Introduction
A burning sensation in the nose is an unpleasant feeling in the nose, often caused by an irritated nasal mucosa. A burning sensation in the nose is usually associated with other symptoms such as sneezing or sniffing and occurs as a concomitant of colds or allergies. However, a too dry nasal mucosa can also cause a burning sensation. Those affected find the burning sensation in the nose annoying and disturbing, but there are a number of measures that can be taken and provide relief.
Causes
There can be many causes for a burning in the nose. Often the burning is caused by an irritated nasal mucosa. The nasal mucous membrane plays an important role in the olfactory process and in breathing by warming and moistening the air we breathe in.
Our nasal mucous membrane is permanently exposed to many environmental influences, which can lead to irritation and damage. If the air is too dry (especially in winter due to warm heating air and in summer due to air conditioning systems), the nasal mucous membrane dries out quickly and the result is an annoying itching and burning sensation in the nose. This appearance of a dry nose is also known as rhinitis sicca.
Normally, a dry nose is a temporary condition and harmless. In some cases, however, the mucous membrane tissue can recede further and further, resulting in olfactory disorders and an increased susceptibility to infection. In addition to a too dry room climate, increased dust or smoke exposure (e.g. from cigarette smoke) can also 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 a cold and allergies (allergic rhinitis). A number of drugs (e.g. cortisone or various psychotropic drugs) also dry out the nose and cause the burning sensation. This topic might also be of interest to you: Symptoms of a coldIn the context of a cold, there is often an increased formation of mucus in the nasal mucous membrane and rhinitis.
The nose is congested or runny and the skin around the nostrils becomes sore and chapped due to frequent nose blowing. Common signs of a cold are frequent sneezing, but also a burning and itching in the nose. In this phase before the actual cold, the nasal mucous membrane feels dry and burns. Usually the burning sensation is harmless and disappears after a few days together with the cold.
Associated symptoms
Usually a burning in the nose is not the only symptom. Often people with this condition also suffer from hives, a runny nose or an itchy feeling in the nose. Depending on the cause of the burning, other accompanying symptoms may also occur.
A cold usually affects the entire upper respiratory tract and, in addition to a cold, it causes sore throats, headaches and coughs. Frequently, colds are caused by a virus, but in many cases the damaged mucous membrane also leads to a colonisation with bacteria, which is called a bacterial superinfection. In such cases, a purulent rhinitis also occurs, which is characterized by green-yellowish nasal secretions.
Especially in spring, when the pollen fly, many suffer from hay fever and allergic reactions. A side effect of the pollen allergy can be a burning and itching in the nose. Those affected often have to sneeze and have glassy, reddened eyes.
A concomitant symptom of dry nasal mucous membranes is frequent nosebleeds in addition to the characteristic burning sensation in the nose. The dry nasal mucosa is no longer intact and shows small tears and injuries that can lead to bleeding. In addition, the nose feels swollen and nasal breathing is difficult.
A burning sensation in the nose in combination with headaches often occurs in the case of a cold or flu-like infection. The disease usually begins with a cold, which is preceded by a burning and itching sensation in the nose. The stuffy nose and inflamed nasal mucous membrane often causes pressure in the head, which can turn into headaches.
Normally, headaches are harmless in the case of a cold, but sometimes the infection can spread to the paranasal sinuses and lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis is characterised by severe headaches and high sensitivity to pressure in the jawbone. A burning sensation in the nose, accompanied by a burning sensation in the throat, can be the beginning of influenza.
The disease-causing influenza viruses are transmitted via droplet infection and enter the body via the nose and mouth. From there they spread throughout the entire organism. Typical symptoms of influenza are a cold, sore throat, headache, aching limbs, coughing and severe fatigue.
Due to the body’s defensive reaction, the sick person also suffers from high fever. Typically, a flu starts abruptly within a few hours. 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 from flowers causes pollen allergy in allergy sufferers. Those affected suffer from irritation of the mucous membranes, clear discharge from the nose and a burning sensation in the eyes and nose. They also feel worn out and tired.
In closed rooms or after a rain shower, when the pollen flies less, the symptoms are less pronounced. Besides flower pollen, hay fever can also be caused by animal hair or dust mites. If hay fever is suspected, a family doctor or dermatologist can carry out an allergy test and determine whether an allergy is the trigger for burning in the nose and eyes.
The nose often burns, especially when inhaled. 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. Especially with a dry nose, the discomfort when breathing in becomes worse.
The inflowing air further irritates the already irritated nasal mucosa and the burning sensation becomes worse. Nasal sprays or ointments improve the symptoms. A pus pimple in the nose can also be the cause.
