What does it mean to develop a nose burning sensation? There are a couple of different causes of this kind of sensation. This problem may indicate something happening within the nose or convoluted body health conditions. It may also lead to symptoms having different levels of severity i.e. a runny nose or complications in breathing.
Get exhaustive information about the causes, symptoms, remedies and more.
Meaning
It merely denotes irritation or inflammation. According to Tandurust.com, “burning sensation in nose occurs when the sensory nerves in the nose get irritated or damaged.”
Burning on the outer surface of the nose or inside may be due to a number of factors. The sensation can also signify a symptom of other problem.
Another point we must put clear is that the nose has two parts: external and internal parts. Following this fact, it is therefore very meaningful to identify where exactly the burning sensation is happening. This will help to determine the potential causes.
The nose is also connected to the throat and the eye. Therefore, excretions from the eye or paranasal sinuses such as tears, mucus or pus can ultimately reach the nasal cavity, leading a burning feeling.
Remember conditions leading this condition can also cause burning of other linked sinuses.
Why does it happen?
In today`s post, we are going to discuss the specific causes of burning inside nose and outside part. Remember some causes may be common for both outside and inside. They can also be mild, acute or chronic.
Causes of burning inside
We begin by looking at the possible causes from the inside. Some of the common causes include the following:
1. Environmental Irritants
Substances such as smoke, toxic gases and airborne particles like dust or sand are major environmental irritants that can lead to burning nose.
The problems with such airborne irritants are that sometimes it can be very difficult to identify them since some are odorless or invisible. They may also be present in places we never imagine. We will notice them when we develop symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or the burning sensation.
2. Inhaled allergens
A good number of people who usually suffer this condition due to inhaled allergens, which make their immune system to induce a response to such allergens (allergic reaction).
Actually, we must understand that allergens are not the cause of this condition but just a trigger. Allergens in the nose usually result in allergic rhinitis (otherwise referred to as Hay Fever) which is the reaction of the nasal passages.
Commonly known allergens include dust, pollens, molds among others.
3. Foreign bodies
Where objects or substances that should not be in the nose are stuck in the nasal cavity, burning sensation may occur. This is a common condition among infants and younger children when they play. Sizes of foreign bodies may vary but be assured that even a miniature object can lead to severe burning inside it.
Some symptoms such as choking may result when smaller objects fall through the back of the nasal cavity. Apart from burning sensation inside the nose, these foreign objects can lead to damages within your nasal cavity.
4. Nasal infections
Just like any part of the body, a nasal membrane is susceptible to various infections. Such infections can be due to bacteria, viruses or fungi. The most common infection in the nose is the viral infection, a cold that occurs in the nasal mucosa. More infections can also lead to inflammation of nasal mucosa or rhinitis. Rhinitis can also be due to allergies, hormonal variations or other factors.
When caused by infections can occur alongside other symptoms e.g. a runny nose or sneezing.
5. Strong scents or inhaling chemicals
This issue can also be due to strong harsh gaseous odors (especially acidic or basic). We must bear in mind that strong odors are as well chemicals, therefore, can just react the same way as the airborne irritants.
According to Healthhype.com, “a scent is a result of vaporized chemicals in the air and even if it is pleasant smelling, it can still be an irritant.” In many cases, we do find that the stronger the scent the intense the burning, but this will also depend on the sensitivity of the nasal cavity.
Strong scents/odors that can cause burning inside the nose include detergents, perfumes, air freshener, industrial chemicals, deodorants, or even medicated nasal sprays that are used to treat various nasal conditions.
6. Changes in weather
First, we must acknowledge that the moisture level of nasal passages determines a lot on its healthy condition. Normally, mucous membrane secretes mucus, which makes the nasal, passages relatively moist.
Problems will arise when the mucous membrane start to produce insufficient mucus, which weather conditions, can be the major contributing factor. During dry air, or when there is extreme heat or cold, the production of mucus can go down leading to dry nasal cavity, a condition that can lead to the inflaming sensation.
Other related symptoms include nasal congestion, the buildup of dry crusty mucus, sneezing or a runny nose. More problems can also accompany dry nasal cavity.
7. Other Causes
Here are more factors/conditions that can lead to it:
- Rubbing nose frequently with rough cloth when experiencing watery nose
- Inhaling too much hot steam
- Medications side effects
- Nose picking and digging can cause the dry nasal lining
- Smoking tobacco
- Sinus infections
Causes of burning outside nose
In this section, will simply mean the causes of burning in the tip of the nose and external skin in general. As we have mentioned earlier, some cause may be the same. Below is the list of factors:
- Skin diseases
- Allergic reactions
- Sunburn
- Poor fitting eyeglasses
- Nasal sprays or drops
- Air pollution
- Trauma
- Side effects of medications
May be accompanied by redness around the nose
Life-threatening causes
In some circumstances, burning nose can be an indication of a serious condition that may require prompt evaluation by a doctor. Such causes may include:
- Skin tissue burns due to exposure to extreme heat
- Ingestion of toxic substances i.e. chemicals or poisonous plants or fruits
- Stroke
The condition can also lead to certain serious complication, so when you develop a it that doesn’t disappear within few hours, get it treated immediately to avoid complications such skin ulceration/infections or chronic pain.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Nose burning may occur alongside symptoms, which usually differ relying on the primary causes, condition. Some symptoms may be mild while others may be chronic. Below are the common symptoms:
symptoms of nose burning – runny nose
- A runny nose
- Poor sense of smell
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Sneezing
- A sore throat
- Fatigue
- A headache
- Burning sensation in the mouth and throat
When you develop serious symptoms such as a severe headache, sudden weakness or numbness, changes in vision and difficulty in breathing, please seek immediate medical care!
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of nose burning condition may be very challenging since it has several triggers. To carry out a diagnostic test, your doctor or qualified medical service provider may ask some question. Here are the commonly asked questions:
- When did the burning sensation begin?
- Have you been exposed to strong odors, sunburn or extreme heat?
- Do you smoke cigarettes?
- What are other symptoms occurring alongside this condition?
- Have you recently experienced a headache, back or neck injury?
- How long has the burning sensation lasted?
- Are you undertaking any medication?
Treatments, home remedies, and preventions
Nose burning treatments will depend on the causes. Some causes may not need treatment and can resolve of their own. Examples include cold or flu. Severity and duration i.e. chronic burning may also determine treatment procedures.
A). Medical Treatments
Several medicines can reduce the pain or the discomfort caused by the burning sensation. Given below are some of the medicine that doctors suggest:
- Nasal corticosteroids spray that can reduce the inflammation (watch out, it can lead to nose dryness)
- Saline sprays that can also be used to hydrate the nose and get rid of the irritants
- Decongestants
- Over the counter painkillers
- Antihistamine sprays are also used to cure many allergies
- Antibiotics are used to treat symptoms due to bacterial infections
B). Home Remedies
Treating the primary causes will help to ease burning nose. Here are some effective home remedies, which can potentially relieve this sensation:
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is a perfect product that can be used to lubricate and soothe the nasal cavity. It can also relieve irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. This will, therefore, help to calm the burning sensation.
Cool Water
In case of burning nose outside due to sunburn, you can apply cool water on the external part. This will reduce the irritation or inflammation.
Layer of Vaseline
Thin layer of Vaseline applied inside the nose can also help reduced burning sensation due to dry weather. Don’t apply too much Vaseline, it can interfere with the production of mucus.
Steam Inhalation
For the congested nose, steam inhalation may help to limit inflammation and burning sensation. Remember that too hot steam can also dry your nose.
steam inhalation remedy
You should also avoid picking or digging your nose and avoid fumes of acid and chemicals. You should also be keen on food allergy, identify that food and avoid them.
Conclusion
Nose burning always is not that serious but as we have explained, it can indicate something very serious. Therefore, a prompt response is recommended to the very first symptoms.
Remember, over the counter medications and home remedies may only work for mild and moderate nose burnings, severe conditions should be intervened by a medical expert!
References
- http://www.tandurust.com/home-treatment/burning-sensation-nose-causes.html
- http://www.healthhype.com/causes-of-burning-inside-nose-sensation.html
