Allergic to winter?

[jessmarimba]

Similar to the allergy symptoms but no allergy thread, but not quite it.

Last winter and this winter (essentially, since I've moved to the incredibly dry state of Colorado) I have spent all winter breathing through my mouth when I sleep and waking up incredibly stuffed up. This is going to sound gross, but it's not just snot - I blow my nose in the morning and a ridiculous amount of blood seems to have built up in my sinuses overnight. I eventually end up with sinus infections, but until that happens I can breathe fine during the day.

Is this something that a humidifier in the bedroom would help?

[ny biker]

It probably would not hurt, if but if there's that much blood, you should probably check with a doctor.

Also a saline nose spray like Ayr might help.

[NbyNW]

I would probably check with a doctor about that much blood.

A humidifier or neti pot might help.

Also I find it helps if I launder my quilts and blankets once or twice a season. And vacuum frequently. I stopped storing stuff under my bed to make it easier to get under there with a vacuum.

[Owlie]

A humidifier might help. Drink more water too.

[Becky]

Definitely try a neti pot or other sinus irrigation device.

[OakLeaf]

y'know what works as well as a humidifier, and saves energy and money TWO ways? One of those old-fashioned accordion clothes drying racks.

Or two or three, if you have a large washer and/or a large family.

[malkin]

A wash load of towels turns to cracker here so quickly that we need a humidifier too.

[abejita]

I also had problems with the inside of my nose bleeding during the winter because it was so dry. Along with the neti pot suggestion, she suggested taking a qtip with a little bit of vasoline on it and rub it on the inside of my nose to help keep it from drying out. It really helped a lot.

[jessmarimba]

Oak, I actually use one of those :) My dryer has never worked and in the winter I hang the clothes in the kitchen. I don't think the extra moisture gets upstairs though...and I loathe doing (folding) laundry so I avoid it at all costs!

However, the dryer not working makes me reluctant to wash my comforter, but that's a good idea. I didn't think of that.

I'm going to start keeping track of this for a week or two. I think it's worse at night after I run. This morning I could still breathe through my nose but instead of running yesterday, I spent an hour in my nice (nasty) humid hot gym.

Thanks everyone!

[Kathi]

I have been diagnosed with dust allergies and have been experiencing the same symptoms as you. According to Accuweather.com indoor dust and dander is very high. http://www.accuweather.com/us/co/denver/80201/health-allergies.asp

I use humidifiers, nasal rinse (NeilMed sinus rinse) and use an air cleaner and drink lots of water. Also, avoiding alcohol helps me.

At home I have hardwood floors which I clean with a Bona dust mop and have been trying to diligently dust. My symptoms are worse in my ski condo which has carpet.

The National Jewish website has good information on how to do nasal rinses.