A burning sensation in the nostrils results from irritation of the delicate mucous membrane lining the nasal passages. This sensitive tissue warms, humidifies, and filters inhaled air, but exposure to certain stimuli can cause it to become inflamed or dehydrated. This discomfort is a common symptom signaling the body’s reaction to an external threat or an internal biological process. Identifying the source of this irritation is key to finding relief.
Environmental Triggers and Irritants
External factors frequently cause physical drying or chemical irritation of the nasal lining. Low humidity, especially indoors during colder months when heating systems are running, strips moisture from the nasal mucosa. This dehydration leaves the tissue vulnerable, often leading to a burning feeling when breathing in air.
Airborne pollutants and chemical fumes also provoke irritation. Exposure to tobacco smoke, industrial chemicals like formaldehyde, or volatile organic compounds from cleaning products can inflame the nasal passages. These substances contain fine particles or gases that overwhelm the nose’s natural filtering mechanisms, causing sensitive nerve endings to signal pain. High levels of outdoor air pollution, like smog and dust, also contribute to discomfort within the nostrils.
Acute Infections and Inflammation
A burning nose can signal the body’s immune system actively fighting off a short-term illness. Common viral infections, such as the cold and influenza, cause the mucous membranes to become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation, known as rhinitis, leads to the characteristic burning sensation, often accompanied by congestion and a runny nose.
Repeatedly blowing the nose during an illness further exacerbates irritation, chafing the sensitive skin inside the nostrils. Acute sinusitis, which is inflammation of the sinuses, frequently starts after a cold or flu and can also cause a burning feeling. This condition involves increased pressure and inflammation in the air-filled cavities behind the face, irritating the nasal lining and potentially producing yellow or greenish discharge. While most sinusitis cases are viral, a bacterial infection can sometimes follow, requiring specific treatment.
Allergic and Chronic Nasal Conditions
When nasal burning is persistent, the cause is often related to an immune response or chronic inflammation. Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This reaction releases chemicals such as histamine, which triggers inflammation, itching, and a burning sensation.
Chronic sinusitis is defined by symptoms lasting twelve weeks or longer, representing a sustained inflammatory state of the nasal and sinus lining. This long-term inflammation causes continuous irritation, leading to persistent nasal burning, pressure, and congestion. Non-allergic rhinitis, or vasomotor rhinitis, causes similar symptoms but is not driven by an immune reaction. This condition is triggered by non-immune factors like sudden temperature changes, strong odors, or spicy foods, causing the nasal blood vessels to swell and the lining to become irritated.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a burning sensation in the nostrils is often temporary, certain accompanying symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider. If the burning sensation and associated symptoms do not begin to resolve within one to two weeks, a medical evaluation is appropriate to determine the underlying cause. Persistent symptoms may indicate a chronic condition like allergic or non-allergic rhinitis that requires a structured management plan.
More concerning “red flag” symptoms require immediate attention as they may signal a serious infection or complication:
- A high fever that persists.
- Severe facial pain or any change in vision.
- Nasal bleeding that is not minor.
- Symptoms like dizziness or fainting.