A burning sensation in the nose and throat can be an uncomfortable and distracting experience, often described as irritation, warmth, or dryness in the delicate mucous membranes lining these areas. This sensation signals that the body’s respiratory passages are reacting to something, whether it is an internal process or an external factor. Understanding the various reasons behind this feeling can help clarify what might be happening within the body.
Common Infections and Inflammation
One of the most frequent causes of a burning nose and throat stems from common respiratory infections, which can be either viral or bacterial. Viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, typically target the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, leading to widespread inflammation. This inflammation, known as rhinitis in the nasal passages and pharyngitis in the throat, directly triggers the burning sensation.
When infections occur, the body’s immune response causes blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, bringing immune cells to the site. This leads to swelling and heightened sensitivity of nerve endings, causing a feeling of warmth or irritation. Accompanying symptoms often include nasal congestion, a persistent sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and sometimes fever. Infections also increase mucus production, which can drip down the back of the throat as post-nasal drip. This excess mucus further irritates the throat, contributing to the burning.
Allergies and Environmental Irritants
External factors, including both natural allergens and man-made irritants, commonly induce a burning sensation in the nose and throat. Allergies, often referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores, as a threat. Upon exposure, the body releases chemicals like histamine, which causes inflammation and irritation in the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, and throat. This immune response results in symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and the characteristic burning sensation in the nasal passages and throat.
Beyond allergens, environmental irritants can also cause this burning. Substances like tobacco smoke, wildfire smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes from cleaning products can directly irritate the respiratory tract lining. These irritants strip away moisture and disrupt the mucous membranes’ protective barrier, leading to inflammation and burning. Dry air, especially in arid climates or heated indoor environments, can dehydrate the nasal passages and throat, causing them to feel raw and irritated.
Acid Reflux and Related Factors
Internal bodily processes, particularly acid reflux, can also manifest as a burning sensation in the throat and, less commonly, the nasal passages. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a weakened or improperly functioning lower esophageal sphincter. This acidic backwash directly irritates the esophagus and throat lining, causing a burning sensation often described as heartburn. Severe reflux can reach the back of the throat and even irritate nasal airways, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Accompanying symptoms might include a sour taste, chronic cough, or hoarseness.
Other factors can also contribute to a burning sensation. Vigorous physical activity, especially in cold, dry air, can lead to a dry, burning throat. During intense exercise, increased mouth breathing bypasses the nose’s humidifying function, drying and irritating the throat. Certain medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, can also dry mucous membranes as a side effect, causing dryness and irritation in the nose and throat.