The nose is the entry point of the respiratory system and carries oxygen to the body. However, the nose is not limited to breathing only. It contains thousands of sensory cells and helps us recognize the world through smell. It also affects the sense of taste and enriches our eating experience. The sensory functions of the nose include many aspects, such as retrieving our memories, perceiving dangers in our environment, and influencing chemical interactions between people. Smells can trigger memories, determine our likes and dislikes, and even influence our emotional state.
What causes nose burning?
Despite the complexity of the nose, we may sometimes encounter discomfort such as nasal burning and a burning sensation inside the nose. Burning nose is a condition that occurs as a result of irritation of the inner surface of the nose. Cold weather, allergens, chemicals or infections can cause a burning nose. This discomfort often causes an uncomfortable sensation and can also affect the sense of smell. Some of the common causes of nose burning are:
- Cold dry air can dry and irritate the nasal mucosa.
- Especially when heating systems are used in winter months, the decrease in indoor air humidity may cause nose burning.
- Pollen, house dust, fungal spores and other allergens can cause irritation in the nose.
- Environmental chemical irritants such as chemicals, cleaning products, tobacco smoke, air fresheners, and fragrances can irritate the nasal mucosa.
- Upper respiratory infections such as colds, flu or sinusitis can irritate the lining of the nose.
- Some spices and bitter foods can irritate the nasal mucosa and cause nasal burning.
- Drying of the inner surface of the nose may cause nasal burning.
- Foreign objects entering the nose (for example, dust particles) can irritate the nasal mucosa.
What is good for nose burning?
A burning nose is often an uncomfortable condition and can also affect the sense of smell. Treatment may vary depending on the cause of nose burning. For example, depending on allergic causes, antihistamine medications or allergy treatment may be used. Nasal dryness caused by cold weather can be alleviated by using a humidifier. If nasal burning is severe or persists for a long time, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Some methods that can be used to solve the question of how to get rid of a burning nose:
- Burning nose is usually caused by dryness of the inner surface of the nose. Therefore, using a humidifier can moisturize the lining of the nose and relieve irritation.
- Using saline sprays or nasal humidifiers into the nose may be effective.
- Cold misters or humidifiers can reduce nasal burning by increasing indoor air humidity.
- Inhaling hot water vapor can moisturize the lining of the nose and relieve nasal burning. Leaning over a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam or using a steam machine works well for this purpose.
- If nasal burning is due to allergens (for example, pollen, house dust or fungal spores), it is important to avoid these allergens.
- In case of nasal burning due to allergies, allergy medications or allergy treatment may also be considered.
- Taking a hot shower and allowing the steam to come into contact with the inner surface of the nose while bathing can relieve irritation.
- You can use over-the-counter nasal sprays to relieve burning nose discomfort. However, long-term use of these sprays may lead to adverse effects, so it is important to seek medical advice.
- Some hydrocarbon gels can help moisturize the lining of the nose. You can use such products in accordance with your doctor’s recommendation.
If nasal burning is severe, persists for a long time, or is a symptom of an underlying medical problem, it is important to consult a healthcare professional or ear, nose, and throat specialist. The doctor can evaluate whether further examination or special treatment is needed.
Herbal solution suggestions for nasal burning
If you are wondering how to relieve a burning nose and what you can do at home, you can try some herbal solutions. However, remember that herbal treatments aim to provide a relaxing effect rather than treating serious health problems. Herbal solution suggestions for nasal burning:
- Salt water solution prepared in a way that does not irritate the inside of the nose can help relieve nasal burning. You can apply isotonic saline solution into the nose with a bottle or spray.
- Applying a few drops of olive oil into the nose can help moisturize the nasal mucosa.
- Peppermint oil can help relieve nasal congestion and burning.
- Pure aloe vera gel can help soothe the irritated nasal lining.
- Chamomile tea may have anti-inflammatory properties and relieve nasal irritation. Soak the chamomile tea bag in hot water, cool it, and then apply it into the nose.
- Inhaling hot water vapor can relieve nasal irritation. Lean over a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam, which can moisten the lining of the nose.
- If you experience nasal burning due to allergens, it is important to avoid these allergens. For example, avoid spending time outside during pollen season.
Drinking plenty of water can relieve nasal irritation by keeping the body hydrated.
Intranasal burning during flu may occur due to nasal congestion, irritation and dryness, which are often one of the flu symptoms. Flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. This virus can affect the upper respiratory tract mucosa, irritate the lining of the nose and cause nasal congestion. Nasal congestion and dryness can contribute to nasal burning. To relieve nasal burning during flu, you can try the following:
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Keep your nose moist by using moisturizers suitable for your nose.
- You can soothe your nose by breathing in hot water vapor or taking a hot bath.
It may take time for the symptoms of nasal burning during flu to subside. However, if your symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, it is important to see a healthcare professional. The flu can be an illness that can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What causes nose burning when breathing?
Burning nose while breathing is a discomfort that can occur for many different reasons. Cold, dry air can dry and irritate the nasal mucosa. Especially when heating systems are used in winter months, the decrease in indoor air humidity may cause nose burning. Pollen, house dust, fungal spores and other allergens can cause irritation in the nose. This may be a symptom of a condition known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
Upper respiratory infections such as colds, flu or sinusitis can irritate the lining of the nose. Apart from this, some spices and bitter foods can irritate the nasal mucosa and cause nasal burning. Drying of the inner surface of the nose may cause nasal burning. This can occur especially when there is a decrease in the production of mucus that moisturizes the lining of the nose. If nasal burning when breathing is severe or persists for a long time, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. The doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Avoiding irritants, moisturizing the nasal mucosa, and appropriate medications can help relieve this type of nasal burning.
How to get rid of sinusitis and burning nose?
Sinusitis is a condition of infection or inflammation that causes a variety of symptoms in the nose and facial area, including nasal burning. The main cause of sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the air-filled spaces called sinuses. This can lead to pain in the nose and face area, nasal congestion, burning nose and other discomforts. Sinusitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). While acute sinusitis usually occurs as a result of an infection, chronic sinusitis reflects a longer-term state of inflammation.
It is important to follow the treatment recommended by your doctor to relieve and heal the burning nose caused by sinusitis. This treatment may often include antibiotics, decongestants, and medications that relieve symptoms. It may also be useful to use isotonic saline solution or a humidifier to moisturize the inner surface of the nose.