A burning nose can feel like a mild annoyance or an all-day irritant. Either way, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. Let’s explore the most common causes behind this sensation and how to address them so you can breathe easy again.
Four Common Causes of a Burning Nose
- Dry air. Dry air is notorious for wreaking havoc on nasal passages, especially during the colder months when you spend more time indoors. Dehydrated nasal tissues can lead to irritation and that frustrating burning feeling.
- Sinus infections. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can irritate your nasal passages and bring along symptoms like congestion, fever and pressure in the face. Burning sensations often accompany this inflammation.
- Allergies. Allergies cause inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to burning, itching, sneezing and congestion. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold are some common triggers.
- Nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal tissues, can be triggered by strong smells or environmental irritants, weather changes, spicy foods and certain medications. Symptoms can mirror those of allergies but don’t stem from an immune response to allergens.
How To Manage a Burning Nose
A few ways you can manage a burning nose at home include:
- Use a humidifier. Keeping indoor humidity levels balanced can prevent dryness.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water keeps your body—and your nasal passages—moist.
- Try saline sprays. Saline sprays can help keep your nasal passages hydrated and soothe irritation.
- Try a saline rinse. Flushing out your nasal passages can help reduce congestion.
- Avoid allergens. Avoid known allergens to minimize symptoms. For example, avoid visiting homes with pets if you’re allergic to pet dander. If you’re allergic to pollen, steer clear of the Riverbanks Botanical Garden during high-pollen days in the spring and summer.
In addition to home remedies, medical treatments are very effective in managing symptoms. Ask your ENT provider about the following:
- Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term (three to five years) treatment used to desensitize your body to allergens.
- Over-the-counter medication. Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays can provide short-term symptom relief.
- Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a noninvasive procedure to widen the sinuses for better drainage. Your ENT specialist may recommend it if you get frequent or long-lasting sinus infections.
- Finding the underlying condition. If you’re unsure what’s causing your nasal burning, your ENT provider can examine your nose to find and treat the underlying cause.
Ignoring that persistent burning sensation can lead to worsening symptoms or chronic nasal issues. By taking steps to address the root cause, you’ll not only find relief but also prevent potential complications. For more information on caring for your nasal health, contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy today.