Dry nose is a trademark symptom of allergies or even a cold. Typically, dry nose is a harmless ailment that is, at most, uncomfortable and a nuisance to deal with. There are a few remedies that can help you find relief. Typically, dry nasal passages are the result of needing to blow your nose too frequently from allergies pr a cold. Additionally, dry nose can occur in those who live in dry climates or smoke tobacco or marijuana products.
Other less common causes of dry nasal passages can point to a medical condition known as Sjogren’s syndrome that causes chronic dry nose. Chronic atrophic rhinitis, which is nasal inflammation caused by having too little nasal mucus, nutritional deficiencies, and infection can also be the culprit. Finally, dry nose can be the product of certain medications such as antihistamines and decongestants used for the common cold or allergies, among other prescription medications.
With dry nasal passages being a fairly common symptom many people experience, we at ENT Specialists have compiled a few remedies that will help you find relief with your dry nose.
1) Petroleum Jelly: Line the inside of your nose with a fine layer of petroleum jelly dabbed on your finger. It is an optimal solution to keep your nose moisturized and your stomach can safely handle it in small doses. The petroleum jelly is also ideal to moisturize the lips as they are often dry when the nasal passages are dry. Avoid applying too much and using this solution for an extensive amount of time or too frequently. In extremely rare cases, over-use can lead to lung issues.
2) Humidifier: Helping you provide relief to your nasal passages, sleeping with a dry mist humidifier in your bedroom can help increase the humidity in the air. Be sure to place the humidifier in the center of the room. Avoid pointing the humidifier directly at furniture because the excess moisture can produce mold growth and damage wooden surfaces.
3) Nasal Spray: To moisten the nasal passages, an over-the-counter nasal sprays at your local pharmacy. In addition to adding moisture to the nasal passages, these saline sprays will clean out any dust, dirt, pollen, and congestion.
4) Damp Wipes: Lightly mist facial tissue with your water bottle or baby wipes that are formulated for sensitive skin, to wipe the lining of your nose. This will help prevent drying and irritation.
5) Steam or Sauna: Steam can also help relieve a dry nose though the effects are short term. Jump in a hot shower that creates steam or hang your head over a sink of hot water.
Additional Tip: Your body can better stay moisturized, including the nostrils, by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or tea, particularly when you are experiencing a cold or allergies.
A case of dry nose is rarely serious, outside of feeling discomfort and mild pain. Excess dryness and irritation can cause the linings of your nose and the crease underneath to crack and bleed as these are sensitive areas of skin. You should however, contact your doctor if the dry nose symptom is present for more than 10 days or any signs of infection such as fever, discharge, bloody noses that won’t stop, and weakness are a part of the dry nose. Call ENT Specialists if you are concerned over your dry nose symptoms.
