Dry nasal mucosa: causes and treatment
Dry nasal mucous membranes can plague a person in any season of the year. In winter we often suffer due to the operation of heating devices, in summer the cause is heat and dust in the air, in spring - acute allergic reactions, and in autumn - exacerbation of various chronic problems and the onset of colds.
Table of contents:
- Dry nasal mucosa: causes and treatment
- Causes of dry nose
- Drug treatment
- Nasal rinsing and inhalation
- Folk recipes
- Possible complications
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- Karina
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- What to do if the mucous membrane in the nose dries out
- Why does this happen
- How it manifests itself
- Treatment
- Related publications
- Popular news
- Do you have a runny nose and have you already bought all kinds of pharmaceutical drops?
- Add a comment Cancel reply
- Popular posts
- Our doctors
- Recent comments
- Dry nose: causes and methods of elimination
- Why does the mucous membrane dry out?
- Symptoms of dry nose
- Why can't pathological manifestations be ignored?
- If you're concerned about more than just dryness...
- Don't let your baby's mucous membranes dry out!
- Dry nose and pregnancy
- How to treat dry nose?
- How to help your baby with dry nose?
- Are conventional methods suitable for pregnant women?
- Dry throat and nose: what is it associated with, how to recognize it, the main methods of treating the condition
- Why mucous membranes dry out: causes of dry nose and throat
- How does dry mucous membranes manifest: first clinical symptoms
- Treatment methods for dry mucous membranes
- Medications for dryness
- Oil solutions
- Traditional treatment for dry nose and throat
- How to treat dry nose and throat in pregnant women?
- Why does dryness appear in the mucous membranes and how to treat it?
- Causes of dry mucous membranes
- Dry mouth
- Dry nose
- Treatment of dry mucous membranes
- Treatment for dry mouth
- Treatment for dry nose
- Dry nose: mechanism and factors of occurrence, connection with diseases, how to treat
- Causes of dry nose
- Main symptoms of dry nose
- Treatment for dry nose
To prevent this unpleasant condition from overtaking a person by surprise, it is worth knowing why it occurs and how it can be effectively dealt with at the earliest stages.
Causes of dry nose
Dry nose can be caused by both physiological and pathological reasons.
In most cases, dry nasal mucosa, the treatment of which can sometimes be very lengthy and difficult, is not a disease in the full sense of the word. Most often, dryness accompanies any disease or is a physiological condition caused by a number of physical, chemical or thermal factors.
The most common causes of dryness include the following:
- Dry cold or hot air. Most often, these are natural features of the environment that are not characteristic of humans, that is, it is usually a newcomer, a person not adapted to such a climate, who suffers from such conditions.
- Operation of heating devices and air conditioning systems. All of them, to one degree or another, greatly dry the air and provoke drying out of the mucous membranes.
- Allergic reactions. After some of them, the nasal mucosa suffers greatly, becomes dry, fragile, easily damaged and bleeds.
- Colds accompanied by severe acute or prolonged runny nose. This type of drying out is usually accompanied by extremely unpleasant sensations and the formation of painful, itchy and irritating crusts, and constant sneezing in bursts.
- Use of medications. Dryness is mainly caused by sprays designed to reduce the appearance of a runny nose. They constrict blood vessels, remove fluid from the nose and irritation, swelling, but if abused or individual intolerance occurs, they cause drying out of the mucous membranes.
- Reaction to aerosols (cosmetic or any other), as well as to the strong smell of paint, chemicals, especially those containing chlorine.
- High blood pressure.
- The use of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer of the nasopharynx and soft tissues, eyes and ears.
- A decrease in the level of hormones in the body associated with the decline of sexual function.
- Mechanical irritation of the nasal mucous membranes associated with being in a room that is heavily smoky, dusty, or filled with tiny particles of sand or stone (for example, in places where stone processing is carried out or in construction).
- Sjögren's syndrome. This rare autoimmune disease is characterized by severe dryness of the mucous membranes of the body, including the nose.
There are many reasons for dryness and they are all different. In order to cope with this unpleasant condition, you need to know the root cause that caused it, eliminate or eliminate it, and then take measures to treat, moisturize and soften the nasal mucosa.
Drug treatment
Moisturizing sprays and nasal drops
The use of medications depends on how advanced the condition of the mucous membranes is and whether there is an underlying disease. In the latter case, you need to get rid of it by curing your runny nose, allergies, or leaving the room with dirty, dry air.
The easiest way to get rid of dryness is with the help of ready-made preparations in a spray based on purified sea water, this
Please note that ordinary nasal drops for a runny nose are not suitable for this problem, as they themselves strongly provoke dryness and increased sensitivity of the mucous membranes.
If you have to work or just be in an uncomfortable environment for a long time, then to protect the already damaged mucous membrane you need to use barrier agents, that is, lubrication with healthy oils or fats. They form a thin, non-drying film on the mucous membranes, which does not allow them to dry out and become damaged. For this purpose, high-quality oils are used - rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil, eucalyptus oil, and many others. These products are not recommended to be applied in pure form, as they can dry out the fabrics themselves. It is best to mix them with base oils: peach, almond, apricot.
Useful video - How to rinse your nose correctly:
If painful crusts have already formed in the nose, and the tissues are bursting and bleeding, “heavy artillery” will be required. Balms Narisan and Vitaon will come to the rescue. They soften dry and hard crusts, facilitating their painless and bloodless separation.
In the presence of an underlying disease of a viral nature, for example, influenza, Interferon, Grippferon and others from the same series will be effective. To prevent the disease and speedy recovery, oxolinic ointment is often used. The vitamin preparation Aevit also works well, which is used to lubricate the mucous membranes to speed up healing.
Nasal rinsing and inhalation
Nasal rinsing helps to quickly and effectively moisturize the nasal mucosa
Along with many medications, nasal rinsing and inhalation are very effective against dryness. If you have dry nasal mucosa, treatment of which for some reason with medications is impossible or undesirable, then you should resort to a simple remedy - rinsing. For these purposes, you can use a special teapot or use any suitable vessel. The easiest and most useful way is to rinse with physiological salt solution - it does not harm the body, since it has a composition similar to the main body fluids. The salt content in it works as a mild disinfection and means of accelerating regeneration.
To rinse, you need to make sure that the warm liquid easily penetrates into one nostril and flows freely out of the other. Then the mucous membranes are cleared of crusts, swelling, dryness and irritation disappear.
Washing with decoctions of medicinal plants also works well.
An excellent remedy is chamomile. Its warm decoction mechanically gently cleanses the mucous membranes, heals and disinfects them, and starts the process of accelerated regeneration.
Inhalation is also effective. The easiest way is to use a soda solution. Soda has the ability to soften the membranes and very quickly eliminate severe dryness and crusting in the nose.
Folk recipes
Traditional medicine for dry nose recommends using aloe juice
If dry nasal mucosa is detected, treating it with traditional methods can be very simple but effective:
- First of all, it is recommended to inhale steam from decoctions of medicinal herbs, rinse with warm decoctions of medicinal herbs, and then carefully instill 2 drops of high-quality cold-pressed vegetable oil into the nostrils. You need to drip carefully so as not to get into the respiratory tract.
- Another great remedy is aloe juice. This wonderful plant will help get rid of dryness and heal inflamed and dry, cracked and crusty mucous membranes. To do this, instill 2 drops of fresh juice and lubricate the inside of the nostrils with it.
- A small amount of glycerin can be used to lubricate the nose. This substance can effectively moisturize mucous membranes. It is very useful to apply after steam inhalation, when the mucous membranes are saturated with moisture. Glycerin will help keep it in the mucous membranes for a long time.
But external hydration may not be enough, so supporters of traditional methods of treatment use internal methods. To saturate the body with moisture, drink plenty of fluids, preferably vitamin remedies: rosehip decoction, tea with raspberries and honey, lemon, alkaline mineral water, milk with honey and butter, in a word, the same set as in the treatment of colds, as well as a variety of fruit drinks, fruit, berry and vegetable juices (if you are not allergic to them).
Possible complications
Dry nasal mucosa, the treatment of which was untimely or incorrect, can be complicated by an inflammatory process, especially if there were painful dry crusts in the nose that were removed too roughly and persistently, without soaking.
Fragile, damaged mucous membranes are attacked by a variety of microorganisms, including the extremely pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus, which is constantly present on human skin. The process can be very painful and protracted, since this pathogen is very resistant even to strong antibiotics.
Also, in an advanced state, the disease can go into a chronic stage with constant dryness and the appearance of crusts.
To avoid unpleasant consequences, a person needs to avoid allergens, not be in a polluted and dusty room, use masks and special protective equipment when working in such conditions, and start treatment on time at the first signs of the disease.
If dryness is caused by heating devices, then it is worth purchasing special humidifiers or at least using water containers on radiators. When using air conditioners, you need to set the correct mode and ventilate the room more often. The habit of regularly rinsing your nose with salt water is a great help against dryness at any time of the year. In addition, it is also a good way to protect against various diseases.
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Comments (3)
05/13/2017 at 23:21 | #
I never thought that I would encounter such a problem. But long-term and irrational use of drops for a runny nose dried out the mucous membrane. Quite a lot of time has passed, but the mucous membrane has not recovered. It is very difficult to breathe, especially in stuffy conditions. I would like to know: in this case, time does not heal?
Tatiana
09.17.2017 at 15:48 | #
I use nasal rinsing with Furacilin solution, thuja oil and rosehip oil to help combat dry nasal mucous membranes. True, this is a long-term treatment, improvement does not occur immediately.
Karina
03/02/2018 at 10:24 | #
I always rinse with sea salt. But sometimes there is no such possibility, because... I’m constantly on business trips, and carrying salt is such a pleasure. And at the pharmacy the girl recommended AquaMaster spray, she said the result would be the same. And in fact this is what happened. It’s very convenient to take it with you + you can use it even on the way to work :)
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What to do if the mucous membrane in the nose dries out
Dryness in the nasal cavity can occur to everyone from time to time when they have a cold or flu. This is one of the manifestations of rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which is a reversible condition and goes away after recovery. Some people may constantly complain of a dry nose; this situation indicates serious health problems and requires medical intervention. Why does your nose get dry and how to deal with it? A specialist will help you deal with the problem after examining you and finding out the cause of the pathology.
Why does this happen
A constantly dry nose is not a completely harmless condition and cannot be ignored. People with this pathology are practically defenseless against any droplet infections due to disruption of the normal functioning of the local protective barrier of the mucous membrane.
If the nasal mucosa dries out, then there is no sufficient warming, moistening and purification of the inhaled air from dirt, germs and allergic substances, which affects the functioning of other organs and systems and the condition of the entire body.
There are many reasons for this situation to arise:
- Staying in conditions of low air humidity - climate features, seasonal influence of central heating, heaters and air conditioners.
- Work in a hazardous industrial environment without respirators - exposure to chemicals, cement or metal dust, asbestos, toxic products.
- Uncontrolled long-term treatment with local vasoconstrictor or hormonal drugs is drug dependence.
- The presence of chronic diseases - atrophic or hypertrophic rhinitis, including ozena (fetid runny nose with the death of a significant part of the epithelium in the nasal passages).
- Dehydration of the body of various etiologies - intestinal infections, poisoning with vomiting and diarrhea, long-term use of diuretics.
- Burns and injuries to the nasal mucosa due to physical impact.
- Long-term use of certain medications - antihistamines, antihypertensive drugs, bronchodilators.
- Rare causes are keratoconjunctivitis (dry form), chronic rhinoscleroma and Sjogren's syndrome.
- Some systemic diseases - diabetes in the stage of decompensation, hormonal imbalance.
How it manifests itself
A condition in which the nasal mucosa dries out causes a person a lot of trouble, interferes with normal rest, makes it difficult to carry out everyday activities, and worsens well-being. In addition to the feeling of dryness, a person is concerned about the following complaints:
- feeling of itching, burning, heaviness or tension in the nose;
- discomfort and even pain when deeply inhaling air;
- constant formation of dry crusts of viscous mucus in the nasal passages;
- snoring and difficulty breathing at night;
- nasal congestion on one side (localization changes periodically);
- frequent headaches, fatigue and weakness;
- tendency to nosebleeds;
- Often there may be additional dryness of other mucous membranes - the oral cavity, conjunctiva;
- deterioration of sense of smell;
- cracks and sores in the nasal passages that can become infected.
The presence of such symptoms indicates the serious nature of pathological changes in the body that require mandatory treatment. Otherwise, negative consequences are possible, including atrophy of the mucous membrane, damage to the bone structure of the nose, and the development of bleeding. Such patients often suffer from various respiratory infections, which leads to the need to use vasoconstrictors and further deterioration of the condition of the epithelium in the nose.
Treatment
In order not to dry out the nasal mucosa, what should you do? This question is often asked at an appointment with an otolaryngologist. If, after the examination, additional examination is required to clarify the diagnosis, then the patient is prescribed x-rays, bacteriological tests of mucus, CT or other studies. The scope of treatment measures taken depends on the etiology of the disease, the patient’s age, the presence of concomitant diseases, and the general condition of the body. The goals of therapy are to moisturize the damaged mucosa, gently remove crusts and restore nasal breathing.
From the video you will learn about three symptoms that make you need to go to the doctor:
- eliminating dry air in the room using a humidifier or improvised means, for example, hanging wet towels, installing an aquarium or containers of water;
- increased fluid intake;
- regular irrigation of the nasal passages with special preparations based on sea water - Morenazal, Aquamaris, Aqualor, Humer;
- softening and subsequent removal of crusts using various ointments (Pinosol, Oksolin), balms (Vitaon, Spasatel) or oil vitamin preparations (Aevit, Aekol);
- steam-wet inhalations (adults only) with sea salt or a few drops of eucalyptus or mint essential oil, followed by olive oil instillation;
- if it is necessary to use vasoconstrictor drops, turundas with sea buckthorn oil can be placed in the nasal passages after them;
- restoration of the mucous membrane using folk recipes - the juice of a three-year-old aloe plant in half with clean water is instilled at least 4 times a day, 3-4 drops into the nostril.
Dryness in the nasal cavity is a symptom that must be treated after determining the cause of its occurrence in order to provide the body with a normal supply of purified air and good resistance to infections.
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Dry nose: causes and methods of elimination
Dry nasal mucosa is a condition that many people do not pay attention to. In vain. This unpleasant symptom is a signal from the body that there is a problem that requires an immediate solution. If you do nothing, “banal” dry nose becomes the cause of a bad mood and disruption of the usual rhythm of life. How to avoid this? Find out from this article!
>> The site presents an extensive selection of medications for the treatment of sinusitis and other nasal diseases. Enjoy it for your health! <
Why does the mucous membrane dry out?
The causes of dry nose can be different. Let's look at the most common ones:
- long stay in unfavorable conditions. Dry winter frosts with air humidity less than 40% are a serious test for the health of the upper respiratory tract. People who are not accustomed to such a climate experience a feeling of dryness and itching in the nose. Similar complaints arise from those who work in cold offices: radiators and air conditioners damage the skin and mucous membranes;
- harmful work. If your professional activity involves chemicals, construction materials or the constant presence of dust, do not forget to wear a respirator;
- long-term use of hormonal and vasoconstrictor drugs. Excessive enthusiasm for cold remedies entails not only advantages, but also disadvantages. It is necessary to give the nasal mucosa a “rest” - take breaks between taking drops and sprays;
- some diseases. Dryness and blood crusts in the nose appear with atrophic or hypertrophic rhinitis, ozena, infectious rhinoscleroma, dry keratoconjunctivitis, Sjögren's syndrome;
- stress and low immunity. Depression and constant overload of the nervous system also contribute to drying out of the mucous membrane;
- physical injuries and burns of the nasal cavity;
Dryness and itching in the nose often occur in older people (due to thinning of the mucous membrane) and in pregnant women (due to hormonal changes).
Symptoms of dry nose
The following signs indicate dryness of the mucous membrane:
- difficulty breathing (especially at night);
- decreased olfactory function;
- snoring and feeling of suffocation;
- headache;
- cracks on the wings of the nose;
- nosebleeds;
- the appearance of dry crusts;
- sneezing;
- burning in the nasal passages.
Thus, dryness in the nasal cavity is not a single signal of ill health, but a combination of several.
Why can't pathological manifestations be ignored?
It may seem to some that dryness and burning in the nose are “nothing, an everyday matter.” But everything is much more serious than it seems at first glance. Insufficient hydration of the mucous membrane leads to a decrease in quality of life. A person ceases to distinguish odors, sleeps poorly and often gets sick.
Dry mucous membranes cannot cope with the task of protecting against the penetration of microbes, i.e. the nose becomes an “entry gate” for infection.
Cracks in the nose begin to bleed and cause pain. If nothing is done, small ulcers appear, which are not so easy to get rid of. In especially severe cases, the process leads to damage to bone tissue.
If you're concerned about more than just dryness...
Most often, dry nasal mucosa is accompanied by the appearance of other symptoms. It is necessary to tell the doctor about this, because any “little thing” can become decisive in making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment.
Thus, dryness and burning in the nose most often occur due to allergies. When an allergen enters the nasal cavity, histamine is produced. This substance irritates nerve receptors and results in a burning sensation.
Allergens that cause burning and dryness are house dust, pollen, animal hair, household chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics.
Do you feel dry not only in your nose, but also in your mouth? There are several reasons for this: consumption of alcoholic beverages, unfavorable environment, diseases of the ENT organs.
Severe, persistent nasal dryness and crusting occur after taking medications that are not entirely suitable, or as one of the signs of atrophic rhinitis. The disease can be recognized by increased dryness after sleep and sudden temperature changes.
Don't let your baby's mucous membranes dry out!
Dry nose in a child of the first year of life is a common complaint of parents, which becomes especially relevant in winter or in the off-season. In most cases, low air humidity is to blame. Unfortunately, this figure drops to 30% during the heating season. Inhaling dry air leads to nasal congestion and itching. The baby becomes uncomfortable: he wrinkles his nose, sneezes, is capricious and has difficulty falling asleep.
But the most dangerous thing is that the filtration function of the nose is disrupted and viruses easily enter the lungs, trachea and bronchi. The situation is aggravated by profuse regurgitation, characteristic of newborns. Droplets of milk irritate the mucous membrane even more - swelling appears and breathing is impaired. But this is really bad.
Improper nasal breathing leads to various disorders. The child eats poorly, does not gain weight, and becomes restless. Sometimes dryness of the nasal mucosa is a provoking factor for increased intracranial pressure, hypoxia and nervous disorders.
Dry nose and pregnancy
More than 30% of women in an “interesting” position experience dry nose. For some, it is felt throughout the entire 9 months. The reason for this test is a change in hormonal levels. Dry nose during pregnancy is accompanied by swelling and difficulty breathing.
All this, of course, upsets the expectant mother. Because now, instead of enjoying the most magical time, she has to fight the changes occurring in her body. If any unpleasant symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor who will develop an effective plan to eliminate them.
How to treat dry nose?
The choice of therapeutic measures largely depends on the causes of dryness. However, the basis will always be local symptomatic treatment aimed at moisturizing the mucous membrane, drying out the crusts, reducing swelling and restoring breathing.
How to get rid of dry nose? This question has several answers. And they are all correct.
- elimination of provoking factors. If the cause of dryness is “bad” air in the room, it is necessary to increase the humidity level to 70%. This can be done using a humidifier or traditional methods (wet towels, containers of water). You should also “hydrate” from the inside - drink plenty of fluids, use oils or special sprays. If you live in a region with an unsuitable climate, then it is better to move to another place;
- use of medications. Sprays and drops for dry nose based on sea water perfectly eliminate burning, itching, normalize blood circulation and protect against bacteria (Marimer, Aquamaris, Humer, Salin, Physiomer, Otrivin Sea). Ointments soften crusts and accelerate tissue regeneration (Rescuer, Fleming Ointment, Traumeel S, Pinosol). Characterized by high efficiency and absence of contraindications;
- "grandmother's" recipes. No less effective is the treatment of dry nose with folk remedies. Home methods are simple and accessible to everyone. Rinsing the nose with herbal decoctions (mint, plantain, chamomile, sage, wormwood), instilling aloe juice (2 drops in each nasal passage), inhalation with essential oils helps a lot. To lubricate the crusts, you can use sea buckthorn oil or regular Vaseline.
How to help your baby with dry nose?
What do doctors advise if a baby has dry nasal mucosa? How to normalize breathing and improve the general condition of a child?
The very first thing to do is to increase the humidity level in the room. Most often, dryness occurs due to intense operation of heating devices. If you don’t want to spoil the appearance of your apartment with wet towels and bowls of water hanging everywhere, then you should buy an ultrasonic humidifier.
Let your baby drink as often as possible. Warm boiled water, milk, rose hips, compote - whatever. The main thing is throughout the day and at night too.
It turns out that milk with honey is not only an excellent “cure” for a cold, but also an effective method of preventing dry mucous membranes.
Place 1-2 drops of salt water (0.5 teaspoon of salt per glass of water) into your nose 4-5 times a day. For the same purpose, various “marine” drugs are used. Remember that small children cannot be injected with sprays - only drops!
Oils (almond, tea tree, peach, flaxseed) and solutions of vitamins A and E (Aekol or Aevit) will help to cope with bleeding crusts.
Be careful, oils cause allergic reactions. If a rash or redness of the skin is detected, stop using them.
Are conventional methods suitable for pregnant women?
Pregnant women are a category of patients that require a special approach. Why special? Yes, because a woman expecting a baby is overly concerned about her condition. She gets worried and upset about everything. And feeling unwell is one of the most significant.
As already noted, dry nose during pregnancy is quite common. So is it possible to use traditional tips to eliminate it, or will you still have to look for new ways? Only your attending physician will give you the exact answer.
If there are problems with the functioning of the urinary system, then excessive fluid intake can be harmful.
Often pregnant women are prescribed Narisan or Vitaon. The drugs have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, regenerating and anti-edematous effects. However, sometimes the constituent components (honey, Kalanchoe, eucalyptus oil, mint, thyme, etc.) cause allergic reactions. In addition, some medicinal plants are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
The safest ways to combat dry mucous membranes are to use a humidifier, drops based on sea salt and oils. Supplement your treatment plan with breathing exercises, acupressure, warming up your feet, and improvements will not keep you waiting.
Conclusion: As you can see, treating dry nose is not particularly difficult. If you do everything correctly, then after a few days there will be no trace of dryness left.
Source: http://gaimoriti.ru/proyavleniya/suxost-v-nosu.html
Dry throat and nose: what is it associated with, how to recognize it, the main methods of treating the condition
Dryness in the throat and nose are not the most pleasant symptoms, which not only interfere with full breathing, but also interfere with the performance of the main functions of protecting the ciliated epithelium lining the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx - filtering air, warming it and moisturizing it before entering the lower respiratory tract. People who are constantly tormented by dry throat and nose are more often susceptible to viral diseases.
Why mucous membranes dry out: causes of dry nose and throat
- long-term use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops - when using drugs of this group for more than 3-4 days, the mucous membranes dry out greatly, as a result of which the patient experiences a sore throat and tingling in the nose. To avoid the development of excessive dryness, it is recommended to use nasal vasoconstrictors in extreme cases, but not longer than 3 days. If the drug does not help, then you should contact a specialist again to adjust the treatment and select another drug.
- Dry air in the room - dry nose and throat occur especially often during the heating season, when heaters or radiators are running in the room. In such a situation, not only the mucous membranes suffer, but also the skin and hair. The same symptom occurs in the hot season, when the air conditioner is running in the room, which excessively dries out the air.
- Changes in hormonal levels - dry throat during pregnancy and constant nasal congestion are probably familiar to many expectant mothers. This condition is associated with hormonal changes in the body and cannot be treated with medications.
- Inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx and larynx - when the pathological process is localized on the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and pharynx, the patient may experience soreness, itching and dryness.
- Allergic reaction - when inhaling vapors of harmful substances, dust, pollen of flowering plants, people prone to allergies may experience dryness in the nose and throat, soreness, in severe cases, tissue swelling and difficulty breathing.
Important! If you often have a dry throat and the causes of this condition are not known, then first of all visit an otolaryngologist; self-medication is fraught with the development of complications and atrophy of the mucous membranes.
How does dry mucous membranes manifest: first clinical symptoms
The most common symptoms of dry mucous membranes of the nose and throat are the following:
- nasal congestion;
- desire to cough;
- itching in the nose;
- sneezing;
- slight burning sensation in the nose;
- sore throat;
- formation of crusts in the nasal cavity;
- nosebleeds in some cases.
Nosebleeds are caused by increased fragility of blood vessels as a result of dry mucous membranes. This condition cannot be ignored, since bleeding can be quite severe and provoke the formation of bleeding ulcers in the nasal cavity.
Treatment methods for dry mucous membranes
How to remove dry throat and nose is described in more detail in the video, but before starting treatment, it is definitely recommended to visit a doctor’s office and find out why the mucous membranes are drying out.
Table. Methods for treating dry nose and throat:
Medications for dryness
The basis of therapy for excessive dryness of the mucous membranes of the throat and nasal cavity are sprays, drops and aerosols based on sterile sea water. These drugs are absolutely safe and can be used daily as an aid to good nasal hygiene.
Preparations based on sterile sea water are enriched with trace elements and minerals, which additionally strengthen the walls of blood vessels, additionally moisturize the mucous membranes and promote the regeneration of microscopic cracks and injuries.
The group of such drugs includes:
The price of these drugs varies, depending on the volume of the bottle, composition, and manufacturer. Each product must be accompanied by detailed instructions, which describe how to use the spray correctly and where it is best to store the medicine.
Separately, it should be said about balms and drops based on oils - they contain olive oil, sea buckthorn, essential oils of tea tree and eucalyptus, extracts of peppermint, pine, and cedar. Such preparations not only prevent drying of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, but also have a pronounced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.
Important! Drops and balms containing essential oils can be used by adults and children over 6 years of age. If the patient is prone to bronchospasms or allergic reactions, then be sure to consult a doctor before starting use.
Oil solutions
For young children, to prevent dry nose and prevent the formation of crusts in the nose, pediatricians recommend lubricating the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity with oil solutions of vitamins A and E. At the pharmacy you can purchase the solution in capsules or in a bottle and use it for its intended purpose.
Retinol and vitamin E additionally increase local protection, soften crusts in the nose, heal small wounds and cracks, and form a protective film on the surface of the mucous membrane that prevents viruses and bacteria from entering the body.
Traditional treatment for dry nose and throat
If you experience a sore throat, frequent formation of crusts in the nose and severe dryness, do not rush to run to the pharmacy and buy all the medicines; you probably have the ingredients at home to prepare a similar “drug”.
To prepare a saline solution for sanitizing the throat and nose, just take a glass of boiled chilled water and add ¼ teaspoon of regular table salt to it; to improve the effect and increase the antiseptic properties, you can use iodized salt. The resulting solution can be used to gargle and rinse the nasal cavity. The “medicine” should be stored at room temperature, preparing a fresh portion of the solution daily.
Decoctions of medicinal herbs - chamomile, St. John's wort, sage - have good moisturizing and antiseptic properties, but before starting such therapy you should consult with your doctor, especially if you have a history of intolerance or allergies to medicinal herbs.
How to treat dry nose and throat in pregnant women?
With the onset of pregnancy, colossal changes occur in a woman’s body, and the hormonal balance is the first to be rebuilt. These changes lead to the so-called vasomotor rhinitis, a condition characterized by dry mucous membranes, nasal congestion, tissue swelling and difficulty breathing.
This condition cannot be cured with any medications; the expectant mother should wait until the end of the first trimester, and the condition will stabilize on its own.
You can relieve the symptoms of dry throat and nose with saline solutions based on sterile sea water - they are absolutely safe for the mother and fetus and can be used from the first weeks of pregnancy. In addition, it is important to maintain optimal air humidity - install a special device for air humidification and a hygrometer, which will show what percentage the humidity in the room is maintained at.
Try to spend more time outdoors, including in foggy weather, drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day, regularly ventilate and clean the room. By following these simple recommendations, you will forever get rid of dry nose and be able to increase your body’s defenses without medications.
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Why does dryness appear in the mucous membranes and how to treat it?
Dryness of the mucous membranes of the body is an unpleasant phenomenon that most often goes unnoticed, but in vain. This symptom is a signal from your body that a certain problem has arisen that requires elimination. However, in fairness, it is worth saying that dryness can also occur due to unfavorable climatic conditions and other incorrect actions of the person himself.
But whatever it is, this phenomenon can significantly complicate a person’s life, causing constant discomfort. Next, we’ll talk about dry mucous membranes of the body, the causes of its occurrence and methods of treatment.
Causes of dry mucous membranes
Perhaps, almost all of us have encountered this phenomenon - dry mucous membranes. Moreover, this is also the most common complaint that doctors hear.
Most often, this condition occurs with colds, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, etc.
Just remember how this terrible dryness is added to a sore throat and nasal congestion, as if a whole desert had formed inside.
However, this is not the only reason for the development of this phenomenon. Since everything in our body is interconnected, the reason may be completely unexpected, as it seems to us, but quite logical in the opinion of our body.
Next, let's look at why the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose dry out.
Dry mouth
The medical name for this deviation is xerostomia, which is defined as dryness of the oral mucosa as a result of a decrease or stop in the functioning of the glands that produce saliva.
Reference. If the phenomenon is chronic, then it is difficult for the patient to talk, eat, and taste, which turns ordinary everyday activities into hard labor.
Dry oral mucosa is characterized by the following distinctive features:
- strong feeling of thirst;
- feeling of “stickiness” in the mouth;
- a feeling of dryness not only in the mouth, but also in the throat;
- itching and burning, especially on the tongue;
- cracks on the lips and corners of the mouth;
- redness and dryness of the tongue, roughness;
- hoarseness of voice;
- halitosis.
The oral mucosa primarily reflects the development of various pathologies and malfunctions in the functioning of many systems.
Therefore, below is a schematic list of the reasons that provoke the appearance of this phenomenon. Due to the characteristics of the body, they can be associated both with ailments and as a result of the actions of the person himself.
In addition to the above factors, it is also possible to identify the following conditions that cause the development of such a condition:
- Lack of vitamin A.
- Injury to the salivary glands.
- Damage to various types of nerves (facial and glossopharyngeal).
- Strong psycho-emotional stress (excitement, stress).
Reference. The feeling of constant dryness in the mouth can cause the development of various gum pathologies (periodontitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis).
Dry nose
Dry nasal mucous membranes make breathing difficult and prevent them from performing their main purpose: filtering, warming and humidifying the inhaled air before it enters the lungs.
It follows that this phenomenon causes an almost 100% chance of “catching” any infection through airborne droplets, since the mucosal epithelium in such a situation is not able to retain pathogens.
Dry nose is characterized by the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing;
- cracked skin on the nostrils;
- burning sensation and formation of dry crusts in the nose;
- sneezing;
- deterioration of sense of smell;
- headache;
- nosebleeds.
As for the factors for the development of dryness in the nasal cavity, they can be absolutely diverse. The most common ones are:
- Climate - winter frosts and too hot summers with low humidity are real tests for the respiratory system.
- Inappropriate indoor climate - this problem can be caused by dry air in the home, especially if it has an air conditioner.
- Harmful working conditions - chemicals, construction materials or the constant presence of dust have a negative effect on the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory system. Therefore, a respirator in this situation is a must.
- Long-term use of medications - excessive use of nasal vasoconstrictor drops, especially when the dosage is exceeded, causes dryness in the nose. In addition to local medications, this phenomenon can also be caused by systemic medications: hormonal and antihistamines.
- Pathological conditions - atrophic and hypertrophic rhinitis, rhinoscleroma, keratoconjunctivitis, Sjögren's disease and diabetes mellitus.
- Stressful situations and weak protective functions of the body - against the background of frequent or constant emotional overload, this condition can develop.
- Damage to the walls of the nasal passages - mechanical impact, burns, thermal effects.
In addition, deviations can be provoked by allergic reactions to various kinds of irritants (pollen, dust, animal hair) and excessive enthusiasm for the cleanliness of the nasal cavity (endless nose blowing and rinsing for no apparent reason).
Reference. Dryness can occur in older people (thinning of the mucous membrane) and in expectant mothers (hormonal changes).
Treatment of dry mucous membranes
First of all, in such a situation, treatment should begin with neutralizing the main cause of this deviation.
Reference. In case of pathologies of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, or diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to seek appropriate medical help.
Since this phenomenon can be a symptom of many systemic pathologies, and may also be a consequence of the influence of external factors, a person is not able to determine this on his own.
Thus, if possible, it is better to consult a doctor as soon as possible, where you will receive a full consultation and a plan of action in each specific case.
Treatment for dry mouth
Treatment of dry mouth is always carried out comprehensively, under the guidance of a doctor, and includes the following items that are mandatory for the patient to complete:
- therapy for the underlying disease (if any);
- complete cessation of bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
- if the reason is taking certain medications, then the doctor can either reduce the dose or select another remedy;
- reduce consumption of highly salted foods;
- consume enough fluid;
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes;
- Peach, apricot, sunflower oil and honey applications will help reduce irritation of the mucous membrane;
- use drugs that replace saliva (at the discretion of a specialist).
In addition, it is necessary to maintain certain climatic conditions in the house: temperature and humidity. To do this, you need to frequently carry out wet cleaning and ventilation of the living space. Special devices will also help with humidification of the room.
Reference. Seasoning food with hot pepper also helps to activate salivation, but the main thing here is not to overdo it, so as not to cause problems with the digestive system.
Treatment for dry nose
The choice of therapeutic measures largely depends on the factors in the development of dryness. Only a doctor can select a complex of effective drugs.
However, the basis of treatment for this problem will always consist of local symptomatic treatment to moisturize the mucous membrane, reduce swelling and restore breathing.
To eliminate this condition, the following measures should be taken:
- Eliminate provoking factors - increase the humidity in the house (using humidifiers or wet towels and containers of water);
- Compliance with the drinking regime - consume more water, decoctions, rose hips, tea.
- The use of drugs that prevent dryness - drops and sprays from sea water (Aquamaris, Humer, Salin), as well as ointments (Pinosol, Traumeel S) work well with this.
- Inhalations – you can mitigate drying by doing inhalations using essential oils (sage, mint, eucalyptus) or herbal decoctions (calendula, chamomile).
- Using solutions - you can instill sea buckthorn oil, olive oil, and also lubricate the nasal passages with cotton or gauze turundas (pre-impregnated).
The above measures will help alleviate a person’s condition while the underlying factor is identified and treated (if dryness is a symptom of the disease).
This problem can either arise or disappear on its own. However, if dryness torments you constantly or occurs with systemic frequency, then it is still worth paying attention to it.
A visit to the doctor may take a lot of time, and treatment of the problem itself may not take much time, but you will get rid of the unpleasant feeling, significantly increasing the quality of your life.
Directory of main ENT diseases and their treatment
All information on the site is for informational purposes only and does not claim to be absolutely accurate from a medical point of view. Treatment must be carried out by a qualified doctor. By self-medicating you can harm yourself!
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Dry nose: mechanism and factors of occurrence, connection with diseases, how to treat
Abundant superficial blood supply to the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, the presence of a large number of small mucous glands, and excess secretion of the lacrimal glands entering here ensure constant moisture of the mucous membranes of this part of the respiratory tract.
This is necessary, first of all, to ensure constant drainage in the direction of the nasopharynx of microparticles of dust, bacteria, and large viruses that enter the body when inhaled. Cleansing is also facilitated by the contraction of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium that lines the upper respiratory tract.
In addition, the olfactory receptors located right there only distinguish odors when they are covered with mucus. The daily volume of mucus secreted by the entire surface of the nasal cavity varies from 100 ml. up to 2 l.
The most comfortable temperature for this is considered to be 27–33 °C and the acid-base balance at a pH level of 5.5–6.5. Any fluctuations above or below the indicated indicators, arising for various reasons, as well as simply dehydration of the body, lead to the cessation of mucus secretion, which causes dryness in the nose, and crusts are formed, often having a bloody character.
The formation of crusts is promoted by itching and pain in the nose, causing obsessive scratching of the inner surface of the nose with a finger. The resulting blood crusts cause an unpleasant odor from the nose.
Causes of dry nose
The nasal mucosa dries out when exposed to external and internal factors.
External conditions include conditions such as an excessively dry climate at high or low ambient temperatures. The same effect occurs in rooms with central heating or constantly running air conditioning in the absence of regular ventilation.
Occupational hazards such as working in hot shops (heavy industry), in dusty areas (light industry), in chemical production, and cement factories have a negative impact on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.
Dryness and nasal congestion occurs with prolonged exposure to rarefied atmosphere conditions (mountainous areas, air travel).
Short-term and then permanent dryness of the mucous membranes of the nose is also caused by staying in smoky rooms, as well as intense tobacco smoking by the patient himself.
Internal causes of dry nose are often associated with unwanted side effects of a number of medications. These include anti-allergenic drugs (suprastin, diphenhydramine, etc.), as well as those that contain atropine.
Long-term use of sprays containing vasoconstrictors and hormonal drugs to combat a runny nose in a child also leads to persistent dryness of the nasal mucosa.
Constant alcohol intoxication also leads to dryness of the nasal cavity, since the breakdown products of alcohols, excreted, including through the exocrine glands, have a negative effect on their performance.
Severe dryness in the nose is one of the characteristic symptoms of a disease such as Sjögren's syndrome, in which the salivary and lacrimal glands are initially affected, leading to their secretory insufficiency.
Sometimes dryness of the nasal mucosa is observed with scleroma, a long-term infection of the upper respiratory tract.
Dry nose in pregnant women, in addition to the conditions described above, may be due to the special hormonal background of the woman during this period.
Main symptoms of dry nose
- Irritation, itching, burning in the walls of the nasal cavity.
- Nasal congestion, especially at night, which leads to severe snoring.
- Crusting on the nasal mucous membranes.
- Bleeding from minimal hemorrhagic impregnation of the crusts to prolonged, jet bleeding. This is explained by the superficial location of large vessels in the nasal mucosa.
- The appearance of a dry border at the external nasal openings, often with cracks and crusts soaked in blood.
- Loss of smell.
One cannot but agree with those scientists who claim that in terms of the degree of discomfort and decreased sense of quality of life, the described symptoms observed with dry nose are subjectively much more painful for patients to tolerate than myocardial infarction and its consequences. Therefore, special attention should be paid to curing the disease that leads to dryness of the nasal mucosa, and also make every effort to eliminate the associated symptoms.
Treatment for dry nose
1. Irrigation of the nasal mucosa with isotonic salt solutions
Most often, a sterile isotonic (0.9%) solution of table salt is used for this. In medicine, it is most often used for diluting medicinal substances before their intravenous administration. Irrigation with an isotonic solution leads to an improvement in the rheological properties of the mucus formed, and also improves the contractile movements of microflagella in the ciliated epithelium.
It is worth noting that drops made from sea or mineral waters in isotonic salt concentrations have a similar effect. The salts of potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and calcium included in these preparations, in addition to activating drainage, are actively involved in reparative processes, restoring the structure of the mucosa. These are drugs such as Salin, Marimer, Otrivin More, Aqua Maris, Saltz. In some cases, the use of these drugs is quite enough to get rid of dry nose.
2. Limitation and refusal to use vasoconstrictor drops for the treatment of runny nose.
3. Mandatory regular ventilation of living rooms during the heating season and the use of room humidifiers in dry climates.
4. In case of excessive crusting, it is recommended to instill vegetable oils at the beginning of treatment.
The most commonly used oils are those that do not have strong odors and have neutral acidity: olive, peach, sunflower, flaxseed, sea buckthorn, sesame. Their use facilitates painless removal of crusts from the nasal mucosa, without possible bleeding.
Such oil drops with a complex composition as “Pinosol” and “Vitaon” have a similar effect.
After dissolving the crusts, further use of oils must be stopped, since their excess significantly reduces the oscillatory movements of the cilia, leading to their gluing.
Dryness in the nose, which appears as a manifestation of acute respiratory infections and flu, is perfectly relieved with ointments such as Interferno and Gripferon. Oxaline ointment has the same beneficial effect.
In other cases, ointments for lubricating the nasal mucous membranes are used to facilitate the removal of crusts and stimulate the healing of the underlying inflamed, eroded surfaces of the nasal wall. For this purpose, Fleming's Ointment has been widely used. The same effect is exerted by the ointment “Rescuer”, “Traumel S”, gel “Pantestin”, balm “Narisan”.
6. In order to strengthen the vascular wall of the nasal vessels and prevent nosebleeds in case of dry nose, the tableted drug “Ascorutin” is prescribed.
7. The use of physiotherapeutic methods is limited to photodynamic therapy and inhalation of isotonic salt solutions.
8. If dry nose is associated with the use of antihistamines, a consultation with the doctor who prescribed them is necessary to decide whether to discontinue or change the drug.
Treatment of dry nose with folk remedies is limited mainly to inhalation of decoctions of medicinal plants such as chamomile, yarrow and calendula. In addition, warm decoctions of these herbs are used as local compresses on the skin of the vestibule of the nose if it dries out with crusts and cracks.
Also in folk medicine, freshly squeezed Aloe juice is used as drops (1-2 in each nostril) to relieve dry nose.
It should be remembered that self-treatment of dry nose should not begin without prior consultation with a specialist, especially in cases where the characteristic symptoms are accompanied by frequent and prolonged nosebleeds.
If there is no ENT doctor in the medical institution, you can and should contact a general practitioner or family doctor for help. If, as a result of self-treatment, the desired effect is not achieved, then a second visit to a specialist should follow.