Duration: Short-term congestion usually resolves in less than four weeks, while long-term congestion continues for 12 weeks or more.
• Common causes: Short-term issues are often triggered by colds, flu or temporary irritants like smoke or strong odors. Long-term congestion may be linked to allergies, sinus inflammation or structural issues inside the nose.
• Frequency: Short-term congestion may appear occasionally or in seasonal bursts. Chronic congestion tends to be persistent and can interfere with daily routines and overall comfort.
• Impact on life: Short-term congestion may cause minor discomfort or mild sleep disruption. Long-term congestion can lead to more noticeable fatigue, difficulty sleeping and ongoing frustration with daily activities.

Triggers That Make Nasal Congestion Worse in Winter

Winter weather creates a perfect storm for nasal congestion due to a combination of environmental and physiological factors. When you turn on the furnace, the indoor humidity level often drops below 30%, which is significantly lower than the moisture level your respiratory system needs to function comfortably.

This dry air causes the protective mucus lining in your nose to thicken and crust, leading to a feeling of blockage even if you do not have a cold.

Indoor living during colder months also results in a higher concentration of airborne irritants. Because windows remain closed, common triggers like dust mites, mold spores and pet dander circulate through the ventilation system repeatedly.

These particles settle in the nasal passages and cause the tissues to swell as an inflammatory response. This inflammation constricts the airway and makes breathing through the nose feel labored and restricted.

The physical shock of cold air is another primary trigger. When you inhale freezing air, the blood vessels in your nose dilate rapidly to warm the air before it reaches your lungs.

This sudden increase in blood flow causes the nasal membranes to expand and produce more fluid, which is why your nose often starts running or feels stuffed the moment you step outside.

Signs You Should Visit an ENT Specialist

Nasal congestion and sinus discomfort are common, but there are times when these issues need professional attention.

When symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, visiting an ENT specialist can help identify the cause and guide treatment. Paying attention to patterns and changes in your nasal health allows your doctor to determine whether a closer look is needed.

Some key signs that it may be time to schedule a visit include:

• Nasal congestion that lasts longer than a few weeks
• Difficulty breathing through your nose most days

Frequent nosebleeds

• Ongoing facial pain or pressure in the sinuses
• Reduced sense of smell
• Recurring sinus infections

Assessing Chronic Nasal Congestion

Your ENT doctor will use several methods to assess chronic nasal congestion. The process usually starts with a detailed health history and a physical exam of your nose and sinuses. They may also look for related issues like sinus infections or allergies that can worsen congestion.

During your visit, a small lighted tool called a nasal endoscope may be used to view inside your nasal passages. This allows the specialist to identify swelling, blockages or structural problems such as a deviated septum.

Allergy testing or imaging studies like CT scans might be recommended if additional information is needed. Sharing details about your symptoms and when they occur helps the specialist choose the most effective tests and treatments.

How Allergies Can Lead to Wintertime Nasal Symptoms

Allergies can cause nasal symptoms during winter, especially when you spend more time indoors. Dust mites, pet dander and mold are common indoor allergens that trigger swelling and extra mucus in your nose.

Running a humidifier and cleaning your home regularly can help reduce allergen levels. Washing bedding in hot water and keeping pets out of bedrooms may also lower allergy symptoms. Using an air purifier or changing furnace filters often can help keep indoor air cleaner and make breathing easier during colder months.

Effects of Dry Indoor Air on Your Nose and Sinuses

Dry indoor air often leads to discomfort in your nose and sinuses during winter when heaters are used. Many people notice more dryness, irritation or mild nosebleeds as moisture levels drop indoors.

This dryness makes it harder for your nose to trap dust and germs, which can increase congestion or cause a scratchy feeling. If you already have sinus problems, dry air may add extra pressure or discomfort in your face and head.

Treatments for Persistent Nasal Congestion

When nasal congestion lasts for weeks or months, your doctor may explore medical or surgical approaches to help improve airflow and ease discomfort.

Persistent blockage can stem from swelling inside the nose, structural issues or chronic sinus problems, and addressing these causes often requires more than just over-the-counter measures.

Medical and surgical options for long-lasting congestion can include:

• Prescription nasal sprays: Designed to reduce swelling inside the nasal passages
• Oral medications: Including antihistamines or short courses of antibiotics if an infection is present
• Steroid nasal sprays: Target inflammation and help relieve ongoing blockage
• Straightening a crooked septum: This will improve airflow
• Turbinate reduction: Shrinking swollen tissues that obstruct breathing
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: Removing polyps or clearing blocked sinus pathways

Reviewing these options with your ENT doctor helps ensure a comprehensive understanding of how persistent nasal congestion can be addressed and what steps may be considered for lasting improvement.

Lifestyle Habits That Ease Chronic Nasal Congestion in Winter

Simple lifestyle habits can help ease chronic nasal congestion during winter. Using a humidifier keeps home air moist and prevents nasal passages from drying out. Drinking enough water each day supports healthy mucus flow and keeps tissues inside your nose from becoming too dry.

Washing hands often and cleaning surfaces reduces the spread of germs that cause colds or sinus infections. Avoiding cigarette smoke, strong perfumes and other irritants lowers the chance of extra swelling inside your nose.

Gentle activities like using saline rinses or taking warm showers may also bring comfort when congestion is at its worst. Small changes in daily routines can lead to better breathing throughout the colder months.

Finding Lasting Relief From Winter Nasal Congestion

Chronic nasal congestion during winter can make daily life uncomfortable, but there are effective ways to manage these symptoms. The team at Hot Springs Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic offers a range of options from medications and nasal sprays to minor procedures or surgery, depending on the cause of your congestion.

Addressing underlying issues such as allergies, sinus problems or structural concerns can help you breathe more comfortably throughout the colder months.

If you find that home remedies or over-the-counter treatments are not enough, our team is available to provide further guidance and care in Hot Springs, AR. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (501) 547-8920.