January 21, 2026
Winter can be a wonderland. It can also be an uncomfortable few months if you are dealing with a dry nose and stuffy sinuses.
The combination of cold air outside and dry heat inside can cause chronic congestion and irritated, dry nostrils.
"A primary function of your nose and sinuses is to add moisture to the air you breathe," says Keonho "Albert" Kong, MD, an MU Health Care otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist). "In cold and dry air, they have to work overtime to humidify and heat the air you breathe — typically by producing more mucus."
Having a dry nose can also lead to inflammation and swelling of your nasal lining. That inflammation plus the increased mucus can cause a bottleneck effect. Mucus gets trapped in your sinuses, leaving you congested and at higher risk for an infection.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent or reduce nasal dryness. Dr. Kong shares seven tips for reducing your risk for the dreaded dry nose:
1. Trade in Your Fan for a Humidifier
If you use a fan for noise and air movement while you sleep, now is the time to stop. Fans lower the room temperature and push that cooler air to your nostrils, stressing your already-overworked nose in the winter.
Instead, opt for a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air and provides a rest for your nose.
"Having a humidifier in your house is helpful in the winter, but it's essential in the bedroom where you sleep," Dr. Kong says. "That's where you spend the majority of your time each day and exposure to moist air overnight can provide recovery and relief for your nose."
2. Protect Your Sinuses Outdoors
Cold air and wind can leave your nose feeling irritated and dry. Covering your mouth and nose with a mask or scarf can offer protection and add moisture.
"You may have noticed that when you cover your nose and mouth when it's cold outside, condensation builds on the inside of the mask," Dr. Kong says. "That's because it traps humidity and moisture close to your nose and mouth." He adds that wearing a mask can also protect you from common viruses.
If you can't cover your nose and mouth outside, consider applying a saline gel inside the nose. It can keep your nostrils moist and humidified in windy conditions.
3. Reduce Exposure to Allergens
Spring and fall aren't the only seasons when allergies can make life uncomfortable. Winter poses a threat to people with certain allergies because of:
- Exposure to dust: As you increase time spent indoors — and take dusty blankets, holiday décor and winter coats out of storage — you could increase your exposure to dust mites.
- Increased time inside with pets: Being in enclosed spaces with pets and pet dander can trigger allergies.
- Wood-burning fireplaces: A wood-burning fireplace can release allergens such as mold, or worsen asthma-related inflammation.
"Exposure to allergens can increase the inflammation in your nasal passages," Dr. Kong says. "If you are already producing more mucus because of dry air, the combination can be a perfect recipe for congestion."
4. Adjust Your CPAP Machine
Like a fan, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine passes large volumes of air through your nostrils, drying out your nose and sinuses. What you may not realize is that most machines allow you to adjust humidity levels and increase the moisture content in the air passing through your nose.
"Most machines have a humidifier attachment," Dr. Kong says. "Check to see what setting it is at. You may want to put it at the highest setting during the winter months."
5. Be Careful When Choosing Nasal Decongestants
Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestants can offer temporary relief from sinus congestion during winter months. But they are not recommended for prolonged use.
"The inside of your nose can become almost addicted to some nasal decongestants if you use them for too long," Dr. Kong says. "They offer immediate relief. But your body can become dependent on them and forget how to decrease congestion on its own. You may experience severe swelling and congestion (rebound congestion) as your body relearns that function."
Dr. Kong recommends reading the ingredients label and avoiding prolonged use — longer than three days — of nasal products containing:
- Oxymetazoline
- Phenylephrine
Oral decongestants don't cause rebound congestion in the same way. But they can cause other issues, such as headaches or blood pressure changes. If you find yourself needing OTC decongestants for more than a few days, consult your doctor for evaluation.
6. Find Relief Through Saline and Steam
OTC decongestants may not be an ideal long-term plan, but people who are prone to dry nose or excessive mucus production still need ways to find relief.
"Some medications can be naturally drying, and adding winter can make things very uncomfortable," Dr. Kong says.
For ongoing congestion relief, Dr. Kong recommends:
- Saline sprays and rinses: Using non-medicated products once or twice daily can help reduce dryness and ease congestion.
- Steam inhalation: A steamy shower or cautiously inhaling steam from a boiling pot of water can provide immediate relief from congestion.
7. Know How to Spot Sinus Infection Symptoms
It's easy to write off congestion and nasal dryness as a common cold. But the bacteria that grow when your nasal passages are blocked make you more likely to develop a sinus infection.
Dr. Kong recommends seeing a health care professional if you experience red flag symptoms, such as:
- Colorful or thick mucus, instead of the clear, thin drainage that often accompanies a common cold
- Ongoing pain and pressure in your head that lasts more than seven days
"The most common reason people get congested is from a virus infection, which doesn't respond to or require antibiotics," Dr. Kong says. "But when symptoms last longer than a week, it may be a sign you have a bacterial infection and need a prescribed medication."
Next Steps and Useful Resources
- Think you may have a sinus infection? See our convenient care options.
- Want to discuss more with a doctor? Find a primary care doctor today.
- Sinuses need some extra care? Talk to our ENT specialists.
