The feeling of a burning, stinging, or raw sensation inside the nose is a common symptom pointing to irritation or inflammation of the delicate inner lining. This protective tissue, known as the nasal mucosa, is highly sensitive. When the lining is exposed to stressors, it can become inflamed or dried out, activating nerve endings and producing the sensation of fire inside the nostrils.
Environmental Irritants and Dryness
One of the most frequent causes of nasal burning is a lack of moisture in the surrounding air. When indoor humidity levels drop, the nasal mucosa quickly dries out. This dehydration can cause the normally moist tissue to crack or become raw, leaving nerve endings exposed and highly sensitive to the air passing over them.
Air quality also plays a direct role, as the nasal passages are constantly exposed to airborne irritants. Particles from tobacco smoke, industrial chemicals like formaldehyde, or strong fumes from household cleaning products cause direct physical irritation. These substances trigger a non-allergic inflammatory response upon contact, which can cause the lining to swell and feel intensely irritated or burned.
A different kind of physical irritation results from the overuse of certain topical decongestant nasal sprays, a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa. These sprays contain vasoconstrictive agents that temporarily shrink blood vessels to relieve congestion. Using them for more than the recommended three to five days can lead to a rebound effect. Upon withdrawal, the vessels swell dramatically, causing severe, persistent congestion and an accompanying burning sensation.
Allergic and Infectious Responses
In the case of a common cold or the flu, the viral infection causes acute inflammation, or rhinitis, inside the nasal passages. As the virus takes hold, the nasal lining swells and produces a large volume of mucus. This contributes to a feeling of rawness and pain that can precede other symptoms like coughing or fever.
In allergic reactions, the immune system mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen or pet dander, for a threat. When exposed to an allergen, the body releases inflammatory chemicals, most notably histamine, from mast cells. This sudden and excessive release of histamine acts on the nasal tissue, causing the blood vessels to expand and the lining to become inflamed, which produces the burning and intense itching characteristic of allergic rhinitis.
A more localized and sometimes more painful inflammatory response is seen with sinusitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the air-filled cavities surrounding the nasal passages. When mucus becomes trapped in these sinuses, the resulting pressure and swelling can radiate a deep, burning sensation into the nasal cavity. Sinusitis is often accompanied by other symptoms, including facial pressure, headache, and thick, discolored nasal discharge.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While the feeling of a burning nose is often a temporary annoyance that resolves with simple home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional evaluation. A doctor should be consulted if the burning sensation persists for longer than 10 to 14 days without any sign of improvement. This duration suggests the underlying cause may not be a simple cold or temporary irritation.
It is also important to seek medical care if the burning is accompanied by more severe symptoms, which can be red flags for a serious infection or complication. These symptoms include a high fever, severe facial pain, vision changes, or blood in the nasal discharge. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause, such as distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. They can then prescribe targeted treatments like antibiotics for a bacterial infection or prescription nasal steroids for severe inflammation.