Non-allergic rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis is different from allergic rhinitis, which is caused by allergies such as hay fever.
Nose Burning: 7 Common Causes and How to Stop It
Nose burning can be a result of a change in climate, but it can also occur with health conditions like hay fever, sinus infections, and even menopause.
A burning nose sensation is usually not serious, but it can be uncomfortable. If the burning occurs with other symptoms, like fever, dizziness, or nosebleeds, you should follow-up with your doctor to confirm whether there is an abnormality or illness triggering it.
The nose is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against foreign invaders. It heats and filters inhaled air, which impedes microorganisms and pollutants, like dust, from entering the respiratory tract. Nose burning may be a sign that this mechanism is not functioning correctly, and therefore should be assessed by a doctor.
Why does my nose burn?
A burning nose can be triggered by the following:
1. Changes to climate
Dry weather is the main cause of a burning nose sensation. This happens because air that is too hot or lacking humidity will the dry up the airways, which can result in your nose burning when inhaling..
In addition to dry weather, being exposed to air conditioning for a long time may also dry-out the nasal mucosa and lead to a burning nose sensation.
What to do: One way to stop your nose from burning during dry weather is to simply place a bowl of water in your bedroom. This will add humidity to the air. In addition, it’s important to ensure plenty of water intake during periods of dry weather. You can also rinse your nostrils with a 0.9% saline solution.
2. COVID-19
Many people with infected with COVID-19 may experience a loss of smell and a burning sensation in the nose. These symptoms typically resolve a few weeks after infection, with smelling returning to normal and discomfort disappearing on its own. However, some people may continue to notice changes, like nose burning and difficulty smelling, well after the infection has cleared.
What to do: There is no specific treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 infections. Symptoms can be managed at home with plenty of rest, fluids and analgesics for headaches or fever. Nose burning may disappear after the infection, although some patients reported persistent distortions in smelling ability and discomfort even after the infection has resolved.
Chronic symptoms that persist following COVID-19 infections, or long COVID symptoms, should be discussed and evaluated by your doctor on a case-by-base basis for a more targeted management plan.
3. Hay fever
Hay fever is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by the presence of irritants, such as dust, pollen, pet hair, feathers, perfume, or disinfectants. These substances cause irritation in the mucosa, leading to rhinitis and itchiness, as well as a burning sensation in the nose.
What to do: To prevent hay fever, it’s important to ensure your house is free of the agent that triggers symptoms. This can be done with regular cleaning. In more serious cases, your doctor may prescribe may antihistamines or allergy injections.
4. Sinus infection
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses which causes a headache, pressure in the head, rhinitis, and, at times, a burning nose sensation. Sinusitis can be caused by the influenza virus or by bacteria. It is important to that the infection is diagnosed so that prescribed treatment can be effective. Some people report the sensation of burning sinuses. See what other symptoms a sinus infection can cause.
What to do: Your doctor will initiate treatment for a sinus infection according to the cause. He or she may prescribe antibiotics or antivirals. To help with the pressure sensation in the head, you can take decongestants. Check out some home remedies for sinus infections you can try to complement your medical treatment.
5. Cold and flu
Both the cold and flu viruses can cause sneezing, rhinitis, and a sensation of burning nostrils due to irritation of the nasal mucous in the airways. Check-out how to identify a cold versus a flu and how these can be treated.
What to do: To fight either virus, you may need to take medication to relieve the symptoms, such as acetaminophen. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluid, such as juice and water. Read about home remedies for the cold and flu that you can use in addition to your prescribed treatment.
6. Medication
Some medications may dry out the nasal mucosa as a side effect. This is especially true with nasal sprays or decongestants. Some sprays contain ingredients that can irritate the nose, which can actually increase the risk for infection.
What to do: If a burning nose sensation is related to your medication use, it’s important to report your symptoms to your doctor and discuss alternatives. With nasal decongestants, the doctor may prescribe a different type that does not contain and irritating chemical substances. Nasal irrigation with cool water can also be relieving and beneficial to some people when medication changes are not advised.
7. Sjögren Syndrome
Sjörgen syndrome is an auto-immune disease caused by inflammation of various body glands. It often results in a dry mouth, dry eyes, and, occasionally, a dry nose.
What to do: Diagnosis and treatment of symptoms like dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, difficulty talking, dry eyes, and sensitivity to light, is typically directed by a rheumatologist. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
When to worry
You should see the doctor if the burning nose sensation lasts for more than one week and if it accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Throat ache
- Nose bleeding
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Fever
In addition, if you are experiencing dryness elsewhere (e.g. eyes, mouth, and genitals), it is important to see your doctor, as these could be related to more serious illnesses, such as Sjörgen syndrome.
Non-allergic rhinitis
The most common symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are:
- a blocked or runny nose
- sneezing
- an itchy nose
- a reduced sense of smell
Sometimes non-allergic rhinitis can also cause a crust to form inside the nose. This may have a bad smell and bleed if you try to remove it.
Causes of non-allergic rhinitis
Common causes of non-allergic rhinitis include:
- having a cold
- changes in the weather, such as temperature or humidity
- exercising
- smoke, perfume and paint fumes
- alcohol and spicy food
- hormone changes in pregnancy or puberty, or from taking medicines such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill
- conditions such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen
- using decongestant nasal sprays too often
Information:
Non-allergic rhinitis is different from allergic rhinitis, which is caused by allergies such as hay fever.
Things you can do if you have non-allergic rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis is not harmful, but it can affect your life.
You can often treat it without seeing a GP.
Try to avoid the things that trigger your symptoms, if you can.
A pharmacist can advise you about medicines that can help, such as:
- antihistamines
- nasal sprays to unblock your nose
- salt water nasal sprays or solutions to rinse out the inside of your nose
You can buy nasal sprays without a prescription, but they should not be used for more than a week. Using them for longer than this can make the problem worse.
How to clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution
- Boil a pint of water, then leave it to cool.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water.
- Wash your hands.
- Stand over a sink, cup the palm of 1 hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it.
- Sniff the water into 1 nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat.
- Repeat the first 5 steps up to 3 times a day (making a new solution each time) until your nose feels more comfortable.
If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have non-allergic rhinitis and the symptoms get worse
- you get asthma symptoms or your asthma gets worse
- your symptoms are affecting your sleep and everyday life
- it’s not clear what’s causing your symptoms
- treatments from a pharmacist are not working
Treatments for non-allergic rhinitis from a GP
Non-allergic rhinitis often gets better on its own without any treatment.
If needed, a GP may prescribe stronger medicine, such as prescription nasal sprays.
They may also change any medicine you’re taking if they think it may be causing your symptoms.
You may be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment if it’s not clear what’s causing your symptoms or they’re severe.
Page last reviewed: 31 May 2022
Next review due: 31 May 2025
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