What causes dry mouth and dry nose, and what should be done about it?
Apr 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, dry mouth and dry nose may be caused by environmental factors, insufficient water intake, Sjögren's syndrome, upper respiratory tract infections, atrophic rhinitis, or other reasons. Patients should promptly visit a正规 hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a positive mindset, avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, get adequate rest, and develop healthy lifestyle habits.
Generally, dry mouth and dry nose may be caused by environmental factors, insufficient water intake, Sjögren's syndrome, upper respiratory tract infections, atrophic rhinitis, or other reasons. Patients should promptly visit a正规 hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Environmental Factors
When in a dry environment—such as indoor heating during winter or prolonged stays in air-conditioned rooms—the moisture in the air evaporates quickly, causing the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose to lose moisture and leading to a sensation of dryness. It is advisable to adjust the living environment by avoiding extended periods in dry conditions. Nasal moist compresses with normal saline (sodium chloride solution) can also help alleviate symptoms.
2. Insufficient Water Intake
Inadequate fluid intake is a common cause of dryness in the mouth and nose. When the body lacks sufficient water, secretion from mucous membranes decreases, resulting in dryness. It is recommended to maintain adequate daily fluid intake, especially during hot weather or after physical exertion.
3. Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder primarily characterized by reduced secretion from the tear and salivary glands. This leads to decreased moisture in mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, and other areas, causing dryness. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, or tripterygium glycosides tablets for treatment.
4. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
When immunity is low, the body becomes more susceptible to viral or bacterial invasion, leading to upper respiratory tract infections. These infections may accelerate bodily fluid evaporation and reduce secretion from nasal and oral mucosa, resulting in dryness. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as ibuprofen tablets, compound licorice tablets, or Lianhua Qingwen capsules for treatment.
5. Atrophic Rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis refers to a condition where the nasal mucosa remains chronically dry, leading to reduced secretions and symptoms such as dry mouth, dry nose, and nasal pain. Patients can follow medical advice to use medications like Biyan Kang tablets, Xiangju capsules, or Qianbai rhinitis tablets to help relieve symptoms.
In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a positive mindset, avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, get sufficient rest, and develop healthy lifestyle habits.
