A burning sensation in the nose when breathing is common and often temporary. It typically arises from irritation or inflammation of the delicate nasal passages. While usually not severe, understanding its causes can help identify potential issues and when to seek medical advice.
Environmental and Irritant Factors
A frequent cause of a burning nose is exposure to dry air. Low humidity, common indoors with heating systems or in arid climates, can dehydrate nasal mucous membranes. When these membranes dry out, they become irritated and sensitive, causing a burning feeling.
Airborne irritants also commonly trigger this sensation. Substances like tobacco smoke, industrial chemicals such as formaldehyde, cleaning product fumes, and gases like chlorine can directly irritate the nasal lining upon inhalation. Dust, strong perfumes, and general air pollution also contain particles or volatile organic compounds that can inflame the nasal passages.
Temperature extremes can similarly cause a temporary burning sensation. Very cold air can dry out nasal passages as the nose attempts to warm and humidify it, while very hot air can cause nasal tissues to swell. This effort to adjust inhaled air’s temperature and humidity can lead to a burning sensation.
Biological and Inflammatory Responses
Allergies are a common cause of nasal burning. When allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold spores enter the nose, the immune system overreacts by releasing chemicals such as histamine. This triggers inflammation in the nasal passages, resulting in symptoms like burning, itching, sneezing, and congestion.
Infections, both viral and bacterial, can also lead to a burning sensation in the nose. Common viral infections like the cold, flu, or COVID-19 inflame the nasal lining, often accompanied by congestion, discharge, and pressure. Bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, cause inflammation in the sinus cavities, leading to burning alongside symptoms like thick green or yellow discharge and facial pain.
Non-allergic rhinitis is a condition where nasal inflammation occurs without an identifiable allergic trigger. Symptoms can mimic allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and a burning sensation, but are often caused by sensitivities to environmental factors like strong odors, chemicals, or weather changes. This involves the expansion of blood vessels in the nose, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Sometimes, acid reflux, specifically laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), can contribute to nasal burning. In LPR, stomach acid travels up the esophagus and can irritate the back of the throat and nasal passages. This irritation may lead to symptoms such as postnasal drip, a persistent cough, and a burning sensation in the nasal and throat areas.
When to Consult a Doctor
While a burning nose is often a minor, temporary issue, certain situations warrant medical attention. If the burning sensation persists for over a week or two without a clear external cause, consult a healthcare provider.
Accompanying symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying condition. Seek medical advice if the burning nose is combined with severe pain, high fever, green or yellow nasal discharge, or nosebleeds. Other concerning symptoms include difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or changes in vision.
If the burning sensation significantly interferes with daily activities, such as sleep or work, or if home remedies and avoiding obvious irritants do not alleviate symptoms, a doctor’s evaluation is beneficial. A medical professional can help determine the exact cause and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent potential complications.