I had a throat dilation done 2 weeks ago and last night was having a VERY hard time breathing. After not sleeping much, and starting to become very scared, I called the throat specialist. He saw me immediately, did a throat scope and I ended up coughing up a TON of bloody crusts. YUCK! He said it was due to the cold weather and dryness. Now I have orders to sleep with a humidifier and carry a portable steam inhaler wherever I go. He said I was lucky he didn't have to put me out and do emergency surgery. Very Scary Morning