When you are sick, it is not uncommon for your nose to hurt. This can be due to congestion, a cold, an allergy, or even a sinus infection.
When your nose hurts, the pain usually occurs on either the bridge of your nose or on the inside of your nose.
The pain can also be at the top of your head or behind your eyes. The pain ranges from mild to severe and should be checked out by a doctor if severe.
Causes of a Sore Nose
The most common cause of a sore nose is a cold. This is when your nose becomes runny and congested, causing pain and pressure. The other main cause of a sore nose is sinusitis.
This is when your sinuses become inflamed and causes pressure in your nose, causing pain and discomfort. A sinus infection can also cause mucus to back up into the back of your throat, which makes swallowing difficult.
Other Causes of a Sore Nose
Your nose can also become sore because of an allergic reaction or sinus infection. It may also be caused by dust allergies or an injury to the nose. When you have a cold, it is not uncommon for your eyes to hurt as well.
If you have an allergy, this could lead to eye problems as well as a sore nose or earache. An injury to your nose can cause it to swell, leading to painful headaches and infections that can lead to bruising and bleeding in the nasal area.
What Causes a Burning Sensation in Your Nose?
A burning sensation is a symptom of what could be a variety of medical conditions, including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, acute allergic reaction, or even a panic attack.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem without the help of a specialist. One way to reduce the burning sensation is to avoid irritants.
If you know that pollen and other allergens are causing your symptoms, it may be helpful to take medications and make lifestyle changes such as using air purifiers and staying indoors during the pollen season.
1. Weather Changes
You have felt this burning sensation in your nose at some point in time, but you might not have been able to identify the reason why. There could be a variety of reasons for this, but one that is fairly common is that the change in the weather has caused the sensation.
In the winter, it could be because of the dry air blowing from a heater. In the summer, it can be because of allergies or an infection. If you notice a burning sensation and a runny nose, there is a good chance that you are suffering from allergies or an infection.
Itchy Nose
There are a number of reasons why your nose might itch. It could be because you have an infection in the nasal passages. If you suffer from allergies, you might also experience an itchy nose.
The itching can become quite severe, especially if the itching is caused by an allergy. You might notice that your nose is red and that it is very dry. This could indicate an allergy, but it could also be a sign of a cold or another illness.
Sneezing or Coughing
Sneezing and coughing are symptoms that everyone experiences from time to time. When it comes to allergies, these symptoms can become rather severe. You will often find yourself sneezing and coughing over and over again, which can be very annoying if you are at work or school.
Sneezing and coughing can also cause dryness in the nose and throat, which can make you miserable for days at a time.
If your allergies cause sneezing or coughing, it would be a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible to get relief from these symptoms before they begin to get worse.
2. Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of a persistent dry, stuffy, runny nose. This can be triggered by certain foods or substances, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold spores. Allergens are substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
Some people with allergies experience an extremely itchy nose, which causes them to scratch the inside of their nose. This can lead to a “burning sensation.” Scratching can also cause your nose to become swollen and red or cause irritation that may look like pimples on the lining of your nose.
3. Nasal Infection
The summer months bring with them an increase in the number of people who experience a burning sensation in their noses. This is typically due to a nasal infection and can be very uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of.
If you think you have a burning sensation in your nose, the best thing to do is contact your doctor for expert advice. However, if you are unable to get an appointment before the pain gets too severe, there are some things you can do at home such as:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a humidifier to moisten the air around you
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
4. Medications
A burning sensation in your nose after taking medication is a common side effect of the medication. The burning sensation can be caused by a number of different reasons.
The most common cause is the medication causing an allergic reaction. The burning sensation may be caused by the medication drying out your nasal passages. If you are experiencing this symptom, speak to your pharmacist or physician about ways to reduce it.
5. Smoke and Other Irritants
You may be experiencing a burning sensation in your nose due to smoke or other irritants. The burning sensation can be caused by irritating substances, such as smoke, entering your nose and irritating the delicate lining of your nose. Irritating substances such as smoke may also trigger allergic reactions, which can cause irritation and swelling of the lining of your nose.
It’s common to experience a burning sensation in your nose when exposed to smoke, perfume, or other irritants. This is because the lining of your nose can be irritated by these substances and cause an unpleasant sensation. The discomfort is not necessarily a sign of an infection
Final Thoughts
Nose pain or burning can be signs of various conditions. The best way to know when you should see a doctor is to track how long the symptoms persist, what your symptoms are, and if they are getting worse.
You may want to see your doctor if the symptoms last more than 3 days, you experience fever, headaches, or sinus pressure in addition to nose pain or burning, or if the symptoms worsen.