If you’ve lived in Utah for a while, you’re probably familiar with winter inversions. Utah’s altitude and geography make it susceptible to this unique phenomenon, in which warm air at high altitudes traps cold air beneath it, and with it, the emissions and air pollution that would normally escape into the atmosphere. The result is smoggy, cold air on the ground for much of January and February.
Air Quality During the Winter Inversion
Because emissions and pollutants in the air aren’t flying away, they accumulate and concentrate in the air near the ground. In fact, these particles are pressed in on all sides: the layer of warm air in the atmosphere pushes them down, and the mountains that make Utah so beautiful push in from the sides, like a bowl. This results in generally poor air quality.
Sinus and Throat Health During an Inversion
The combination of cold air and poor air quality can wreak havoc on sinus and respiratory health, especially for those with respiratory conditions or sensitivities.
Cold air is dry air, and dry air will dehydrate the skin in your nose and nasal passageways. This can cause irritation and inflammation in the nose, which hampers the functionality of your sinuses. In response to this dehydration, your body increases mucus production, leading to the runny nose that is so common during the winter.
Furthermore, as discussed above, the inversion traps air pollution on the ground. Tiny particles of pollutants floating in the air will irritate the nose, throat and lungs when inhaled. When this happens, you’ll likely experience symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, sinus pressure, postnasal drip, a sore throat and a worsening of asthma symptoms.
How to Protect Yourself
These symptoms are uncomfortable, but they are manageable with some precautions. To protect your throat and sinuses during the inversion, you can do the following:
- Stay indoors as much as possible to limit exposure to poor air quality. Especially limit your kids’ outdoor playtime and avoid exercising outdoors or engaging in other activities that may cause you to breathe more deeply.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids to help your throat and sinuses stay hydrated.
- Reduce your personal emissions when possible by limiting the use of your wood-burning fireplace and avoiding driving during peak hours.
- Improve air quality indoors by using a humidifier to add moisture and a high-quality air filter to remove pollutants and other irritating particulates.
- Stay updated with air quality reports so you can avoid going outside when air quality levels are especially bad.
When to Seek Help
While winter inversions are a part of life in Utah, you don’t have to suffer through sinus and throat issues. Our team of ENT specialists can examine your symptoms and help you build a treatment plan that will get you to the other side of the inversion. If your sinus and throat symptoms have been worse than usual, or if you believe you’re developing an infection or other complication, call South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan to schedule an appointment.