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Under The Weather? You're Not Alone

Dry Weather Could Be To Blame

POSTED: 6:13 pm PDT July 6, 2009
UPDATED: 7:23 am PDT July 7, 2009

Many Las Vegans have been complaining of headaches over the past few days -- and it is not necessarily from too much Fourth of July partying. The dry weather could be to blame.

Over the last few days, the Valley has been experiencing humidity levels as low as 3 percent. When the air gets that dry, it can make life miserable for many people.

Some Valley residents said they love it when there is no humidity. But others complain of headaches.

While we do live in a desert where dry weather is the norm, sometimes it gets too dry, causing problems for some Las Vegans.

“Nose bleeds are recurrent from the dryness. The allergy patients are more stuffy,” said ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Susan Schwartz. . Schwartz said low humidity irritates mucus membranes, the body’s first barrier against airborne infections inside the nose and throat.

“When we get stuffy, these air filters, or turbinates, swell causing you to feel very stuffy and congested,” Schwartz said.

That makes low humidity days uncomfortable, even for people who don't have allergies.

There are some store-bought remedies available to help, and many are available over the counter.

“Saline is really the most natural way to start,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz said the different saline products on the market help flush the irritants out of the nose and also help irrigate the cavity, making it easier to breath.

Using a humidifier is also helpful if used properly.

“They need to be cleaned once a week with bleach and water. If they are not cleaned once a week, you're putting mold spores out into the environment,” Schwartz said.

Running air conditioning will also help, even though cold air holds less water vapor.

Schwartz said sometimes irritants like dry weather can lead to sinus infections. She said if you don't feel any better within five days, see your doctor.

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