[VillagesFlorida]

Have you considered that you might be dehydrated? A lack of fluid in the body can cause everything from confusion to dry mucous membranes. I became aware of my own issues with dehydration years ago when I went to a doctor for what I thought was another in a long line of sinus infections. He told me that not drinking enough water causes mucous membranes to dry out, resulting in drainage that is thick and irritating. Needless to say I left the office NOT with a prescription for an antibiotic but rather with instructions to drink more. I did and the stmptoms passed. I have read a lot of articles recently on what a serious problem dehydration is among older folks. We just do not drink enough. You can research this on line and you'll be quite surprised as to how a simple lack of water in our bodies affects us, sometimes with devastating consequences. We are in air-conditioned buildings for months here in Florida. If you want to know how fast water can be removed from the air (and, your body) by airconditioning, hang a wet washcloth on the towel bar in the evening and check it the next morning. Our bodies are made up of 50%-60% water and even a 1%-2% loss of fluids can affect us. As for me, when my sinuses begin to feel stuffy I reach for water. If I don't, the next problem will be thick drainage that irritates my throat. Just a thought and perhaps a simple solution.