A burning sensation in the nose when breathing can range from a minor, temporary irritation to a sign of an underlying health issue. This feeling often results from irritation or inflammation of the nasal passages, which are lined with sensitive mucous membranes. Understanding its origins helps identify when it’s simple discomfort or warrants attention.
Everyday Causes
Nasal passages rely on moisture to filter air and trap irritants. Dry air, common in low humidity or with indoor heating, can dry out delicate nasal mucous membranes, causing irritation and a burning sensation. This dryness can make the nasal lining feel raw, sometimes causing mild nosebleeds.
Common colds or minor allergies can also trigger a burning feeling in the nose. These conditions inflame and irritate the nasal lining as the body reacts to viruses or allergens. Similarly, exposure to household dust or other mild irritants can temporarily irritate nasal passages, causing a burning sensation. These everyday causes are generally temporary and resolve with simple measures like hydration or saline sprays.
Environmental Triggers
External environmental factors frequently contribute to a burning sensation in the nose. Breathing extremely cold or dry outdoor air, especially in winter, can strip moisture from nasal passages, causing discomfort. Air pollution, including smog and exhaust fumes, contains fine particulate matter and chemicals that irritate the nasal mucosa, leading to inflammation and a burning feeling. These airborne irritants directly interact with the sensitive tissues.
Smoke from sources like wildfires or tobacco also contains irritants that can cause a burning sensation in the nose and throat. Fine smoke particles are small enough to be deeply inhaled, affecting respiratory tissues. Strong odors from cleaning chemicals, perfumes, or industrial chemicals like formaldehyde can directly irritate the nasal lining, causing a burning feeling.
Medical Conditions
Underlying medical conditions can also cause a burning sensation in the nose, often due to persistent inflammation or irritation. Acute or chronic sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, frequently causes a burning feeling with symptoms like congestion, headache, and facial pressure. This inflammation can result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, trapping mucus in the sinus cavities.
Persistent allergic reactions, known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, inflame the nasal lining when exposed to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. The body’s immune response releases chemicals like histamine, irritating nasal passages and causing itching, sneezing, and a burning sensation. Influenza and other viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, can also inflame and irritate nasal passages, leading to a burning feeling, sometimes with congestion and runny nose.
Nasal polyps, non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses, can contribute to chronic irritation and a burning sensation. Certain medications, particularly some nasal sprays, can cause dryness and a burning feeling if used excessively or for prolonged periods. This can lead to rebound congestion, where the nose becomes more congested after the spray wears off. In rare instances, nerve irritation or damage can also cause a burning, tingling, or raw sensation in the nasal passages.
When to Consult a Doctor
While a burning nose sensation is often benign, certain signs indicate a need for medical attention. If symptoms persist for over a week without improvement or worsen, seek medical advice. Specific warning signs include severe pain, significant or frequent nosebleeds, or discolored nasal discharge, especially if yellow-green.
Fever, difficulty breathing, or symptoms like throat tightness, hives, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat also necessitate prompt medical evaluation. These symptoms can suggest a more serious underlying condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.