Dry Nose from Avoiding Heat, Is It Due to Portable Fans?

Jomyungjun Cho, Head of Otolaryngology, Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, Daedong Hospital.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] After the rainy season ended and the typhoon passed, the full-fledged summer heatwave began. In particular, the first and second weeks of August are the period when the most people take vacations during the summer.

With the number of people going on vacation in the heat rapidly increasing, it has become a daily routine to run air conditioners or fans indoors all day long.

People using portable fans that can be held in the hand or hung around the neck to cool down a little during outdoor activities or while moving are also increasing.

Compared to traditional fans that were shaken by hand to create wind, portable fans have become an essential summer item as they produce wind automatically with the push of a button and allow for strength adjustment.

Recently, an environmental organization released data claiming that portable fans emit electromagnetic waves at levels harmful to the human body, sparking a controversy with the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Regarding electromagnetic waves, the government announced that if the protection standards are met and usage time is short, it does not significantly affect health, bringing the issue to a close for the time being.

However, experts point out that health issues related to portable fans are due to dry environments.

Since portable fans are mostly used near the face, they can dry out the nose and throat, potentially causing diseases.

Our nasal cavity is basically maintained at an appropriate humidity level by nasal mucus, which acts as a humidifier to moisten the air breathed in from outside.

Various factors can lower the humidity inside the nose, causing dryness that can lead to "nasal dryness syndrome." Extra caution is needed especially for those with existing otolaryngological conditions such as rhinitis or sinusitis.

Nasal dryness syndrome refers to the self-recognition of a dry and parched feeling inside the nose.

It can occur due to dry environments, long flights, hot environments, or dusty conditions, and symptoms include dryness or blockage in the nose, itching, odor, or decreased sense of smell.

Diagnosis is made through patient symptoms and internal and external nasal examinations, and if necessary, CT scans or allergy tests can be conducted.

Most cases improve by changing lifestyle habits or treating the underlying disease.

When indoors, maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, and avoid actions that irritate the nose such as frequent touching or picking. Also, ensure sufficient hydration and, if necessary, perform nasal irrigation to manage the mucous membranes.

If there is vestibulitis caused by local irritation such as nose picking, or if there are nasal diseases like allergic rhinitis or atrophic conditions, immediate treatment is required.

In cases of severe mucosal damage, applying prescribed ointment to the affected area can be helpful.

Dr. Jo Myung-jun, head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center at Daedong Hospital, said, “For the health of not only the nose but also the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, portable fans should be used at a distance from the body, and the airflow should be directed from top to bottom rather than from bottom to top.”

Dr. Jo added, “If you feel your nose is dry, increase the humidity, and if symptoms persist or worsen, visit an otolaryngologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.