GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – The arctic air gripping West Michigan can do more than just numb fingers and toes — it can also damage the upper respiratory system and trigger infections, according to a local ear, nose and throat specialist.
Dr. Javier Howard, an otolaryngologist at U of M Health West, said every breath of freezing, dry air dehydrates the nose and throat, creating microscopic cracks in the airway lining similar to those that appear on skin.
“Those cracks in your skin also occur inside of the upper airway and make you susceptible to viruses and bacteria to get in and cause infection,” Howard said…