At the word nose, everyone first thinks of smelling, after all, the olfactory cells in the nose are responsible for us to perceive thousands of odors. But that’s not the nose‘s only job. As the body’s purification apparatus, it does much more, filtering, moistening and warming the air it breathes in. In this way, it contributes to protection against pathogens and foreign bodies. The nasal mucosa plays an important role in this, but it can only do its job if it is properly cared for. How can a dry nose affect you? Here you can learn how a dry nose develops and get tips on how to care for dry nasal mucosa.
The nose: tasks as a cleaning apparatus
Every cell in our body needs oxygen. When we breathe in the air, oxygen molecules pass through the upper respiratory tract – the nasal cavity and pharynx – into the trachea and finally into the bronchi. This is where the actual breathing, the exchange of gases, takes place. The task of the nose is to clean, warm and moisten the air we breathe. About nine liters of air pass through the nose every minute. With this air, pollutants, dust, germs and bacteria automatically enter the body. This is where the self-cleaning mechanism of the respiratory tract, and in particular the filtering function of the nose, comes into action.
Function of the nasal mucosa
The nose, like the rest of the respiratory tract, has a special mucous membrane. Ciliated cells are embedded in its surface. On these cells sit small mobile projections, called cilia, which protrude from the mucosa. The nasal mucosa is covered by a moist film of secretion formed by the mucosa. Particles that enter the nose during inhalation are bound by the secretion. The particles captured in this way are then transported by the cilia in a wave motion, as if on a conveyor belt, toward the pharynx. There, the mucus is either coughed up or swallowed and destroyed by stomach acid.
Rhinitis and inflamed nasal mucosa.
If this self-cleaning mechanism is disturbed, for example due to dehydration of the mucous membranes, the mucus can no longer be removed quickly enough. An optimal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses is formed. The mucous membrane becomes inflamed and swollen. The swollen nasal mucosa causes a blocked nose and a cold (rhinitis) develops. If this inflammation spreads to the adjacent sinuses, it is called sinusitis or – if rhinitis and sinusitis are present at the same time – rhinosinusitis. Since it is difficult to breathe in through the nose during a cold, the air is taken in through the mouth. Viruses and bacteria can thus penetrate directly into the throat and bronchial tubes.
Dry nose: symptoms
A persistently dry nose, meaning a dry nasal mucosa, is also known as rhinitis sicca. It is often manifested by symptoms such as uncomfortable burning, itching or sneezing. Viscous nasal secretions and nosebleeds, bark and crusts are also among the signs. The nasal mucosa is then easily irritated and vulnerable. If the symptoms persist for several weeks or the mucous membrane bleeds more frequently, a visit to the doctor is advisable. If the nasal mucous membranes dry out, the protective function of the nose is impaired. A dry nose can therefore increase susceptibility to pathogens. Chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa may occur. Chronic sores and and even a hole in the nasal septum can also develop. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken, if possible, to prevent the nasal mucous membranes from drying out. Blocked nose – what to do? Tips and home remedies
Causes of a dry nasal mucosa
Dry nasal mucosa can have various causes:
- One of the main causes of dry nose is dry air, often caused by heating or air conditioning.
- In addition, heavy exposure to smoke or dust in the air can dry out the mucous membranes.
- Also rhinitis or an allergic rhinitis can promote a dry nose.
- In addition, the regular use of decongestant nasal sprays or certain medications can also dry out the mucous membrane.
- Dry nasal mucosa is also not uncommon during menopause.
- In addition, mechanical irritation, such as nose picking, can also promote a dry nose.
- Only in rare cases are serious diseases, such as a disturbed function of the thyroid gland, behind a dry nose.
Dry nose: 10 tips and home remedies
To support the self-cleaning mechanism of the nose, it is important to always keep the nasal mucosa moist and regenerate any damaged nasal mucosa. If a cold is imminent, appropriate measures should be taken immediately to moisten the nose and care for the mucous membrane. But what can be done about a dry nose? First of all, you should avoid triggering factors, such as air conditioning and smoky and dusty environments. In addition, the following tips can help to care for the nasal mucosa:
- Make sure there is enough humidity in the room, for example, by placing a bowl of water on the heater or a damp towel hung over the heater.
- Nasal irrigation can be particularly helpful, also to flush out dirt or pathogens that have entered the nose. For this purpose, a nasal douche can be used. For rinsing, salt water mixtures are used, which are often additionally enriched with certain minerals. If you make the solution yourself, it is best to boil a teaspoon of salt with half a liter of water and then let the solution cool to room temperature.
- Alternatively, you can also use a cotton ball soaked in saline solution, which you hold in one of the nostrils for about half a minute at a time.
- Inhalation is also considered an effective home remedy. To do this, you use hot water enriched with either salt or sage.
- Also suitable is a nasal spray with sea water or essential oils to moisten the mucous membranes. The active ingredients dexpanthenol or hyaluronic acid are considered particularly nourishing.
- In addition, decongestant nasal sprays can also be used for inflamed nasal mucosa. This not only causes a moistening of the nasal mucosa, but also anti-inflammatory and supports the function of the cilia (cilia). The mucous membrane swells, and breathing through the nose is possible again. Decongestant sprays should never be used for more than a week, however, otherwise it can lead to a nasal spray addiction.
- In the pharmacy, special ointments or oils are available to moisten the nasal mucosa.
- You can also drip a few drops of sesame oil olive oil or a little petroleum jelly in the nostrils and massage the fat well.
- Plants can also help improve the indoor climate and increase humidity.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and tea. This helps to moisturize the nasal mucosa.
