A dry nose can be an inconvenience at best, and a nightmare at worst. Trying to sleep with your nose scorching can cause you to toss and turn all night, making the next day even more difficult. Patients often wonder what causes a dry, burning nose, whether it’s from a cold, allergies, or other irritant.
If you notice this sudden change, you’ve likely also had other symptoms. Most patients have the telltale burning, dry nose when they’ve contracted a cold or other upper respiratory illness. Others find this feeling happening most during the spring, when allergy season is in full swing.
Today, we will look at the most common causes and exactly why they cause your nose to feel dry and burn.
The Most Common Cause: Dry Nasal Mucous Membranes
Your nose is filled with moist tissues called mucous membranes, or mucosa, that protect your nasal passages. They help add moisture to incoming air and produce mucus, which further aids moisture and helps capture contaminants you inhale.
Certain conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, can cause these membranes to dry out. When this happens, they can become inflamed, which leads to a burning sensation, especially while breathing in.
Causes of dry mucosa include:
- Low humidity levels
- Exposure to allergens
- Viral, bacterial or fungal infections
- Nasal sprays
- Certain medications
- Some autoimmune disorders
- Hormonal fluctuations
The exact cause has to be diagnosed by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT). They can determine the best solution to provide you fast and effective relief.
Could It Be Sinusitis?
Nose burning can also be caused by inflamed sinuses (sinusitis). When viruses, bacteria, or other irritants infect these empty spaces, the body may not produce as much mucus as needed. This can lead to dryness and sensitivity.
To determine the cause of your problem, your doctor will assess other physical symptoms you have. Doing so can paint a bigger picture and reveal the likely cause and appropriate treatment.
Book an Appointment With a Las Vegas ENT Today
Schedule an appointment with Nevada Sinus Relief to get one step closer to comfort.
Dr. Sikand and his staff are dedicated to providing patients with quality care and support. You can reach out to us with questions at 702-805-1550. Please note we only treat sinus patients.