Dry Sinuses & Nasal Passages: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What Causes Dry Sinuses?

There are many different conditions that can bring on dry nose and sinuses. The most common causes of dry sinus cavities include:

Dry Geographic Region

Certain areas of the country have dryer, arid climates which make residents or visitors more prone to dry sinuses. Colorado is a high desert, which means a dryer climate and a greater likelihood of developing dry sinuses. Research shows that older adults are more likely to have issues with dryness in certain environments than younger people. The sinuses can often adjust to new dry climates after a time, but for some living in arid regions may continue to cause dry sinus issues.

Cold or Cool Air

Cool air is often dry air, which means dryness can worsen in cooler temperatures or winter months. Cooler air dries out the mucus membranes in the nasal airways, which can lead to irritation, cracking, and even bleeding. Running the central heating, air conditioners, fans, and other temperature control units in your home can further dry out the air.

Allergies

Allergic rhinitis (allergies) is the body’s hyperactive response to allergens or irritants in the air or on the skin. The body’s histamine reaction can cause the airways to become irritated and swollen, producing mucus that is thick and congealed because of dry nasal passages. Finding out what you are allergic to with a simple allergy test is an important first step towards getting allergy relief.

Symptoms of allergies include:

• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• itchy or watery eyes
• sneezing
• itchy throat, sinuses, or ear canals
• postnasal drainage
• fluid on the ears
• headache
• cough
• wheezing
• shortness of breath

Pet Allergies

Dog and cat dander are common causes of allergies that bring on dry, irritated nasal passages. People with pets in the home should consider keeping them off of laying or sleeping areas such as couches and sofas to help with allergies. A simple allergy can determine whether you are allergic to a specific animal type.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies that are triggered by pollens, trees and grasses often lead to dry sinuses, nose, and throat. Dryness during allergy season can make allergy symptoms much worse. It’s important to note that over the counter (OTC) antihistamines, which are commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms, can actually increase dryness and make your sinus symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor to make sure the OTC medications you’re taking aren’t contributing to dry sinuses.

Mold or Mildew

Allergies to mold and mildew can also cause severe dryness and congestion just like pet and seasonal allergies. It can seem unlikely that mold could grow in an environment that is also dry, but these allergens can be resilient in damp places throughout the home such as the bathroom and kitchen. If you are using a humidifier to combat dryness it is important to clean it thoroughly and regularly to avoid any mold growth that might make your symptoms and dryness worse.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water and fluids causes dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth, throught, and mucus membranes. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, signs of dehydration include:

• feeling thirsty
• headaches
• dry skin
• urinating less frequently
• darker urine
• fatigue
• feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Children with dehydration may produce no tears when they cry, or may appear to have sunken cheeks or eyes.

Sjögren Syndrome

Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune condition that prevents the body from creating enough moisture. People suffering from Sjögren syndrome tend to have dry eyes and mouth most of the time, but this disorder can affect the entire body causing mucus membranes to dry out and become irritated or inflamed. If the underlying cause of your dry sinuses is Sjögren syndrome, you may experience one or more of the following:

• dry mouth
• dry eyes
• dry skin
• joint pain
• vaginal dryness
• fatigue
• skin rashes
• chronic inflammation

Sjögren syndrome is usually a long-term condition, but a combination of medication and lifestyle changes can help patients manage their symptoms.

Smoke Exposure

Smoking or being exposed to smoke can increase dryness in your sinuses. Cigarette smoke is the most common form of smoke exposure, but fire smoke, vapor smoke, and other types of smoke can also cause irritation and dry you out.

Other Chemicals

Many chemicals and products used in daily life around the home can irritate your nasal passages. These irritants can cause you to develop dry sinuses, sore throat, dry nose, nosebleeds, and other symptoms similar to allergies. Some of the most common chemicals and products that can dry out your sinuses include:

• household cleaning products
• hair spray and other beauty products
• industrial irritants (chemicals in the workplace)
• paint or varnish fumes
• strong perfumes and other synthetic fragrances

Immunosuppressant medications can also exacerbate dry sinuses.