1 December 2025 0 Comments

ENT Problems: As the temperature drops and we trade outdoor warmth for indoor heating, our bodies face a unique set of challenges. While winter brings cozy sweaters and hot cocoa, it also ushers in a “peak season” for Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) issues.

Cold, dry air combined with increased time spent indoors creates a perfect storm for respiratory ailments. Understanding which common winter ENT problems flare up during these months—and how to prevent them—is key to staying healthy this season.

Here is your guide to the most frequent winter ENT complaints and expert-backed strategies for relief.

ENT Problems

1. Sinusitis: The “Winter Congestion”

One of the most common complaints during colder months is sinusitis (sinus infection). Winter air is naturally less humid, and indoor heating systems further strip moisture from the air. This causes the mucous membranes in your nose to dry out and crack, impairing their ability to trap viruses and bacteria.

Why it worsens: When the lining of the nose becomes dry and inflamed, the ostia (drainage pathways) of the sinuses can become blocked. Mucus gets trapped, creating a breeding ground for infection.
Symptoms: Facial pressure, throbbing headache, thick yellow/green discharge, and congestion.
Prevention:
- Use a Humidifier: Keeping indoor humidity between 40-50% prevents nasal dryness.
- Saline Irrigation: Using a Neti pot or saline spray daily helps flush out irritants and keeps cilia (tiny protective hairs) healthy.

2. Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)

Nosebleeds are a frequent, often alarming, winter occurrence. The medical term is epistaxis, and it is directly linked to the lack of humidity. The blood vessels inside the nose are superficial and fragile. When the nasal lining (mucosa) dries out, it crusts and cracks, leading to bleeding.

Why it worsens: Frequent nose blowing due to colds, combined with dry air, ruptures these delicate vessels.
Prevention:
- Hydrate: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or saline gel inside the nostrils before bed.
- Avoid Picking: Keep tissues handy but avoid forceful rubbing.

3. Ear Infections and “Swimmer’s Ear”

While often associated with summer swimming, ear issues frequently spike in winter. This can happen for two reasons: Upper Respiratory Infections and Cold Wind Exposure.

Why it worsens: Colds and flu cause inflammation in the eustachian tubes (which connect the ear to the throat). When these tubes swell shut, fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear, leading to otitis media. Additionally, exposure to freezing wind can cause physical pain in the ear canal and even “exostosis” (bone growth) in extreme cases.
Prevention:
- Cover Your Ears: Always wear a hat or earmuffs when outdoors in freezing temperatures.
- Treat Congestion Early: Don’t let a cold linger; use decongestants to keep the eustachian tubes open.

4. Sore Throat: Viral vs. Strep

Is it just a dry throat from sleeping with your mouth open, or is it strep throat? Winter is prime time for pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat).

Why it worsens: We spend more time indoors in close proximity to others, facilitating the spread of viral and bacterial infections. Dry air also causes “morning sore throat” due to mouth breathing at night.
Key Distinction: A viral sore throat usually comes with a cough and runny nose. Strep throat typically presents as sudden severe pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes without a cough.
Prevention:
- Hygiene: Frequent hand washing is the #1 defense against strep and flu.
- Hydration: Herbal teas and honey coat the throat and prevent mucosal drying.

5. Winter Allergies (The Indoor Trigger)

Many people believe allergies disappear with the first frost, but winter allergies can be just as severe as hay fever.

Why it worsens: Since we seal our homes tightly to keep the heat in, we trap indoor allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander inside with us.
Prevention:
- HEPA Filters: Use high-quality air filters to trap indoor particulates.
- Wash Bedding: Wash sheets weekly in hot water to kill dust mites.