What causes intermittent pressure on the bridge of the nose, and what should be done about it?

Nov 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Intermittent pressure on the bridge of the nose may be caused by mental stress and anxiety, cold exposure to the nasal area, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated septum with inflammation, etc. This can be improved through emotional regulation, keeping warm and protective measures, and medication. If the sensation worsens or is accompanied by headache or runny nose, prompt medical attention is needed. Consider: long-term exposure to high-pressure conditions

Intermittent pressure on the bridge of the nose may be caused by mental stress and anxiety, nasal exposure to cold, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or deviated nasal septum with inflammation. This can be improved through emotional regulation, keeping warm, protective measures, and medication. If the sensation worsens or is accompanied by headache or runny nose, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Mental Stress and Anxiety: Long-term high-pressure states can cause nerve tension and contraction of facial muscles, pulling on tissues around the nose bridge and resulting in episodic pressure. It is recommended to relieve stress through deep breathing and meditation, avoid overexertion, and ensure adequate sleep to relax both body and mind.

2. Nasal Exposure to Cold: Direct exposure to cold air or low-temperature environments causes nasal blood vessels to constrict, leading to poor local circulation and a sensation of pressure on the nose bridge. It is advised to keep the nose warm when outdoors, avoid direct exposure to cold wind, and gently massage the nose bridge to promote blood circulation.

3. Allergic Rhinitis: Exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites triggers nasal inflammation, causing nasal mucosal congestion and swelling, which compresses surrounding tissues and leads to discomfort on the nose bridge, often accompanied by sneezing and clear nasal discharge. It is recommended to use medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, loratadine tablets, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Sinusitis: Bacterial or viral infections cause inflammation of the sinuses, with fluid or pus accumulation exerting pressure around the nasal cavity, resulting in intermittent pressure on the nose bridge, often accompanied by headache and thick yellow or green nasal discharge. Patients may take medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, Biyuan Tongqiao granules, or oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal spray under a doctor’s supervision to improve symptoms.

5. Deviated Nasal Septum with Inflammation: Abnormal nasal septum structure combined with inflammatory irritation obstructs nasal airflow and increases pressure on local tissues, causing a sensation of pressure on the nose bridge, often accompanied by nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell. Patients may follow medical advice to use budesonide nasal spray, amoxicillin capsules, or Tongqiao Biyan tablets to relieve discomfort.

Maintain clean and moist nasal passages, avoid forceful nose-blowing, stay away from allergens and irritating gases, eat light and easily digestible food, maintain regular sleep patterns, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen physical health and reduce discomfort.