A dry nose can compromise your immune system and nasal function. The mucus in your nose acts as a gatekeeper, filtering dust, germs and bacteria from getting into your body. A dry nose may be the side effect of certain medications, or sometimes the symptom of a cold and can be seriously uncomfortable. Before you turn to nasal sprays and other medications to lubricate your nose, ensure that your methods are safe and won't cause any side effects that exacerbate your dry nose symptoms.
Step 1
Hydrate you body. While you can apply topical lubricants to your nose, internal hydration is more effective, Elliot Middleton, Jr., M.D., professor of medicine and pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo notes on MotherNature.com. Keep a water bottle on hand and drink often if you typically suffer from a dry nose.
Step 2
Install a humidifier in your bedroom at night or in your office during the day. Humidifiers work to keep the surrounding air moist and can also help keep your nose moist. They are especially helpful if you suffer from a dry nose when you have a cold; a humidifier can help you sleep, as well as relieve other cold symptoms like congestion.
Step 3
Spray a saline solution into your nose when it feels dry. Unlike medicated nasal sprays, a saline solution will not cause a rebound effect, making your nose even drier. A saline solution is perfectly safe to use, since it's simply salt water that helps keep your nasal passages moist, notes the American Academy of Otolaryngology --- Head and Neck Surgery. Bring saline spray with you when you travel on a plane as the air is often dry and can spread sickness and viruses.
Step 4
Dab a water-based lubricant on the inside of your nose, if necessary. MayoClinic.com warns that using petroleum jelly can be dangerous, as it can be inhaled into the lungs. While using it once in a while won't hurt, using it too often to moisten a dry nose is not a good idea. Instead, use a water-soluble lubricant; only use it a few hours before bed, so you're not lying down while inhaling it.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about any of the medications that you're taking. Certain antihistamines, allergy medications and medication containing atropine can cause a dry nose. Your doctor can recommend another medication that will relieve symptoms or allow you to reduce your dosages to help relieve the discomfort of a dry nose.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Humidifier
- Saline solution
- Lubricant
