Dry Nose

Dry nose refers to a lack of moisture in the nasal passage, which can occasionally cause the skin inside the nose to crack and bleed. It is not only uncomfortable, but can become very painful at times. Sometimes, one can also experience dry mouth and throat along with dryness of the nasal passage. Several factors can cause the inside of the nose to dry out. However, this condition can be usually alleviated with some simple home remedies or treatment.

Nose Dryness Causes and Symptoms

Right from certain adverse environmental conditions, to the side effects of medications, there can be several factors that reduce the moisture of the nasal passage to cause this problem. Generally, dry and hot climate, and low level of humidity can rob moisture from the nose, and dry out the nasal passage. Excessive use of medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, bronchodilators and atropine can also result in dry nose. Therefore, people with a history of nosebleeds, and those who have already suffered from this condition should be very careful, while using these medications.

It can also develop due to two rare disorders, which are known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Sjögren's syndrome. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is characterized by dryness of nose, mouth and eyes, while Sjögren's syndrome can dry out the mucous membrane of the entire body. Generally, Sjögren's syndrome has been found to cause dry throat, dry mouth, vaginal dryness and nose. This condition is more prevalent among women. If nose dryness is also accompanied by cracking and bleeding, then it may be a sign of high blood pressure. In addition to these, women can become prone to develop dryness of the mucous membrane of the body, including that of the nose, after menopause.

It usually causes the skin around and inside the nose to crack. This can lead to irritation and itching inside the nasal passage. Sometimes, it can also produce symptoms like bleeding and swelling, and dry mouth, throat and eyes. Many people can also feel constriction in their nasal passage due to dryness of the nose.

Nose Dryness Treatment

Determination of the exact causes is of utmost importance for its appropriate treatment, and an expert physician can help you in this regard. In the meantime, you can try to keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Using a humidifier can also relieve its symptoms. At the same time, check out the kind of medications that you are currently using. If you are taking antihistamines or atropine medications, then check with your physician, if these medications have to be discontinued for the time being to relieve dry nose. Certain simple remedies like, saline water can provide considerable relief from the symptoms. Just squirt some saline water in your nasal cavity, to add moisture to your nasal passage. Use this remedy at least for 3 to 4 times daily to get better results. Many people prefer to use petroleum jelly inside the nose, to help ease the dryness. However, petroleum jelly can enter the trachea, and then reach the lungs along with the nasal secretion. If used for a long time, petroleum jelly can accumulate in the lungs to cause lipoid pneumonia. So, be careful while using any cream or moisturizer inside the nose.

If these treatment options fail to provide relief, then talk to your physician to figure out an appropriate treatment plan for this condition, especially if you are experiencing constriction in the nasal passage. To prevent the recurrences of dry nose, be sure to cover your nose while going outside in hot and dry climate, and avoid overuse of antihistamines, atropines and nasal sprays. Moreover, drinking lots of water.