Changes in weather, a sinus problem, an allergy, medications and low humidity may lead to a dry nose. Overuse of antihistamines and nasal decongestants may make things worse.
Chronic dry nose can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as Sjogren syndrome. Other causes of dry nose include infection, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic atrophic rhinitis, a longstanding nasal inflammation due to an unknown cause.
If left untreated, it can cause complications like dry mouth, loss of appetite, rashes, fatigue, drowsiness and even blurred vision. But fortunately, there are a few home remedies that works very well for people with dry nose. Try these before reaching for medication.
Drink lots of water
The best way to avoid a dry nose is to stay hydrated at all times. Dehydration is often the cause of this condition and in winter, we often forget to drink enough water. Be sure to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Sip on teas and have soups and broths. This will keep you hydrated and keep dry nose at bay.
Moisturize your nasal cavity
Keeping your nose moisturized is the best way of preventing this condition. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil and vitamin E oil for this purpose. These oils will moisturize your nose and reduce the discomfort and irritation caused by dry nose. Just put a few drops of the oil that you choose in a dropper bottle and apply one or two drops in your nostril. It will nourish, hydrate and moisturize your nose. Do this twice a day for best results.
Try Petroleum Jelly
Use your fingers to apply a very small dab of petroleum jelly to the lining inside of your nose. Not only is it good for keeping your nose moisturized, it’s also safely handled by your stomach in small amounts. Lip balm works too.
Make yourself a saline nasal spray
This is one of the easiest home remedies for dry nose. It hydrates the nasal cavity and clears out mucus and irritants from the nasal passage. But be sure to use pure salt or sea salt because common table salt can cause irritation and make things worse. Just mix one teaspoon of salt with half a cup of water and put the solution in a spray bottle. Make sure that the salt is dissolved completely in the water. Once the bottle is ready, look down towards the floor and spray the solution into your nose. You can also take the solution in your palm and inhale it into your nostrils. Forcefully blow it out after 10 seconds. Do this 3 to 4 times a day.
Regular steam will help too
This will soften the dry mucus inside the nose and soothe your nose. Just take hot water in a large bowl and inhale the steam after covering your head with a thick towel. Do this for about 10 minutes. Nowadays, you can also buy a steam machine from the market. Do this about 4 times a day.
Use Humidifier
Sleeping with a dry mist humidifier in your bedroom can help increase the humidity in your room, which can provide relief to your nasal passages. Place the humidifier in the center of the room. Here’s a tip: Don’t point it at furniture because the excess moisture can promote mold growth and damage wooden surfaces.
Finally, if you have dry nose for more than 10 days or experience signs of infection — fever, discharge, bloody noses that won’t stop, and weakness — you should contact your doctor immediately.
Source: Internet, Healthsite.com, Healthline.com
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
