A stinging sensation in the nose is a common, though unwelcome, symptom of a cold. This discomfort indicates the immune system is actively working to combat the virus. This article explores the biological processes and external factors contributing to nasal discomfort during a cold.
The Body’s Inflammatory Response
When a cold virus enters the nasal passages, the immune system initiates an inflammatory response. This involves mobilizing white blood cells to the moist mucous membrane lining the nose and sinuses, leading to tissue swelling and redness. Levels of certain proteins, such as B7-H1, can spike, peaking when cold symptoms are at their worst and contributing to discomfort.
The body also increases mucus production in response to the viral invasion. Initially clear and watery, this mucus traps the virus and flushes it out. As the cold progresses, mucus can become thicker and change color to yellow or green, a normal sign of the body fighting the infection, not necessarily a bacterial illness.
Inflammation and immune mediators, such as cytokines, within the mucus irritate the delicate nasal lining. The viral infection, combined with the immune response, can damage the protective mucosal barrier. This damage exposes sensitive nerve endings, making them more prone to pain, burning, or stinging.
External Factors and Behavioral Impact
Frequent nose blowing and wiping significantly worsen nasal stinging during a cold. Repeated friction from tissues physically abrades the inflamed skin around the nostrils and inside the nasal passages. This irritation leads to chafing and discomfort, exacerbating the stinging sensation. Forceful blowing can also push mucus back into the sinuses, potentially leading to increased pressure or a secondary infection.
Dry air, common indoors with heating systems, strips moisture from nasal passages. This dryness can crack the nasal lining, making it more susceptible to irritation and stinging. Dehydration from the illness also contributes to overall body dryness, including nasal tissues, making the stinging feeling more pronounced.
Environmental irritants like dust, strong scents, or certain chemicals can feel more intense and contribute to nasal stinging when passages are compromised by a cold. The inflamed nasal lining’s heightened sensitivity means substances typically tolerated might now cause considerable discomfort.
Soothing and Managing Nasal Discomfort
To alleviate nasal discomfort, keeping passages moist is recommended. Saline nasal sprays or rinses hydrate nasal tissues, clear excess mucus, and reduce irritation. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a soothing balm around the nostrils protects skin from further irritation caused by frequent wiping. While effective externally, long-term or excessive use of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils is generally not recommended due to rare risks of lung issues.
When blowing your nose, adopt gentle techniques to minimize friction and pressure on the sensitive nasal lining. Blow one nostril at a time with minimal force to prevent damage or pushing mucus into the sinuses. Using a humidifier, especially in the bedroom, adds moisture to the air, preventing nasal passages from drying out and thinning mucus for easier clearing.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids thins mucus, making it easier to clear and reducing irritation. Avoiding harsh nasal sprays or forceful blowing also prevents further damage and discomfort to sensitive nasal tissues.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While a stinging nose is often a normal cold symptom, certain signs warrant medical attention. If the stinging pain becomes severe, localized, or does not improve after several days, it may indicate a more significant issue. Persistent pain could suggest a secondary infection or other complications.
Other concerning symptoms prompting a healthcare visit include a high fever (greater than 101.3°F or 38.5°C) lasting over three days, severe headache, or significant facial pain and pressure, especially around the sinuses. Persistent green or yellow nasal discharge that does not improve, or any changes in vision, could signal a bacterial infection like sinusitis, requiring specific treatment. If cold symptoms, including stinging, do not improve after 7 to 10 days, seek medical advice.