You already know that drinking enough water each day is critical to your health. Your organs, muscles, cells and bodily functions all rely on steady hydration to function properly. This is also true for your ears, nose and throat health.
How Your Ears, Nose and Throat Use Water
Your ears, nose and throat are all intimately connected—that’s why there are dedicated specialists for ear, nose and throat (ENT) health. However, there are three distinct areas of the body, so let’s break them down one by one and see how they each utilize the water you drink.
Ears
One of the biggest benefits of being well-hydrated for your ear health is the boost water gives to your immune system. A well-functioning immune system can destroy viruses and bacteria in the body before they become infections—specifically, ear infections. Ear infections can happen after getting over the flu or other respiratory viruses, and they’re especially prominent in children. You may experience ear pain, fever or mild hearing loss as a result of an ear infection.
Additionally, the organs in your ear rely on fluid to transmit sound and maintain balance. If you’re dehydrated, it may cause fluid buildup in your ears, leading to hearing or balance problems.
Nose
Your nose needs a healthy supply of mucus (or “snot”), and mucus is primarily made of water. Mucus in the nose catches particles that you inhale—both harmless, like dust, and adversarial, like germs—and flushes them back out the nose. Mucus also keeps the cells in the nasal tissues moist, allowing them to do their jobs. Dehydration reduces mucus production, leading to a dry, irritated nose. In this state, small particles are more likely to cause irritation and inflammation in the nose and sinuses, and germs are more likely to get through the nasal line of defense and make you sick.
Also, like the ears, the nose benefits from a robust immune system. You’re more prone to sinus infections, or sinusitis, if your immune system is weakened.
Throat
The throat also needs mucus to function (in the throat, it’s called “phlegm”). Mucus in the throat also plays a role in catching and flushing foreign invaders, as well as lubricating the throat to facilitate the act of swallowing the food you eat. When your throat is dehydrated, you’re likely to feel a sore, scratchy throat and experience some discomfort swallowing.
How to Stay Hydrated
The amount of water needed every day to maintain healthy hydration levels varies from person to person, depending on factors such as age, sex, weight, activity level, health conditions, metabolism, climate and more. The common guidance is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, but check with your doctor.
Beyond simply drinking water, here are some other ways to hydrate your body:
- Drink hydrating fluids. Water isn’t the only choice. Tea, sports drinks, fruit and vegetable juices and even milk can help you hydrate. These are great options if you don’t like the taste of plain water. Another tip: if you don’t like water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber or strawberry to improve the taste and provide their own benefits.
- Eat water-rich foods. Plenty of foods have a significant water content, especially fruits and vegetables. Some real water powerhouses are watermelon, cucumber and strawberries.
- Avoid dehydrating drinks. Soda, coffee, energy drinks and alcoholic beverages can all dehydrate you. Drink in moderation.
- Use a humidifier. This is especially useful if you live in a dry climate and constantly breathe in dry air. Adding moisture to the air you breathe can help maintain your hydration levels.
If you have any questions about hydration or its effects on your ENT health, talk to our experts at ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons.