Burning sensation in the nose

introduction

A burning sensation in the nose is an uncomfortable feeling in the nose, which is often caused by an irritated nasal lining. A burning sensation in the nose is usually associated with other symptoms such as runny nose or sneezing and occurs as a side effect of colds or allergies.

But too dry nasal mucosa can lead to a burning sensation. Those affected find the burning sensation in the nose bothersome and annoying, but there are a number of measures that can be taken to provide relief.

causes

There can be many causes for a burning sensation in the nose. Often the burning sensation is caused by irritated nasal lining.
The nasal mucous membrane plays an important role in the smelling process and in breathing by warming and humidifying the air we breathe. Our nasal mucosa is permanently exposed to many environmental influences, which can lead to irritation and damage. If the air is too dry (especially in winter from warm heating air and in summer from air conditioning) the nasal mucous membrane dries out quickly and the result is an annoying itching and burning sensation in the nose. This appearance of the dry nose is also known as rhinitis sicca. Usually, a dry nose is a temporary condition and is harmless. In some cases, however, the mucous membrane tissue can continue to recede, which leads to olfactory disorders and an increased susceptibility to infection.

In addition to a too dry room climate, increased exposure to dust or smoke (e.g. from cigarette smoke) can irritate the nasal mucous membrane and lead to a burning sensation in the nose. Other causes of a burning sensation in the nose are colds with runny nose and allergies (allergic rhinitis). A number of medications (e.g. cortisone or various psychotropic drugs) also dry out the nose and cause the burning sensation.

You may also be interested in this topic: Symptoms of a cold

sniff

As part of a cold, there is often an increased build-up of mucus in the nasal mucosa and a runny nose (rhinitis).
The nose is blocked or runny, and frequent blowing of the nose makes the skin around the nostrils sore and cracked. Frequent signs of a runny nose are frequent sneezing, but also a burning and itching nose. In this phase before the actual cold, the nasal mucosa feels dry and burns. As a rule, the burning sensation is harmless and disappears after a few days together with the cold.

Read more on the topic: Symptoms of a runny nose

Concomitant symptoms

Usually, a burning sensation in the nose isn't the only symptom. Often those affected also suffer from puffiness, a runny nose or an itchy feeling in the nose. Depending on the cause of the burning, there are other side effects.

With a cold, the entire upper respiratory tract is usually affected and, in addition to a runny nose, there are sore throats, headaches and coughs. Common colds are viral, in many cases, however, the damaged mucous membrane also leads to a colonization with bacteria, which is referred to as a bacterial superinfection. In such cases, there is also a purulent runny nose, which is characterized by green-yellowish nasal discharge.

Especially in spring when the pollen is flying, many suffer from hay fever and allergic reactions. A side effect of pollen allergy can be burning and itching in the nose. People have to sneeze frequently and have glassy, ​​red eyes.

A concomitant symptom of dry nasal mucosa, in addition to the characteristic burning sensation in the nose, is frequent nosebleeds. The dried out nasal mucosa is no longer intact and has small cracks and injuries that can lead to bleeding. In addition, the nose feels swollen and nasal breathing is difficult.

Also read: Symptoms of hay fever

a headache

A burning sensation in the nose combined with a headache often occurs with a cold or a flu-like infection.
The disease usually begins with a runny nose, which is announced by burning and itching in the nose. The blocked nose and inflamed nasal mucosa often cause pressure in the head that can turn into headaches. Usually headaches are harmless if you have a runny nose, but the infection can sometimes spread to the sinuses and lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis is characterized by severe headaches and a high sensitivity of the jawbone to pressure.

Read more about this: Headache with a cold

Burning in the throat

A burning sensation in the nose, accompanied by a burning sensation in the throat, can be the start of the flu.
The influenza viruses that cause illness are transmitted via droplets and enter the body through the nose and mouth. From there they spread over the entire organism. Typical symptoms of the flu are runny nose, sore throat, headache and body aches, as well as cough and severe fatigue. Due to the defense reaction of the body, the sick also suffer from a high fever. Typically, the flu starts suddenly within a few hours.

Also read on this topic:

  • Influenza symptoms
  • Burning in the throat

Burning in the eyes

A burning sensation in the nose and eyes can be a sign of allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
During the pollen season between March and July, pollen cause pollen allergies in allergy sufferers. Affected people suffer from irritation of the mucous membranes, clear discharge from the nose, and burning of the eyes and nose. They also feel exhausted and tired. In closed rooms or after a rain shower, when the pollen is less flying, the symptoms are less pronounced. In addition to bee pollen, hay fever can also be triggered by animal hair or house dust mites.
If hay fever is suspected, a family doctor or dermatologist can perform an allergy test and determine whether an allergy is the trigger for the burning sensation in the nose and eyes.

Read more on the topic: House dust allergy

Burning sensation in the nose on inhalation

Often the nose burns, especially when inhaling. There are thousands of nerve endings in the nasal mucous membrane, which transmit sensations from the nose, such as tickling or itching, to the brain. The symptoms worsen when you inhale, especially if you have a dry nose.The already irritated nasal mucous membrane is further irritated by the inflowing air and the burning sensation worsens. Nourishing nasal sprays or ointments improve the symptoms.

Another reason for this can be a pus pimple in the nose. Read our main article at this point and learn more about the topic at: Pus in the nose

therapy

If your nose has a burning sensation, there are a number of ways to alleviate the symptoms. A burning nose without any other side effects is often caused by too dry nasal mucosa. In such cases, it can help to moisten the nose with the help of special nasal sprays that contain hyaluronic acid and so relieve the symptoms. A too dry indoor climate often causes the burning sensation in the nose. An increase in the air humidity by means of electric humidifiers or bowls of water over the heater contribute to a more pleasant room climate and help prevent burning.

If you have a cold, nasal sprays or nasal drops also help. These drugs constrict the vessels in the nasal mucous membrane and thus have a decongestant effect. The nasal sprays should, however, be used carefully, as they can further irritate the already sore nasal mucosa and thus possibly increase the burning sensation. The doctor or pharmacist advises the patient and can prescribe the appropriate medication.

For people allergic to pollen, the best way to combat the annoying burning sensation in the nose and eyes is to avoid the allergy-causing pollen. Since this is often not possible, there are also a number of medications that can provide relief. Antihistamines or cortisone in the form of nasal sprays or eye drops help to counteract the allergic reaction. There are also tablets that contain antihistamines and are used against hay fever.

Another possibility is the desensitization, in which the body is slowly accustomed to the allergy-causing substance as part of a vaccination cure. So far, this is the only way to improve the symptoms of an allergy in the long term or possibly to treat it completely.

Read more on the topic: Desensitization for hay fever

Home remedies

Various home remedies can help with a burning sensation in your nose.
To soothe and moisten the irritated nasal mucosa, a nasal shower with salt water can be carried out. The nasal rinse helps against a dry nose, but also with flu-like infections or hay fever. The nasal douche cleans the nose and simply rinses away pollen or pathogens. Nasal showers are available in every pharmacy. Another tried and tested home remedy for a burning nose is steam inhalation with essential herbs. For this, you put hot water in a bowl and add essential oils. Alternatively, peppermint or chamomile tea can be used. In pharmacies there are also special salt that can be used for inhalation and that moisturizes the nasal mucosa.

Read more on the topic: Inhaling if you have a cold

Duration

The duration of a burning nose depends largely on the cause.
If the nasal mucosa is dry, measures such as humidification or nasal sprays can be taken, which work quickly and relieve the burning sensation. A burning sensation in the nose as a side effect of a pollen allergy lasts until the triggering stimulus (the pollen) is no longer inhaled or the person concerned has taken antiallergic medication.