Winter in Atlanta brings chilly mornings, indoor heating, and seasonal colds—but for children with nasal congestion, allergies, or chronic rhinitis, cold weather can make breathing difficult. Dr. Ramie A. Tritt at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. specializes in pediatric ENT care and offers strategies to help kids breathe easier during the colder months.
Why Cold Weather Affects Kids’ Breathing
Cold air can irritate the sensitive lining of a child’s nasal passages, leading to swelling and increased mucus production. Kids with pre-existing conditions such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or enlarged turbinates may experience:
- Stuffy noses and nasal congestion
- Sneezing and runny noses
- Postnasal drip and coughing
- Trouble sleeping due to blocked airways
Indoor heating can worsen these symptoms by drying out the air, causing discomfort in the nasal passages and throat.
Common Triggers for Pediatric Nasal Symptoms in Winter
- Allergens indoors: Dust mites, mold, and pet dander are more concentrated in heated indoor environments.
- Viral infections: Winter months often bring colds and flu, which can worsen nasal congestion.
- Structural issues: Deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can make it harder for children to breathe in cold air.
Tips to Help Kids Breathe Easier
- Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to indoor air can prevent nasal dryness and reduce irritation.
- Keep Allergens in Check: Regularly clean bedding, carpets, and toys to limit dust and mold exposure.
- Encourage Hydration: Plenty of water keeps mucus thin and easier to clear.
- Saline Nasal Sprays or Rinses: These can gently flush allergens and mucus from nasal passages.
- Layer Clothing Outdoors: Protecting kids from extreme cold reduces airway irritation from chilly air.
- Follow Prescribed Treatments: If your child has allergies or chronic rhinitis, consistent use of medications such as antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays is essential.
When to See a Pediatric ENT Specialist
If your child experiences persistent congestion, chronic cough, frequent sinus infections, or trouble sleeping due to nasal obstruction, it’s time to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Tritt and the team at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. provide specialized care, including:
- Allergy testing and immunotherapy
- Treatments for chronic rhinitis
- Minimally invasive procedures like VivAer®, RhinAer®, ClariFix®, and Neuromark for nasal obstruction or turbinate 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”.
