Winter in Atlanta brings cozy days, hot drinks, and hearty meals—but it can also worsen certain health conditions, including acid reflux and nasal symptoms. For patients with chronic rhinitis or sinus issues, the combination of cold air and digestive irritation can make symptoms worse. Dr. Ramie A. Tritt at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. explains how these conditions are connected and how you can find relief.
How Acid Reflux Affects Your Nasal Passages
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. While reflux primarily affects the digestive system, it can also impact the upper airway. Acid that reaches the throat and nasal passages may:
- Irritate the lining of your nose and sinuses
- Increase nasal congestion
- Trigger postnasal drip
- Worsen chronic rhinitis symptoms
- Lead to throat irritation and chronic cough
This condition is often more noticeable during winter, as people tend to eat heavier meals, drink hot beverages, and spend more time indoors.
Why Cold Weather Makes Symptoms Worse
Cold air itself can irritate nasal passages, causing inflammation and congestion. When combined with reflux-related irritation, patients may experience:
- Heightened nasal swelling
- Increased mucus production
- Sneezing and postnasal drip
- Sinus discomfort or headaches
Indoor heating can also dry out nasal tissues, further aggravating both reflux-related and cold-weather symptoms.
Tips to Manage Acid Reflux and Nasal Symptoms in Winter
- Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals – Avoid overloading your stomach, which can trigger reflux.
- Avoid Trigger Foods – Spicy, fatty, and acidic foods can worsen reflux.
- Elevate Your Head When Sleeping – Helps prevent acid from flowing into the throat.
- Stay Hydrated – Water keeps nasal passages moist and reduces irritation.
- Use Saline Nasal Sprays – Rinsing the nasal passages can help flush out irritants and reduce inflammation.
- Follow Your Prescribed Medications – Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be necessary for reflux control.
For persistent nasal symptoms, Dr. Tritt offers treatments for chronic rhinitis and nasal obstruction, including minimally invasive procedures such as VivAer®, RhinAer®, ClariFix®, and Neuromark, which can reduce nasal inflammation and improve breathing.
When to See an ENT Specialist
If cold weather and acid reflux are making your nasal symptoms worse, it’s important to get a professional evaluation. Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. provides personalized care for patients experiencing nasal congestion, postnasal drip, chronic rhinitis, and sinus issues.
Locations & Contact Information:
Atlanta Office:
5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 125, Atlanta, GA 30342
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
