The Doctor Is In

Q:With this colder weather, I am running my heater more than I can remember in years past. I am also waking up with a sore throat, and sometimes congestion, more than I can remember! Can these two be associated? Are there any tips and tricks for maintaining respiratory health, even with the heat on?

Yes, indeed it has been cold lately, at least for us used to Pacific Palisades winters. Time to bring out the sweaters and jackets, woolly socks, and heavier blankets that we have stored away in a closet because we hardly ever use them. But sometimes we just need to finally turn up the thermostat and let the heater in our houses help with the chill in our bones.

Are there possible downsides to your physical health when you heat your home? Absolutely, you are correct that you may in fact suffer from respiratory ailments associated with turning up the heat.

Before turning on your heater for the first time this season, it is a good idea to check and clean or replace your filters because dirty or moldy filters can make asthma and allergies worse. Dust, pollen and other allergens collect in the ductwork during the spring and summer. When you go to turn on the heater in the fall, they can come rushing out into your rooms and lungs. More of these indoor allergens will then circulate, and may cause sinus congestion and make you feel sick.

By making the air in your home much drier than normal, this can also cause flare-ups of asthma, and can trigger coughing or shortness of breath. Central heating can also irritate the nose, which can exacerbate sinus infections.

Normally the lining of your nose and sinuses have a layer of mucus on top of little hairs called cilia, which help guard against infection. When the air is too dry, this mucus layer turns into glue and paralyzes the cilia so they can’t do their job. This can lead to blocked sinuses, sinusitis, nosebleeds and scabs.

In addition, central heating can also lead to dry or itchy eyes, which can be quite uncomfortable. When the air is too dry, our eyes can’t make enough tear film to protect them, and this will often lead to a gritty sensation.

So, what are some strategies to stay warm and avoid these potential problems? Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom, but don’t forget to properly maintain and clean this item as well.

Keep your nasal passages and eyes moist by using some saline nasal spray and natural tears. It is also vital to stay well hydrated by drinking enough water in the winter months.

In addition, you may consider investing in a HEPA filter for your bedroom, which helps screen out over 90% of particles in the air around you, which can help prevent illness.

Of course, you may be waking up with a sore throat and congestion because this is a particularly vicious season for respiratory bugs and may not have anything to do with the heater being on. With the triple whammy of the latest variant of COVID, RSV and influenza cases, as well as just more cold viruses circulating this time of year, call or see your primary care provider to get checked when these symptoms appear. If you are not actually suffering from an infection, consider turning down the heat and getting a new down comforter.