What causes dryness in the nose?

In general, dry nose may be caused by factors such as dry air, dust irritation, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or vestibulitis of the nose. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a professional physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dry air: This may lead to low humidity in the air, which can accelerate the evaporation of moisture from the nasal mucosa, resulting in mucosal dryness. This dry state may cause nasal itching, pain, or even bleeding. It is advisable to use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity and avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments, such as air-conditioned rooms.

2. Dust irritation: Dust consists of tiny suspended particles in the air. When these particles enter the nasal cavity and come into contact with the mucosa, they may not only absorb moisture from the mucosa but also trigger inflammation, further exacerbating the sensation of dryness. Patients may also experience nasal congestion. It is recommended to regularly rinse the nasal cavity with saline solution and wear a mask when going outdoors to reduce dust inhalation and alleviate discomfort.

3. Allergic rhinitis: This condition may be related to exposure to allergens such as pollen or house dust mites. Upon entering the nasal passages, these allergens may stimulate the nasal mucosa, causing congestion and swelling, thereby disrupting normal nasal secretion function and leading to a dry nose. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for treatment with medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, or loratadine granules.

4. Sinusitis: This is usually caused by factors such as decreased immunity or viral infection. Inflammation associated with the condition may lead to congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, impairing the normal drainage of nasal secretions and consequently causing nasal dryness. Patients should follow a doctor’s guidance in using medications such as clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, azithromycin capsules, or cefixime capsules to improve symptoms.

5. Nasal vestibulitis: This is commonly associated with excessive fatigue or habitual nose picking. The condition may lead to dryness, congestion, and swelling of the skin in the nasal vestibule, resulting in a dry nose. Patients are advised to strictly follow medical advice when using topical treatments such as erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, or hydrocortisone cream to relieve symptoms.

In daily life, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water to maintain adequate hydration, eat a light diet, and consume fresh vegetables such as radish, cabbage, and lettuce in moderation, which are beneficial for overall health.