Itchy nose

Itching in the nose can bother a person with colds, when inhaling dust or other small particles, with allergies, etc. This obsessive condition can cause serious discomfort, which is accompanied by sneezing, redness of the nose and even conjunctivitis. What can be the cause of itching, how to deal with it, as well as everything related to this unpleasant condition, we will talk about in this material.

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Causes of itchy nose

Itching in the nasal cavity can be caused by internal and external factors. Internal factors are referred to when referring to diseases within the body itself - most often these are infectious diseases such as acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, flu, or fungal infections (mycosis, candidiasis), as well as allergic reactions.

External factors are, first of all, the penetration of various small particles into the nasal cavity: dust, pollen, wool, dandruff, fluff, etc. In addition, this symptom can also be caused by strong odors (fuels and lubricants, household chemicals, spices), as well as dry air and minor injuries to the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity.

For example, a long-term lack of humidity in the room can cause the mucous membrane to dry out. Approximately the same effect occurs after long-term use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops and sprays - the mucous membrane dries out and becomes more sensitive.

The true cause is easier to determine by assessing the totality of symptoms. After all, along with irritation of the nasal cavity, there are often other signs of diseases and various conditions.

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What can itching in the nose indicate?

If the itching in the nose is caused by an allergic reaction, then it is often possible to trace the seasonality of the allergy: for example, when the nose begins to itch at a certain time of year, when allergenic plants bloom. Some patients notice that the "itch" begins after visiting dusty rooms or places where animals live, etc.

Itching may be accompanied by a number of additional symptoms:

• sneezing - single or paroxysmal;
• lacrimation (temporary or as a consequence of developing conjunctivitis);
• mucous discharge from the nasal cavity;
• removal of crusts from the nose;
• signs of a cold (fever, headache, cough, runny nose, etc.);
• burning sensation, soreness of the mucous membrane;
• redness of the mucous membrane or the tips and wings of the nose;
• rashes on the skin around the nose.

Determining the symptoms associated with the onset of itching is often the first step toward making a correct diagnosis. That is why the doctor must pay maximum attention to the clinical picture, listening to the patient's complaints and comparing them with each other.

• If the patient complains of sneezing and itching in the nose, the first thing to suspect is a cold. At the moment when the cold is just beginning, these may be the only symptoms of the disease. Then the itching turns into a runny nose, and other signs of inflammation of the nasopharynx may also appear - a sore throat, cough, etc. If there is no hint of a cold, then sneezing and an itchy sensation in the nose may be associated with inhalation of dust, strong odors, various fine particles. It is necessary to ask the patient what he was doing at the time of the unpleasant sensation, where he was.
• Sometimes it happens that the nose itches not from the inside, but from the outside. For example, sometimes patients complain of itching of the wings of the nose. This may be due to an exacerbation of a runny nose or inflammation of the wings of the nose. With inflammation, not only itching is noticeable, but also peeling or redness of the wings. Most often, this symptom is associated with regular rubbing and blotting of the nose with napkins, as well as with prolonged exposure to frost, heat, strong wind.
• A long-term runny nose and itching in the nose may indicate an allergy or a chronic runny nose, depending on what other symptoms the patient may have. Thus, with chronic rhinitis, there is a burning sensation in the nasal cavity, thickening or thinning of the mucous membrane, and the appearance of crusts. An unpleasant odor in the nose may occur. Over time, dry mucous membranes, fatigue, and poor sleep appear. Snoring is possible at night.
• The development of an allergy is indicated by such a combination of symptoms as itching in the nose and eyes - in most cases, this means the development of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. With such a diagnosis, the patient may note redness of the eyes and (or) skin, the appearance of lacrimation and clear nasal discharge. In this situation, it is important to determine the product or substance that provoked the development of the allergy and eliminate contact with it. Further anti-allergic treatment will be prescribed by a doctor.
• Itching around the nose can be a consequence of infectious rhinitis - a disease caused by various pathogenic microorganisms: viruses (flu, parainfluenza, adenovirus, measles), microbes (staphylococcal, streptococcal, gonococcal infection, corynebacteria). In addition, rhinitis can also be fungal - usually with mycosis, the itching sensation is constant.
• Constant itching in the nose, persistent congestion, a condition where regular cold remedies do not help - in the vast majority of cases we are talking about mycosis - a fungal infection of the nasal cavity. In advanced situations, crusts, ulcers on the nasal septum, and reddening of the mucous membranes can be observed. The diagnosis is established based on the detection of a fungal infection in nasal discharge.
• Itching under the nose can be caused by a psychological factor, and also appear as a result of endocrine or systemic changes in the body. Often, such a symptom occurs after strong psycho-emotional experiences, with hormonal changes and disorders (for example, during pregnancy), as well as under the influence of cigarette smoke, gaseous substances, unfamiliar food (spicy or exotic), etc.
• Severe itching in the nose may accompany atrophic or subatrophic rhinitis. This disease is caused by severe thinning (atrophy) of the mucous tissues of the nasal cavity. Associated symptoms of this pathology are dry mucous membranes, olfactory dysfunction, and, less commonly, burning and painful sensations in the nasal cavity. It may occur with a lack of moisture in the inhaled air, or with prolonged use of nasal vasoconstrictors.
• Itching of the face and nose is a common symptom of demodicosis. This disease is quite widespread, although some patients do not even suspect that they have such a problem. Demodicosis is caused by a specific parasite – the Demodex mite, which lives in the subcutaneous space. This pathology requires special treatment from a dermatologist.

Most often, when the symptoms listed above occur, people turn to specialists such as an otolaryngologist, allergist, dermatologist, or infectious disease specialist.

Diagnostics

Often, a patient's examination and questioning about his complaints may be enough to make a diagnosis. The doctor must ask the following questions:

• What were the initial symptoms of discomfort?
• What is the nature of the sensation - burning or tingling?
• How long does the sensation last?
• Did the patient take any medications, including topical ones?
• Does the patient suffer from allergies?
• In what conditions does the patient live and work?
• Have you been in any stressful situations lately?
• Does the patient have any chronic diseases?

In some cases, in order to clarify the diagnosis, they resort to a general blood test, hormonal background study, and dermatoscopy.

The doctor may prescribe consultations with doctors of other specialties, such as an allergist, otolaryngologist, dermatologist, endocrinologist. To determine the cause, nasal discharge is cultured to detect microorganisms living on the mucous membrane.

It is also important to pay attention to the possible enlargement of the nearest lymph nodes, the condition of the thyroid gland, spleen and liver. It is necessary to ask the patient about what he was doing during the period of the itching, whether there were any peculiarities in nutrition and lifestyle, whether any medications were taken. The more information about the disease the doctor knows, the more likely it is to make an accurate diagnosis.

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Treatment for itchy nose

To treat unpleasant sensations in the nasal cavity, it is necessary to act on the cause, that is, to treat what caused the itching.

In case of fungal infection, it is recommended to rinse the nasal cavity with baking soda dissolved in warm water (1 teaspoon per 0.5 liters of water). In an alkaline environment, the fungus cannot exist and multiply for a long time. Additionally, drugs such as nystatin, levorin, fluconazole, etc. can be prescribed.

In case of allergy, the provoking allergen that could cause the allergy is eliminated, after which antihistamines and a hypoallergenic diet are used. It is also useful to rinse the nasal cavity with a solution of sea or rock salt (1 teaspoon per 250 ml of water). Of the drugs, Erius, Kestin, Zodak, Zyrtec, Cetrin are most often used. In a difficult situation, the doctor may resort to the use of corticosteroid drugs - Benorin, Nazarene, Beconase - such drugs are used only in extreme cases.

In case of a cold, vasoconstrictors are used, preferably oil-based, as well as nasal ointments and creams. If the disease is caused by a viral infection, then antiviral drugs (Interferon) will be prescribed. External drugs are also effective - Albucid, Chlorophyllipt, Protargol.

It is important to maintain an optimal level of humidity in the room, especially in winter.

Drops for itchy nose

• Aqua Maris moisturizing drops - cleanse and moisturize the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, facilitate the discharge of mucus. Can be used without restrictions.
• Complex drops Sanorin-Annalergin - a combination of vasoconstrictor and antiallergic components - eliminate swelling, burning and sneezing, can be used for both colds and allergic diseases.
• Antiviral drops Interferon or Grippferon have a wide range of antiviral action and are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes in adults and children.
• Antibacterial drops Polydex (based on phenylephrine) are prescribed for sinusitis, maxillary sinusitis, and chronic rhinitis.
• Phyto-remedy Pinosol is an effective oil-based nasal drop. Contains eucalyptus oil, mint leaves, pine needles, and vitamin A. Restores and softens the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, eliminates signs of inflammation, including chronic inflammation.

It is better to leave the choice of nasal products to the doctor, who will select the drug depending on the cause of dry nasal mucosa. Sometimes the doctor may use a combination of several drugs, at his discretion.

Prevention of itchy nose

Preventive measures should consist of measures to prevent the development of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as allergic reactions and irritation of the mucous membrane. To do this, it is recommended to follow the following simple rules:

• adhere to the rules of personal hygiene;
• harden yourself, maintain a strong immune system;
• eat a balanced diet, taking into account the body's daily requirement for vitamins, minerals, fiber, proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• avoid physical inactivity, do gymnastics daily, walk more, ride a bike, swim, etc.;
• quit bad habits – smoking and alcohol abuse;
• treat upper respiratory tract diseases in a timely manner;
• When working with chemical and gaseous substances, strong-smelling agents, and also when staying in dusty areas for a long time, you should use protective equipment for the respiratory system (bandages, masks, respirators, gas masks).

All the listed tips will help prevent the development of diseases of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Itchy nose prognosis

The prognosis for this condition is favorable in most cases.

However, you should not self-medicate, especially when the cause of the itching is unknown to you. Otherwise, the condition may worsen, and the problems will only increase. As a result of illiterate treatment, various complications may develop, which will become much more difficult to deal with.

Itching in the nose may not always be caused by trivial reasons. Therefore, if you cannot cope with the situation on your own, and the dryness in the nose does not go away, consult an ENT doctor or an allergist - a good specialist will always find the cause of the disease and do everything possible to eliminate it.