Your nasal passages contain mucous membranes that require moistness for optimal comfort. Certain respiratory conditions, such as colds and seasonal allergies, as well as arid climates, may lead to dryness within your nasal passages and sinus cavities. Home remedies provide an alternative to some over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, although you should always seek medical advice for nasal and sinus conditions that cause a fever or fail to respond to home remedies.
Increase Humidity
Increasing the amount of humidity in your home can help soothe and dampen dry nasal passages. Humidifiers come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to provide a continuous release of water vapor into the air near your bed or desk. You can also increase the amount of humidity in the atmosphere by boiling a pot of water on the stove or running a hot shower in an enclosed bathroom. These quick fixes may provide temporary relief for nasal dryness.
Moisturize
Placing a dab of petroleum jelly inside dry sinuses is an old remedy that many people still employ. While this method is generally safe for most people, it can increase your risk of developing lipoid pneumonia, a serious disorder that may occur when nasal secretions cause the petroleum jelly to migrate down your throat and into your lungs. This rare condition may occur after months of frequent use. Using a saline rinse in your nostrils provides a safe alternative to petroleum jelly. MayoClinic.com recommends mixing together about 1/4 tsp. salt with 2 cups of lukewarm water. Apply this solution to your nose with a neti pot or a bulb syringe.
Hydrate
Dry mucous membranes require additional fluid. Drinking more fluid helps hydrate your cells, including the cells that line your nasal passages and your sinus cavities. Consuming more water helps lubricate dry, irritated mucous membranes.
Precautions
While home remedies can help ease certain discomforts, including dry nasal membranes, ongoing nasal dryness may indicate the presence of an underlying condition that requires medical diagnosis and treatment. If you suffer from seasonal allergies or work in dusty conditions, wearing a dust mask may help reduce the incidence of nasal dryness and other respiratory symptoms.
Member Comments