×

This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy.

We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. This article may contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The feedback link “Was this Article Helpful” on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner.

This article does not provide medical advice.

1

Dry Sinus: 5 Causes Dry Sinuses and Its Treatment

About Dry Sinus:

Dry Sinuses is extremely irritating and discomforting. There are a variety of causes for Dry Sinuses including allergies, environmental irritants, and certain medical conditions like Sjogren Syndrome. Sinuses are hollow spaces that are present around the forehead, nose, and cheeks. These cavities or spaces are lined by a layer of mucous, the function of which is to keep the sinuses moist and to trap any pathogen like bacteria which may have infiltrated [1, 2, 3].

A person is said to have dry sinuses when the body stops producing enough mucous to keep the sinuses moist. Dry sinuses are extremely discomforting and can significantly interfere with daily life of a person. In some cases people also experience sinuses infections or bleeding from the nose as a result of dry sinuses. The article below highlights some of the potential causes and treatment options for Dry Sinuses [1, 2, 3].

Dry Sinus: 5 Causes Dry Sinuses and Its Treatment

What Causes Dry Sinuses?

Some of the potential causes for dry sinuses include:

Dry Air: Generally, sinuses are able to adapt to different weather conditions but in some cases if the weather is too hot and the air is dry it may result in dry sinuses. This can be very discomforting for the patient. Sometimes, crusting forms within the nose and nosebleeds can also occur. Studies suggest that dry sinuses are more common in the elderly population than young adults, especially in cases of dry weather conditions. Research work also suggests that dry sinuses are more common in people who breathe through their mouth [3].

Dehydration: Researchers from John Hopkins Medicine state that dehydration is a common cause for dry mouth and mucous membranes leading to dry sinuses. A person suffering from dehydration will also feel extreme thirst, severe headache, and dark colored urine. The urinary frequency is also decreased and the skin becomes excessively dry [3].

Dizziness is also quite common in people with dehydration. Children who have dehydration tend to have lack of tears when crying and their cheeks and eyes look sunken. Drinking fluids and water is the best way to treat dehydration. In severe cases, electrolytes will be administered in an inpatient setting intravenously [3].

Environmental Irritants: The Allergy and Asthma Network states that environmental and other irritants can hamper the production of mucous in the body including the sinuses. The mucous becomes thick which slows down its flow and makes the sinuses dry. It is common for people come in direct contact with irritants like chemicals, smoke, dust, and scents. It is best to avoid known triggers to prevent dry sinuses [3].

Medications: There are also certain medications that can cause dry sinuses. These include drugs that treat nasal symptoms like antihistamines and decongestants. Medications that suppress the immune system also at times can cause dry sinuses. If a person feels that medications are responsible for dry sinuses then they should speak to a physician for alternatives [3].

Sjogren Syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes dryness in different parts of the body. This is also one of the causes for dry sinuses. It at times can also cause nosebleeds and frequent sinus infections. Some of the other symptoms of Sjogren Syndrome include dry mouth, lips, throat, and eyes [3].

People with this condition also experience problems with swallowing, frequent bouts of headaches, problems with focusing and concentrating, issues with the respiratory and GI systems, severe fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Since Sjogren Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder it may not be cured but with lifestyle modifications and medications most of the symptoms of this condition can be managed effectively [3].

How to Treat Dry Sinuses?

The treatment for dry sinuses depends on the cause of it. However, there are some quick tips that are quite effective to relieve the symptoms of dry sinuses. These tips include use of a humidifier in places where the air is very dry. The appliance will moisten the air so that the mucous does not dry up because of it. However, it is important to clean the humidifier every week to prevent any bacteria or other pathogens to circulate in the air [3].

Some people find inhaling steam to be quite effective in dealing with the symptoms of dry sinuses. Over the counter nasal sprays and drops are also quite beneficial in relieving the symptoms of dry sinuses. Physicians recommend keeping the body hydrated especially during the dry and hot weather to prevent dehydration and accompanying dry sinuses. It is also important for people to limit spending time outdoors in the dry and hot weather conditions [3].

If medications are responsible for dry sinuses then it is better to change the medication and consult with a physician to go for an alternative. It is also recommended to limit exposure to toxins and chemicals and other environmental irritants which can result in dry sinuses. While there is nothing to worry about in cases of dry sinuses, there are instances when a visit to the physician becomes necessary. This is especially required if the condition does not improve despite treatment for a prolonged period of time [3].

As stated, dry sinuses can also be a result of an underlying medical conditions and thus if there are other symptoms that are accompanied then also a visit to the physician is recommended. If dry sinuses do not get treated appropriately, it may lead to accumulation of mucous which prevents the sinuses from being cleared of any harmful bacteria or other pathogens. This often at times results in a sinus infection which will require aggressive treatment [3].

A person with a sinus infection will have runny nose with a green colored discharge. The nose will be constantly blocked. There will be frequent bouts of headaches along with tenderness in the face. Cough, fever, and fatigue is also something that is quite common in people with sinus infection. People with these symptoms should consult with a physician as they will need to be started on antibiotics for proper treatment [3].

In conclusion, dry sinuses can be extremely discomforting and annoying. Dry sinuses occur when the body stops producing mucous that lubricates the sinuses. If the production of mucous is hampered, the sinuses tend to become dry. There are numerous causes that make the mucous dry. This includes irritants from the atmosphere, bacterial infections, and medical conditions like Sjogren Syndrome [1, 2, 3].

If dry sinuses are accompanied by any other symptoms that have been mentioned above then it is better to consult with a physician to identify a cause and start treatment for it. While dry sinuses are annoying, irritating, and discomforting, it is a treatable condition and in most cases just home remedies are good enough to manage the symptoms of dry sinuses [1, 2, 3].

In case of the symptoms do not resolve with the standard treatments then it is better to consult a physician as some medical condition that requires aggressive treatment may be responsible for Dry Sinuses [1, 2, 3].

References:

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:February 1, 2022

Recent Posts

Related Posts