The feeling of your nose burning inside, often described as a stinging or irritating sensation, signals that the delicate lining of your nasal passages is distressed. This discomfort originates in the nasal mucosa, the moist tissue that warms, filters, and humidifies the air you breathe. When these membranes become irritated, inflamed, or dehydrated, sensory nerve endings are activated, sending pain signals to the brain. Identifying the various environmental and biological factors that trigger this sensation helps determine the cause.
Dryness, Allergies, and Chemical Exposure
One of the most frequent causes of nasal burning is dehydration of the mucous membranes. Low humidity, particularly during winter months when indoor heating systems circulate hot, dry air, rapidly strips moisture from the nasal lining. This lack of protective moisture leaves the underlying tissues raw and sensitive, causing a burning feeling. When the relative humidity drops below 40%, the nasal passages are more susceptible to this drying effect.
Airborne allergens also initiate an inflammatory response that results in a burning feeling. Common substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold trigger the immune system to release chemicals, such as histamine, into the nasal tissues. This release causes allergic rhinitis, where inflammation and swelling irritate the nasal passages, leading to a stinging sensation. Increased mucus production, the body’s attempt to flush out these irritants, can further contribute to irritation near the nostrils.
Exposure to chemical irritants can cause a direct, non-allergic inflammatory reaction, sometimes called vasomotor rhinitis. Strong odors from cleaning products containing compounds like chlorine or ammonia, industrial chemicals, or tobacco smoke physically irritate the mucosal barrier. Even capsaicin, found in spicy foods, can stimulate the trigeminal nerve endings in the nose, mimicking a burning sensation. Avoiding these physical and chemical triggers is often the quickest path to relief from mucosal distress.
Viral and Bacterial Infections
The body’s immune response to infectious agents is a significant cause of nasal burning. Viral infections, most commonly the rhinovirus (common cold) or the influenza virus, cause widespread inflammation of the nasal lining, known as infectious rhinitis. As the immune system mobilizes to fight the pathogen, the nasal passages swell and become irritated, resulting in persistent burning discomfort. This inflammation is part of the defense mechanism but causes accompanying symptoms like congestion and discharge.
Persistent inflammation from a cold or flu can lead to sinusitis, which may be caused by a virus or bacteria. In sinusitis, the passageways connecting the sinuses to the nasal cavity become blocked, trapping mucus and creating a breeding ground for pathogens. The resulting infection and pressure within the sinus cavities intensify inflammation, leading to a burning sensation often felt alongside facial pain or pressure. A bacterial sinus infection typically develops when a viral infection lingers, allowing bacteria to colonize the stagnant mucus.
Post-nasal drip, a frequent companion to both viral and bacterial infections, also contributes to irritation. Excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, and the continuous flow over the already inflamed nasal and pharyngeal tissues causes additional irritation. This keeps the upper respiratory tract in a state of heightened sensitivity, maintaining the burning feeling even as the primary infection subsides. Differentiating between a viral and a bacterial infection often requires medical evaluation, especially if symptoms are prolonged or severe.
Home Care and When to Consult a Doctor
Immediate relief for a burning nose involves restoring moisture and soothing irritated tissues. Using a saline nasal spray or performing a saline rinse can hydrate the dry mucosa and flush out environmental irritants or thick mucus. These non-medicated solutions are safe for frequent use and help the nasal cilia, the tiny hairs that move mucus, function more efficiently. Running a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom, especially during dry winter nights, helps maintain indoor air moisture levels above 40%, preventing the nasal lining from drying out.
Steam inhalation provides temporary but effective relief by delivering warm moisture directly to the nasal passages, helping to loosen thickened secretions and calm inflammation. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or warm tea, contributes to systemic hydration, keeping the mucosal lining moist. While over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays can manage allergy-related symptoms, medicated decongestant nasal sprays should be used for a maximum of three days. Prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion, where the burning and congestion return worse than before.
Most cases of nasal burning linked to dryness or a common cold resolve within seven to ten days with home care. However, certain warning signs indicate a need to consult a healthcare provider. You should seek medical attention if the burning sensation is accompanied by a high fever, suggesting a more serious infection. Reasons to see a doctor include:
- Persistent symptoms lasting longer than ten days.
- Severe facial pain or pressure localized around the eyes or cheeks.
- Discharge of thick, discolored mucus.
- Changes in vision or difficulty breathing alongside the nasal burning.