A burning sensation in the nose often accompanies illnesses like the common cold or flu. This feeling can range from a mild irritation to a more pronounced stinging, typically centered within the nasal passages. While generally not a sign of a severe condition, understanding its causes and how to manage it can provide relief during sickness.
Why Your Nose Burns When You’re Sick
The burning sensation in your nose during an illness primarily stems from inflammation and irritation of the nasal lining, medically known as rhinitis. When viruses, such as those causing the common cold or flu, infect the upper respiratory tract, they trigger an immune response. This leads to swelling and increased blood flow in the delicate tissues inside your nose.
Frequent nose blowing further exacerbates this irritation. The repetitive friction from tissues can chafe the skin around and inside the nostrils, disrupting the skin barrier. This leads to redness, rawness, and a stinging sensation. Physical abrasion can also damage tiny blood vessels, potentially causing minor nosebleeds that contribute to discomfort.
Dryness of the nasal passages also plays a role in the burning sensation. Illnesses, especially those accompanied by fever, can lead to dehydration, which dries out the mucous membranes lining the nose. Indoor heating systems or dry air environments can also strip moisture from the nasal passages, making them more susceptible to irritation.
The mucus itself can contribute to the burning sensation. During an infection, the composition of mucus can change, sometimes becoming thicker or containing irritants as the body attempts to clear pathogens. This altered mucus, combined with the already inflamed and dry nasal lining, can create a cycle of ongoing irritation and discomfort.
How to Soothe a Burning Nose
To alleviate the burning sensation in your nose, several remedies focus on moisturizing and reducing irritation. Saline nasal sprays, which are solutions of salt and water, can be effective. These sprays help reintroduce moisture into dry nasal passages, thin thick mucus, and flush out irritants like dust, pollen, and dried secretions, thereby soothing the inflamed lining. They are safe for frequent use and are non-medicated.
Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a similar balm around the nostrils can protect the external skin from the friction of frequent nose blowing. This creates a protective barrier, preventing chapping and rawness that contribute to the burning feeling. While petroleum jelly is safe for external use, a water-soluble lubricant is an alternative for inside the nostrils, used sparingly.
Using a humidifier in your living space can increase the moisture in the air. Dry air can irritate nasal passages, and adding humidity helps keep the mucous membranes moist, which can reduce inflammation and make breathing more comfortable. Maintaining an indoor humidity level between 30% and 50% is recommended, and humidifiers should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids supports overall body hydration, including the mucous membranes in your nose. This helps moisturize the nasal passages from the inside out, making them less prone to dryness and irritation. Gentle nose blowing with soft, moisturizing tissues can also prevent further skin abrasion and discomfort.
When to Consult a Doctor
While a burning nose during illness is often self-manageable, some situations warrant medical consultation. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days or worsen after an initial period of improvement, it could indicate a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis, which may require antibiotics. A high fever, particularly one reaching 101°F (38.3°C) or higher that lasts more than 48 hours, also warrants medical advice.
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain are serious indicators requiring immediate medical attention, as these could suggest a more severe respiratory infection like pneumonia or bronchitis. If you experience severe localized pain, such as intense facial pain, or observe green or yellow nasal discharge accompanied by facial pressure, a sinus infection might be present. Any new or concerning symptoms, especially if accompanied by confusion, dizziness, or a worsening of pre-existing chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.