From a constant sensation of dryness and irritation to nosebleeds and difficulty in breathing, a dry nasal passage can make your daily life quite uncomfortable. Nevertheless, knowing the causes, symptoms, and the methods to remedy can reduce or even eliminate this discomfort, and keep the nose healthy.
Causes of Dry Nose
Several factors can contribute to the development of a dry nose:
Low Humidity: Indoor dry air is especially prominent in winter when the heating systems are on and the nasal passages are deprived of moisture causing dryness.
Environmental Factors: Being exposed to harsh weather conditions, for example, extreme cold or wind may cause a drying out of the nasal passages by stripping them of moisture.
Allergies: The nasal passages can get dry and itchy because of the allergic reactions caused by pollen, dust, pet dander or other environmental allergens.
Medications: Some medicines and nasal sprays can dry out the nasal mucous membrane, thus worsening the dryness.
Nasal Irritants: Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollutants or strong chemical odors may irritate the nasal passages which in turn may cause dryness and inflammation.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions like sinusitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, hormonal imbalance, or autoimmune disorders may influence nasal moisture levels, which in turn can cause dryness.
Symptoms of Dry Nose
Recognising the symptoms of a dry nose can help you take appropriate steps to alleviate discomfort:
Persistent Dryness: A dry and itchy sensation within nasal passages is often perceived with a dry nose.
Nasal Congestion: The dryness of nasal passages can lead to congestion as the body tries to make up for the moisture loss by producing mucus in excess.
Nosebleeds: Cracked and bleeding nasal membranes are more often seen when they are dehydrated, for example, as a result of dry air or nasal trauma.
Difficulty Breathing: Swelling and dryness can narrow airway passage, hence breathing through the nose becomes more difficult.
Soreness or Pain: In the same way, dryness and irritation of the nasal passages can lead to discomfort, soreness, or even a burning sensation.
Crusting: When the nostrils are completely dry and there is no mucus or blood, crusts or scabs may form on the inside of the nostrils.
Home Remedies
There is a multitude of things that you can keep at home for nasal dryness in and around the nose, for example, nasal sprays, nasal balms, and more which can help you keep your nose moist on a daily basis, or bring it back to normal when you experience dry nose symptoms. A perfect dry nose remedy can help alleviate the symptoms. The challenge is to identify what’s causing the most trouble for you and to select a remedy that will address this particular problem.
Humidification: Humidifiers are a great way to increase the humidity of indoor air and to feel relief from dryness, especially in the winter season and in arid climates.
Saline Nasal Sprays: Consistent application of saline nasal sprays can assist in hydrating the nasal passages and eliminating dryness that is not associated with medicated nasal sprays.
Nasal Irrigation: Cleansing the nasal passages by applying a saline solution with a neti pot or nasal irrigation system allows for the removal of irritants, moisturising of nasal mucosa and relief of congestion.
Hydration: Taking in sufficient water ensures the proper hydration level in the body, which is a major factor in keeping the nasal passage moist.
Avoiding Irritants: Reducing exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and strong chemical odors can be helpful in minimising nasal irritation and dryness.
Nasal Moisturising Gels: By using nasal moisturising gels or ointments, a person can lubricate the nasal passages and have relief from dryness, especially at night.
Avoiding Overuse of Nasal Decongestants: Long-term abuse of nasal decongestant sprays may increase dryness and congestion, which in turn causes dreadful rebound congestion. Apply them in moderation and only under the guidance of a doctor.
Medical Treatment: Sometimes dry nose is a symptom of an existing medical condition, e. g. allergies or sinusitis. In such cases, seeing a doctor to rule out the underlying cause is most likely necessary.
Conclusion
Through treatment of the underlying causes, keeping nasal moisture and using the correct remedies, you will be able to reduce the discomfort and make your nasal health better. If you do not feel better or your condition gets worse despite self-care measures, it is a wise idea to consult a healthcare professional for the proper evaluation and management.
If you take the right approach, you can live and feel more comfortable even though you will still be dealing with the challenges of a dry nose.
