Why Do My Nostrils Burn? A Doctor-Reviewed Guide to Causes and Relief

That irritating, sharp, burning sensation in your nostrils can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can be distracting and uncomfortable. Whether it feels like you've inhaled pool water or are breathing in frigid winter air, a burning nose is your body's signal that something is irritating the delicate lining of your nasal passages.

While the cause is often simple and easily treated at home, it can sometimes point to an underlying medical condition. This comprehensive guide synthesizes information from medical experts and recent health studies to help you understand the causes, find effective relief, and know when it's time to see a doctor.

Common Causes of a Burning Sensation in the Nose

Most cases of nasal burning are temporary and can be traced back to inflammation or irritation from your environment or a mild illness.

Inflammatory Conditions: Rhinitis

"Rhinitis" is the medical term for inflammation inside the nose and is a primary culprit behind that burning feeling. It can be broken down into two main types:

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis is an immune system response to harmless airborne particles like pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, it affects 10% to 30% of people worldwide. This inflammation can cause:

• An itchy or burning feeling in the nose, eyes, and throat
• Sneezing
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Postnasal drip

Non-Allergic Rhinitis

You can have the same symptoms of rhinitis without an allergic trigger. Non-allergic rhinitis can be prompted by environmental factors like weather changes, air pollution, strong odors from perfumes or chemicals, and even spicy foods. It tends to be a year-round condition and is more common in adults.

A woman holding her nose, looking uncomfortable due to allergies or a cold.

Infections of the Nose and Sinuses

When your body is fighting off a bug, the resulting inflammation can leave your nose feeling raw and sore.

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses—the air-filled cavities behind your cheeks and forehead. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria. As noted by experts at Banner Health, this inflammation can cause pain in the cheeks and forehead, a stuffy nose, cough, fever, and a burning sensation.

Common Cold, Flu, and COVID-19

Viral respiratory infections are a frequent cause of nasal irritation. The viruses that cause the common cold, influenza (the flu), and COVID-19 all target the respiratory system. The inflammation they cause can lead to a runny or stuffy nose, which in turn causes a burning feeling from irritation and frequent nose-blowing. While not a primary symptom, a burning nose has been reported by some individuals with COVID-19, sometimes related to the loss of smell.

Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers

Sometimes the cause is simply what you're breathing in.

• Dry Air and Weather Changes: Low humidity, common in winter or in air-conditioned spaces, can dry out your mucous membranes, leaving them cracked and irritated.
• Airborne Irritants: Smoke (from tobacco or fires), industrial chemicals (like ammonia in cleaning products), and heavy air pollution can directly irritate and inflame the nasal lining.
• Spicy Foods: Foods containing capsaicin can stimulate nerve receptors in your nose, causing a temporary burning sensation and a runny nose.

Medication-Induced Irritation

Overuse of certain medications, particularly over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nasal sprays, can lead to a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, or "rebound congestion." After a few days of use, the nasal passages can become dependent on the spray, swelling up and causing a burning sensation when the medication wears off.

Illustration showing inflamed sinuses causing pain and pressure around the nose and eyes.

Less Common But Important Causes of Nasal Burning

If your symptoms are persistent or can't be explained by the common causes, it's worth considering other possibilities.

Neurological and Phantom Sensations (Phantosmia)

In rare cases, a burning nose can stem from the nervous system. Nerve damage or conditions like migraines and epilepsy can cause faulty signals to be sent to the brain. This can result in phantosmia, or smelling phantom odors, which are often unpleasant (like smoke or chemicals). This sensation can be perceived as a literal burning in the nostrils.

Chronic Medical Conditions

• Nasal Polyps: These are soft, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses that can cause chronic inflammation, blockage, and a burning sensation.
• Sjögren's Syndrome: This autoimmune disorder attacks moisture-producing glands, leading to severe dryness in the eyes, mouth, and occasionally, the nasal passages.

Physical Damage and Rare Conditions

• Burns and Injury: Inhaling steam that is too hot or accidental contact with a flame can burn the inside of your nose. Snorting illicit substances can also cause significant damage and burning.
• Nasal Cancer: While extremely rare, a persistent burning sensation accompanied by symptoms like a blockage on one side of the nose, frequent nosebleeds, or loss of smell should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions.

Finding Relief: Effective Home Remedies and Treatments

For most cases of nasal burning, you can find relief with simple at-home strategies and over-the-counter solutions.

Immediate At-Home Solutions

• Moisturize the Air: Use a cool-mist humidifier, especially in your bedroom at night, to add moisture to the air and soothe dry nasal passages.
• Use Saline: A simple saline nasal spray or rinse (using a neti pot with distilled water) can help flush out irritants, moisturize tissues, and reduce inflammation.
• Inhale Steam: Take a hot shower or lean over a bowl of hot water (with a towel over your head) to let the steam open and soothe your nasal passages.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and keeps your mucous membranes hydrated from the inside out.
• Apply a Warm Compress: Placing a warm, damp cloth over your nose and forehead can help relieve sinus pressure associated with infections.

A person using a saline nasal spray for relief.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

• Antihistamines: For allergic rhinitis, OTC antihistamines can block the chemical reaction causing your symptoms.
• Nasal Corticosteroids: Sprays like fluticasone or budesonide can effectively reduce inflammation from both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
• Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain from a sinus infection.

What to Avoid: Risky Home Remedies

While it's tempting to try anything for relief, some popular home remedies can do more harm than good. Health professionals at Banner Health warn against:

• Applying essential oils directly inside the nose: These concentrated oils can burn sensitive tissues.
• Stuffing garlic cloves in your nostrils: This can cause irritation and get stuck.
• Using direct, high heat: Leaning too close to boiling water can cause steam burns.

When to See a Doctor for a Burning Nose

While most cases resolve on their own, you should consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• The burning sensation lasts for more than 10 days without improvement.
• Symptoms are severe, worsen after initially getting better, or interfere with your daily life.
• You have a high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C).
• The burning is accompanied by severe facial pain, swelling, vision changes (like double vision), or confusion.
• You have frequent or severe nosebleeds.
• You experience difficulty breathing or a stiff neck.

A doctor or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist can properly diagnose the cause and may prescribe treatments like antibiotics for a bacterial infection or stronger corticosteroids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why do my nostrils burn when I breathe in? A: A burning sensation when you inhale is often caused by irritation of the nasal passages. This can be due to breathing in dry, cold, or polluted air, as well as allergens like pollen or dust. The early stages of a respiratory infection like a cold or sinusitis can also make the nasal lining inflamed and sensitive to airflow.

Q: Can stress cause a burning nose? A: While stress doesn't directly cause a burning sensation in the nose, it can heighten your body's sensitivity to physical symptoms. According to medical experts, stress can amplify minor nasal discomfort, making a mild irritation feel more intense. It can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that cause nasal burning.

Q: How do you stop the burning from a sinus infection? A: To relieve burning from a sinus infection, focus on moisturizing and reducing inflammation. Use a saline nasal rinse to flush out irritants, inhale steam from a shower or bowl of hot water, and run a cool-mist humidifier. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus. A warm compress on your face can also soothe sinus pressure. If symptoms persist or are severe, a doctor may recommend antibiotics or other medications.

Q: Could a burning nose be a symptom of COVID-19? A: Yes, a burning sensation in the nose has been reported as a symptom of COVID-19, though it is not one of the most common ones. The virus can cause inflammation in the nasal cavity, leading to various symptoms including burning, congestion, or a loss of smell. If you experience a burning nose along with other COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue, it is advisable to get tested.

References

1. Kandola, A. (2020). Nose burning: Causes, treatments, and how to stop it. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nose-burning
2. Odisho, N. (2022). Burning Nose? These are the 4 Most Common Reasons. Banner Health. https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/why-is-my-nose-burning
3. Ada Health. (2025). Burning Nose COVID-19: Symptom & Treatment. https://ada.com/covid/covid-19-symptom-burning-nose/
4. Patel, Z. (2023). Why Your Nose Feels Like You Inhaled Water. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/ear-nose-throat/nose-feels-like-inhaled-water/
5. Health.com Editorial Team. (n.d.). 11 reasons why it feels like your throat is burning—and how to get relief. Health.com. https://www.health.com/burning-throat-8386567
6. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Sinus Infection (Sinusitis). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis