If you have ever suffered from a dry nose, you'll know the itching, burning, crusting or scabbing needs immediate attention. Not only do dry conditions impair the ability of your nose to warm, filter and moisten air moving into the lungs, nasal dryness may also lead to a loss of smell, according to "The Merck Home Health Handbook." Prevent dry nose by avoiding conditions or medications that trigger nasal dryness and choose treatment options that relieve discomfort to restore healthy nose function.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of dry nose include itching, crusting, scabbing, a mild burning sensation or a reduced sense of smell. Dry nose may be caused by antihistamines, retinoids used to treat acne, or blood pressure and anti-anxiety medications. Disorders such as leprosy or tuberculosis may also be causes. In addition, low relative humidity, a hot environment, dusty conditions, aging, treatment for obstructive sleep apnea --- a condition resulting in shallow breathing or pauses during sleep --- nasal surgery and allergies can lead to dry nose.
Treatment Options
Treatment for dry nose depends on the underlying condition triggering your symptoms. Your doctor can assess your symptoms to determine the cause and may recommend a nasal saline spray, oil or ointment to keep your nose moist. She may recommend a change in the temperature or humidity in your home and regular cleansing of the nasal passage to clear away crusts or scabs, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Nasal Flushing
Flushing out the nasal passages with a nasal rinse or spray is a safe and effective treatment for reducing nasal dryness and removing thick mucous and crusts. Nasal rinses and sprays, which typically contain a saline -- or salt -- solution, are available at most pharmacies. Blow your nose before administering a nasal spray. Sit down and tilt your head back, inserting the tip of the spray into one nostril. With your other hand, press against the other nostril, breathe in slowly and squeeze the bottle. Repeat in the other nostril.
For a nasal rinse, buy a commercial product or make a saltwater solution at home. You'll need a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, a small container with a spout, to irrigate the nasal passages. Dissolve 1/8 tsp. of salt into 8 oz. of distilled or purified water and bring the solution to a boil, according to the MayoClinic.com. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Fill your irrigator bottle, lean over a sink and tilt your head to one side. Insert the spout of the bottle or neti pot into the nostril facing upward and slowly pour the water into the nostril. The water will pass through the other nostril as it flushes out your nasal cavity. Tilt your head the other way and repeat the process in the other nostril.
Expert Advice
Relieve dry nose symptoms by using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, the MayoClinic.com says. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and when using nasal sprays, spray to the side of the nose rather than the center to prevent dryness. Whenever possible, avoid triggers that cause dry nose such as dusty conditions.
Warning
Beware of medications that may cause dry out your nose. Using nasal decongestant sprays frequently leads to nasal irritation, including dry nose and inflammation, according to the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking before beginning any treatment for nasal dryness.
References
- "The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook"; Robert S. Porter et al.; 2009
- "European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology"; Rhinitis Sicca, Dry Nose and Atrophic Rhinitis: A Review of the Literature; Tanja Hildenbrand et al.; September 2010
- American Academy of Otolaryngology --- Head and Neck Surgery: Your Nose, the Guardian of Your Lungs Fact Sheet
- MayoClinic: Nonallergic Rhinitis
- Drugs: Saline Spray
- MayoClinic: Neti Pot Solution: Can I Make My Own?
