Nose Dryness Treatments
Have you ever felt that the inside of your nose are so dry that they crack and bleed? Sometimes even the eyes and the mouth get too dry as well. The nose is one of the very important parts of our body for it serves as the primary defense against a lot of infectious diseases.
The moisture of the nose is instrumental in producing mucus, which then acts by literally acting like a fly paper in catching bacteria, virus, and other microorganisms that are dangerous to the body before entering the airways and eventually the lungs.
Causes of Nose Dryness
Once the skin inside starts to dry up, it will not be able to prevent germs and virus to enter the body. There are many reasons why one would experience dryness of the nose.
A runny nose is usually associated to colds and flu. On the other hand, there are viruses, treatments, infections, and other factors that causes dryness of the nasal passages as secondary symptoms, which includes:
- Rhinitis causes nasal congestion, and it would also cause the abnormal level of production of mucous that coat inside the nose.
- Nasal sprays are normally used for nasal congestion, but when they are overused, they may cause dry nose.
- Antihistamines or some allergy medications taken orally may cause the drying of the nasal membrane because it is listed as one of its common side effect including dry throat.
- Sjögren’s Syndrome is a condition that does not only dry out the nasal membrane but the rest of the body’s mucous membrane like the eyes and the oral tissues which becomes irritated. The condition is an autoimmune disorder that affects women aging over forty.
- Hot and humid environment causes the loss of moisture inside the nose.
- Menopause causes the decrease of collagen production. Collagen is a skin component that helps in maintaining its elasticity. The decrease in its production plus the hormonal changes of the women’s body causes the drying of the mucous membranes of the nasal, mouth, eyes, and vaginal tissues.
- Dry nose with bleeding is an indication of a high blood pressure
Nose Dryness Remedies
Nose dryness is not a disease, and therefore its remedy is simple and easy. Below are some remedies to help moisturize the nasal membrane:
- Drink more fluid, water, and juices, around eight glasses each day, or eat fruits that have high water content. Hydrating the body tissues is important.
- If the dryness is a side effect of antihistamine medications, request the doctor if there is a chance that the dosage can be cut back or completely stopped.
- Saline-based nasal spray can keep the nose’s skin moist.
- A humidifier can be used in the home or at work to spray some moisture in the air.
- Dabbing the inside of the nose with cream or petroleum jelly can prevent cracking of the skin and prevent further discomfort.
- Excessive alcohol, caffeine, and salt can cause the mucous membrane to dry out, reduction of its intake can be quite helpful.
- Nothing will ever beat exercising. The moisture taken in when working out will help hydrate the nasal membranes.