The sensation of a burning nose and throat is a common and uncomfortable experience. While alarming, it often arises from treatable issues. Understanding potential causes helps identify the source of discomfort.
Environmental Factors and Irritants
External elements in the air can irritate mucous membranes in the nose and throat, leading to a burning sensation. Dry air, particularly indoors or in arid climates, can dehydrate these membranes, causing irritation. Exposure to smoke from tobacco, wildfires, or secondhand smoke introduces particles and gases that inflame nasal passages and sinuses, leading to congestion and discomfort.
Air pollution, including gases and particulate matter, can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. These pollutants cause a burning sensation in the airways, leading to coughing and throat irritation. Chemical irritants in cleaning products or strong fumes can trigger a burning feeling by affecting the nose and throat lining.
Allergic Reactions
The body’s immune system can overreact to harmless substances (allergens), leading to a burning sensation in the nose and throat. This response, known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander as threats. The immune system then releases chemicals, such as histamine, which trigger inflammation and irritation.
This inflammatory reaction can manifest as a burning or itching sensation in the nose, mouth, throat, and eyes. Accompanying symptoms often include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and post-nasal drip. These allergic responses involve the immune system’s overreaction, leading to ongoing inflammation in the respiratory system.
Common Infections
Viral and bacterial infections affecting the respiratory tract are frequent causes of a burning sensation in the nose and throat. Conditions like the common cold, caused by various viruses, primarily target the nose and throat, causing inflammation and a burning feeling. Symptoms of a cold appear one to three days after exposure and can include a sore or scratchy throat, runny or stuffy nose, and cough.
Influenza, or the flu, is another viral infection that can cause a burning sensation, infecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Flu symptoms often begin suddenly and can be more severe than a cold, including a scratchy sore throat and a burning sensation in the chest. Sinus infections (sinusitis), which can be bacterial or viral, inflame the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to a burning feeling, congestion, and pain.
Other Underlying Conditions and When to Seek Help
Beyond common irritants and infections, other medical conditions can contribute to a burning sensation in the nose and throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. This acid can irritate and inflame the throat, causing a burning sensation. If stomach acid travels higher, it can reach the voice box and the back of the throat, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which may cause a burning sensation and symptoms like hoarseness or a persistent need to clear the throat.
Post-nasal drip, which occurs when excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, can also lead to irritation and a burning feeling. This can be caused by allergies, infections, or acid reflux. While many instances of a burning nose and throat resolve on their own, seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, worsen, or persist for more than a week. Contact a doctor immediately for more serious signs such as high fever, difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat, or severe pain.