What causes a burning nose? Related conditions and treatments

Overview: What does a burning nose look/feel like?

A burning sensation in the nose can be uncomfortable, especially when it occurs along with dryness, nasal irritation, or a runny nose. You might need help to focus on projects throughout the day or have difficulty falling asleep. A burning nose sensation often occurs as a symptom of an underlying problem, such as allergic rhinitis or infections. 

In most cases, a burning feeling is not more serious than a tickling sensation that is bothersome and distracting. However, a burning sensation that doesn’t go away or worsens may require a consultation with a doctor or healthcare provider. While treatments are available, the most appropriate treatment for a burning nose sensation largely depends on the cause. Read on to learn more about possible causes and potential steps you can take to get relief.

What causes a burning nose?

A burning nose can be an unpleasant symptom with various underlying causes. Common factors that may lead to a burning nose include sinus infections, allergic rhinitis, the common cold, and nasal congestion.

• Rhinitis: Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis can cause inflammation inside the nose, leading to a burning sensation. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is triggered by allergens like pollen, mold, dust, and other irritants, while changes in temperature, strong odors, and perfumes can cause nonallergic rhinitis.

• Sinus infection: A viral or bacterial sinus infection, or sinusitis, can lead to nasal congestion and inflammation, which may result in a burning sensation in the nose.

• Common cold and other viral infections: The common cold, along with other respiratory infections, can cause nasal congestion, irritation, and a burning sensation. Similarly, an infection with the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19 may also result in a burning nose.

Certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors may also worsen a burning nose:

• Climate: Changes in climate, such as dry weather or low humidity, can cause the nasal passages to dry up, leading to a burning sensation when inhaling.

• Smoking: Exposure to tobacco smoke can irritate the nasal passages and cause inflammation, resulting in a burning nose.

• Certain nasal sprays and other medications: Overusing decongestant nasal sprays like Afrin (oxymetazoline) can cause rebound congestion and side effects such as dryness and inflammation. In addition, antihistamines and anticholinergic medications may cause dryness in the nose as a side effect. 

While many causes can be harmless, consult a healthcare professional if the sensation persists or worsens.

Should I be worried about a burning nose?

A burning nose can be a cause for concern, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. In most cases, a burning sensation in the nose is a relatively common and mild symptom. However, it could mean a more serious health condition or even a symptom of COVID-19.

If you're experiencing certain symptoms and a burning nose, you may need immediate medical attention. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Shortness of breath

• Severe pain

• Persistent or high fever

• Confusion or altered mental state

• Fainting of dizziness

• Changes in vision

• Severe headache

If left untreated, a burning nose can lead to complications such as abscesses and chronic sinusitis, which can cause persistent discomfort and possibly lead to further infections. Other complications may include obstructed nasal passages and nosebleeds. 

How is the cause of a burning nose diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will typically examine and gather your medical history to diagnose your condition. They may ask questions about the burning sensations' frequency and severity, related symptoms, and possible triggers. This information can help them determine whether the issue results from allergies, a respiratory infection, or another underlying condition.

Various tests may also be done to rule out different causes. For example, a doctor specializing in immunology might suggest allergy tests, such as skin prick or blood tests, to identify specific allergens. They could also use a nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal passages and look for signs of inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities. After diagnosing the problem, a healthcare provider can offer medical advice and suggest appropriate treatment options for your condition.

Is a burning nose contagious?

A burning nose sensation as a symptom is not contagious. However, if a viral or bacterial infection causes a burning sensation, the infection itself may be contagious. For example, the common cold, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections can cause a burning nose and be contagious.

Those experiencing a burning nose due to an infection should take preventive measures to avoid spreading the infection. There are several ways to minimize the risk of spreading respiratory infections:

• Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren't available

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and phones

How long does a burning nose last?

A burning nose sensation typically lasts for a short period and depends on its underlying cause. For example, if the burning sensation is due to weather changes, such as dry air during winter, it may last until the climate returns to normal humidity levels. 

In cases of allergic rhinitis, nasal symptoms like a burning sensation may persist as long as there is exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. Once the allergen is removed from the environment, symptoms could subside within a few hours or days. 

When the cause of a burning nose is a common cold or a respiratory infection, the sensation may last for the duration of the illness, which can span from a few days to a week. If the infection is more severe, the burning feeling, pain, and congestion could last for a few weeks.

How to stop a burning nose

A burning nose can be uncomfortable, but there are various ways to manage this symptom. Here are some common methods to alleviate a burning nose

• Over-the-counter oral medications: Taking decongestants or antihistamines may help alleviate a burning nose and other associated symptoms like sneezing and a stuffy nose. They can be found in most drugstores and help reduce inflammation and congestion caused by colds or allergies.

• Nasal sprays: Saline sprays can help flush out excess mucus or soothe dry, irritated nasal passages. These sprays may also lessen the burning sensation by adding moisture to the affected area. In addition, nasal corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis. 

• Home remedies: Simple remedies such as using a humidifier or adding a bowl of water to your bedroom may help increase humidity and reduce dryness in the air. Getting enough rest and drinking plenty of liquids helps support recovery from a cold or the flu, which could contribute to a burning nose.

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection causes a burning sensation in your nose, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Only use antibiotics as prescribed, as they are ineffective against viruses, and overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.

A burning nose typically does not require extensive treatment and may resolve in a few days, depending on the underlying cause. Once you determine the cause, you can better manage your symptoms. 

Living with a burning nose

Living with a burning nose can be difficult, especially if a chronic condition, such as chronic sinusitis, is causing it. Sometimes, you may experience a burning nose for an extended period, especially if you have seasonal or year-round allergies. 

To manage and reduce a burning nose, consider the following tips:

• If your burning nose is due to dry air or indoor irritants, use a humidity-controlled air purifier to help moisturize and soothe your nasal passages.

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with a HEPA filter to minimize indoor allergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust.

• Drinking plenty of water, warm tea, or broth may help support your body's efforts to recover from infections.

• Essential oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, can be added to a diffuser or applied topically to your neck and chest (when properly diluted) and may provide a soothing effect.

• Eating foods high in vitamin C and antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, may support your immune system in fighting off infections and allergy symptoms.

What’s next? Additional resources for people with a burning nose

If you're experiencing a burning nose and want to learn more about common causes, tests, treatments, and scientific studies, check out the resources below. These resources may offer valuable information on related health conditions and the latest research findings.

Tests and Diagnostics

• Is it a sinus infection or COVID-19?, SingleCare (2022)

• Is it allergies or a sinus infection?, SingleCare (2022)

• Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, Cedars Sinai (2023)

• Hay fever, The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (2020)

Treatments

• Ten home remedies to relieve sinus pain and pressure, Allina Health (2021)

• Risks and rewards of nasal rinses: What you need to know, UCLA Health (2022)

Scientific Studies and Clinical Trials

• Comparison of intranasal steroid application using nasal spray and spray-sol to treat allergic rhinitis: A preliminary investigation, Journal of Clinical Medicine (2023)

• The role of seawater and saline solutions in treatment of upper respiratory conditions, Marine Drugs (2022)

More Information on Related Health Conditions

• Nasal polyps symptoms: What are the early signs of nasal polyps?, SingleCare (2023)

• Sjogren syndrome, StatPearls (2023)

• Nasal allergies (rhinitis), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (2023)