Dryness in the nose - an uncomfortable sensation, familiar to many people. In addition to interfering with sleep, due to the dry mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, the important task of filtering the air falling into the lungs during breathing is not carried out. As a result, the raw air stream penetrates directly into the lungs, which can lead to the development of inflammatory processes.
Symptoms of dryness in the nose
When dry nasal mucosa is often present with the following symptoms:
- nasal congestion, often with a clear alternation of sides of the stuffing;
- labored breathing;
- feeling of dryness, itching and burning in the nose;
- constant education in the nose of crusts;
- nasal bleeding;
- loss of smell;
- headache.
Causes of dryness of the mucosa in the nose
Consider several possible reasons why dryness in the nose may occur.
Dry or polluted air
This is the most common cause of constant dryness in the nose, which is often associated with the active work of radiators in the cold season, which causes the humidity in the room to drop significantly. Also, the mucous membrane can be dried out due to prolonged exposure to dry frosty air on the street or dusty air in chemical production, in ecologically unfavorable regions.
Side effects of medications
Dryness and pain in the nose may develop due to prolonged use of certain medications or exceeding the recommended dosage. As medical practice shows, this phenomenon is sometimes observed after using vasoconstrictive drops, various washes for the nasal cavity, antihistamines, antihypertensive drugs, as well as bronchodilating drugs containing atropine.
Reduced immunity
A general decrease in the body's defenses may manifest itself in different ways, including dryness in the nasal cavity.
Nasal trauma and infectious diseases
This is also a fairly frequent reason for the sensation of dryness in the nose, in which this phenomenon is one of the characteristic symptoms.
Dry keratoconjunctivitis
A rare disease, which can cause dryness of the mucous membranes not only of the nose, but also of the mouth, throat, eyes, and the peeling of the skin.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Pathology, often developing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and manifested by inflammation of the glands and dryness of the mucous membranes.
Age
Reduction in the function of mucus production and thinning of the mucous membranes of the nose, observed in old age.
Diagnosis of dryness in the nose
Apparently, there are a lot of reasons for dryness in the nose, and it is sometimes impossible to accurately determine them without medical tests and an appropriate examination. Therefore, it is best to contact a specialist and get a diagnosis.
As early as possible, you should seek medical help in the following cases, if:
- dryness of the nasal mucosa leads to the appearance of cracks and bleeding;
- In addition to dryness in the nose, dry mouth or eyes are also present.
On examination, the doctor will find out how long the symptom has appeared, whether there are any accompanying symptoms, what medications the patient is using, etc. Further, the specialist will necessarily perform rhinoscopy - examination of the nasal cavity with the help of nasal mirrors and a nasopharyngeal mirror. First of all, attention is drawn to the condition of the mucous membrane, the presence of crusts, the localization of the pathological process (the entire nasal cavity or only the anterior parts are affected).
In some cases, an endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity is required using instrumental methods. After establishing the cause and setting the exact diagnosis, appropriate treatment can be prescribed.