Have you ever felt like your nostrils are on fire? Nose burning happens when something irritates the lining of your nose. You may feel an urge to itch inside your nose, making you feel uncomfortable. It can happen due to numerous reasons, including allergic rhinitis, dry air, chemical irritants, and medications. You may feel additional symptoms with a burning nose, such as eye irritation, blocked sinuses, and cough.
In this article, we will discuss the causes and treatment options for a burning sensation in your nose.
Table of Contents
8 Causes Of A Burning Sensation In Your Nose
Wondering why your nose is burning? Burning sensation in nose can occur due to various factors, and the severity may vary from person to person. Here are the common causes of nose burning:
1.  Dry Weather
Winter can bring about harsh and dry weather, which can cause a burning sensation and itchy throat as it absorbs the moisture from your skin. Similarly, heating and cooling systems like air conditioners can make the air evaporate quickly inside closed rooms. You may also experience chapped lips and dry mouth when this happens. The dry air can also irritate your nasal passages and sometimes cause nosebleeds.
Solution
Some easy steps can help you combat dry weather. You can use a humidifier inside the house to keep the air moist indoors. Moreover, you can also place a bowl of warm water in your room which can add humidity to the air. Drinking a lot of fluids in the dry weather can also improve your condition. Using a saline solution to rinse your nostrils can also help.
2. Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis also known as hay fever, can result in swelling inside the nose. It occurs when an external element irritates the nasal passage, such as pollen, perfume, or pet hair. It can also cause other symptoms, such as stuffy or runny nose, headache, sneezing, post-nasal drip, etc. It is a common issue and can go away once you stop contact with the allergen.
Solution
As exposure to allergens can lead to allergic rhinitis, avoiding them can help prevent this health issue. This is the easiest way to get better or prevent it completely. To protect yourself from allergens, keep your windows closed and turn on the air conditioner. Clean your bed sheets with warm water and keep your rugs and upholstery clean by vacuuming them frequently. Moreover, you can also use dust-mite-proof covers to steer clear of bed bugs.
Keep the pets outside the bedroom to avoid allergies from pet hair and wash your hands after touching them. Wear a mask if you live in an area with higher pollution These methods can help in relieving allergic rhinitis.
Other than that, you may require medications that can help resolve your symptoms. You can use over-the-counter nasal sprays or decongestants. Nasal irrigation can also moisten the inside of your nose and give you relief.
3. Sinus Infection
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, can cause inflammation in the sinuses due to bacteria or influenza. It can lead to a burning feeling in the nose and also cause other symptoms, such as headaches. This happens because the mucus gets stuck behind your forehead or cheeks and causes an infection. It is vital to identify the infection as it has signs that overlap with problems of other diseases.
Solution
A sinus infection can last for a longer time and it is essential to identify its symptoms. You can consult an ENT specialist if your symptoms persist for longer than two weeks. Your doctor may give antibiotics that can kill bacteria and treat sinusitis that occurs due to a bacterial infection. Washing your nose with a saline wash is also how to stop burning in the nose. Anti-allergy medicines and nasal sprays can also make your condition better.
4. Pollutants
Pollutants, such as smoke, chemicals can make your nose vulnerable to infections due to the toxicity in the air. It can dry your nose lining and cause a burning sensation. Environmental pollutants that can result in this are gases, dust, industrial and residential chemicals.
Solution
Avoiding pollutants can help prevent a burning feeling in the nose that occurs from smoke and other irritants. Quit smoking and avoid smoking areas and places where there are chemicals. If you work in the chemical industry then wear protective gear that can prevent them from reaching your nose.
5. Cold and Flu
Common cold and influenza can make your nostrils burn. These respiratory diseases can cause other symptoms along with a burning sensation in the nose.
Solution
Cold and flu usually resolve on their own in a few days. There is nothing much you can do about it except keep up your hydration levels. Moreover, taking plenty of rest can help you recover quickly.
6. Medication
Some medications, such as nasal congestion and decongestants, can also lead to dryness inside the nose. Additionally, some medicines may contain ingredients that can irritate your nose and lead to a burning sensation.
Solution
Read the leaflet that comes with the medicines and only take the required dosage to minimize any side effects of consuming that medicine. Talk to your doctor about the right dose for you. Don’t use nasal decongestants more than thrice a day as it can worsen your condition.
7. COVID-19
Coronavirus has many symptoms that are usual in other respiratory illnesses. It is a virus that can impact your nose, throat, and lungs. Different COVID variants may present with varying symptoms from person to person. Apart from the nose-burning sensation, it can also lead to fever, loss of taste and smell, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, and many more.
Solution
Covid-19 can also cause a burning sensation in the nose. It is best to get vaccinated. If you have COVID-19, rest properly and stay hydrated to improve your condition. You may feel a burning feeling and irritation in your nose when you are sick. You may feel better once the virus subsides but some people may experience discomfort in the nose for a long time.
8. Sjögren Syndrome
An autoimmune disease, Sjögren Syndrome is an auto-immune condition that causes swelling in various body glands. It can lead to dry mouth or dry eyes. In some cases, it can also lead to a dry nose causing burning inside the nostrils.
Solution
If you have this disease, a rheumatologist can help you heal or manage it. You should talk to a doctor if you have the symptoms of Sjögren Syndrome.
How To Stop Nose Burning Naturally Through Home Remedies
The following home remedies may help alleviate the burning sensation in your nose naturally:
- Inhale steam: Steam inhalation can moisten your nasal and throat passages. You can take steam by taking a hot bath or taking in steam from a bowl of hot water.
- Drink more water: Hydration is essential to improve conditions that cause nose burning sensation. It is especially necessary when you have diarrhea as it can replenish the fluid loss in your body.
- Rest properly: Rest is vital to recovering from any disease and you should sleep and take care of yourself to get better.
- Use a humidifier: Humidifying the air inside your house can keep your nose and throat away from dryness and irritation.
- Do a saline wash: Using a saline wash is a way of nasal irrigation. It can help prevent dryness in the nose and relieve your symptoms.
While this condition can be managed easily at home, you must consult a doctor if you do not feel better. Additionally, nose bleeds or pain can be a sign of an infection that may require urgent medical attention.
Conclusion
It is not uncommon to feel a burning sensation in your nose. Your nose lining can become irritated causing discomfort. There are many causes of nose burning, including allergic rhinitis, sinus infection, dry air, influenza, medications, and Sjögren Syndrome.
The treatment for nose burning depends on its cause. The goal is to moisten your nasal pathways to reduce dryness that can lead to this problem. Avoiding pollutants and irritants that can make your nose scratchy can help alleviate your symptoms. Moreover, using a humidifier to keep the air moist inside the house can also help you.
In cases of viral infections, such as COVID-19, getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids may be enough to rid you of the infection. You may require medication if it is a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis. Nasal irrigation and inhaling steam can also stop the burning sensation in the nose. Cleaning your nose with a saline wash can also keep your nose moist and burning-free. If this feeling does not subside, you should ask your doctor how to stop it.
