The itchy nose is a common problem that can affect you at any time. The tickling sensation in your nose can make you uncomfortable. The annoying problem can trigger irritation and sour your mood. In some cases, you can feel the tickling sensation for just a few seconds. You immediately sneeze after feeling the itching sensation. But, once you sneeze, you can feel relief from the itching. At times, sneezing may not relieve the problem. Certain underlying causes can trigger the tickling sensation, which does not go away immediately. Reasons from viruses, allergies, to nasal tumors can trigger itchy nose. You need to understand the real reason that triggers the problem. So, you can deal with the problem in a better manner. Read ahead to get comprehensive information on why you feel the tickling or itching sensation in your nose.
What Do You Mean By Itchy Nose?
Common Causes Of Itchy Nose
While the environmental factors like dust, dirt or pollen can cause a temporary itching sensation, it may not last for long. But, you can suffer from the itchy nose for some time when you have some underlying issue. Therefore, the common factors leading to the itching sensation in your nose are:
Viruses
Viral infections can cause tickling in your nose. So, when you suffer from problems like the common cold, you can experience itching in your nose. Colds can occur at any time of the year. But, you can experience it more in the winter and spring season. Children experience itchy nose due to viral infections more compared to adults. Nose tickling can also indicate impending cold. It is your body’s method of telling you about the problem. When the germs affect the lining of the nose and sinuses, you can experience tickling. It is the method your nose uses to flush out the external entities. So, your nose expels the germs along with the mucus. You can also experience sneezing to flush out the germs.
Allergies
Allergies can trigger itchy nose. So, if your body has a reaction to something in the environment, the immune system responds to signs like nose itching, sneezing or other signs. When you suffer from allergies, your body mistakes it for foreign entities like virus or bacteria. Therefore, you can experience cold-like signs. People need to stay away from the following:
- Dust Mites
- Pollen
- Pet Dander
You can suffer from irritation or inflammation in your nose due to the allergies. It can trigger an itchy or tickly feeling. The allergies can affect you seasonally or all year long.
Environmental Irritants
When the air you breathe contains environmental irritants, it can trigger non-allergic rhinitis. The problem can affect your nasal passage. So, the spaces in your nose filled with air can experience irritation. Non-allergic rhinitis can lead to expansion of your blood vessels present in the nose. Therefore, it results in the filling of the nasal lining with fluid and blood. The irritants can make the nerve endings in the nose become hyper-responsive. Subsequently, the problem triggers signs similar to seasonal allergies. Unlike allergies, the problem does not cause any immune reactions. When you suffer from the problem, it can result in irritation and runny nose. The common environmental irritants triggering the problem are:
- Smoke
- Cleaning Products
- Fragrances
Sinusitis
The itching of the nose can occur due to sinusitis. You can experience acute sinusitis, which lasts only for a short period of time. Chronic sinusitis can trouble you for a long period of time. If you experience itchy nose for more than a few weeks, then it indicates you have chronic sinusitis. The problem can lead to the nasal passage becoming swollen and inflamed. You can experience the stressing problem for more than twelve weeks along with the following signs:
- Fatigue
- Pain around the eyes
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Feeling tenderness around your eyes
Nasal Polyps
You can experience itchy nose due to chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can lead to the development of small and soft growth. The non-cancerous growth inside your nasal passage can obstruct your breathing. The benign tumor hangs down the nasal passage, which also can become painful. You can lose the sense of smell when the tumor grows in size. It also makes it difficult properly. You need to maintain caution as it causes irritation, decreased taste, and runny nose. The common problems triggering the nasal polyps are:
- Immune disorders
- Drug sensitivity
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
Migraine
Migraine is the headache you suffer on one side of your head. Everyone only knows the pounding sensation that causes distress due to migraine. But, do you know that itchy nose can also signify the impending headache. Migraine attacks accompany with other different signs like:
- Flashes of light (aura)
- Facial numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Blurry vision
You can experience a migraine attack without experiencing headaches. So, you may not feel any head pain due to the migraine. At times, migraine can occur in different stages. Therefore, the itchy nose can indicate an impending migraine attack.
Using CPAP Machine
People suffering from sleep apnea use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. It provides respiratory ventilation using positive airway pressure. The use of the machine can cause an itchy nose. Most people using the CPAP machine complain about the itching sensation in their nose. It feels like feathers or spiders in the nose. When you suffer from itching sensation due to wearing the mask of a CPAP machine, you need to talk to your doctor. The doctor can suggest some methods to overcome the problem. In most cases, you need to use mask liners or increase humidity to eliminate the itching in your nose. So, you can overcome the itchy nose while using the CPAP machine.
Dry Nose
You can experience a dry nose, which triggers itching sensation. At times, you blow your nose frequently. It can lead to dryness in the nasal passage. The use of certain medications to treat problems like common colds and allergies can also dry out the nose. Therefore, people using nasal decongestant or antihistamines can experience dryness in the nose. Turning on the heat during winters can also result in the itchy nose due to dryness of nasal passage. It is a temporary problem, which you can overcome easily at home. So, you can follow some home remedies to alleviate the itching sensation.
Nasal Tumors
You can suffer from itchy nose due to the nasal and paranasal tumors. The tumors that develop in and around the nasal passage can cause irritation and itchiness. Nasal tumors are the ones that begin in the nasal cavity. While the growth in the air-filled chambers around your nose is referred to as paranasal tumors. The tumors of both types, cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign) can lead to an itching sensation. If you suffer from the nasal tumors, then you can suffer from additional signs like:
- Frequent sinus infections
- Loss of smell
- Sores inside the nose
- Congestion
- When you suffer from the additional signs, you need to seek medical assistance immediately. It helps you prevent severe complications.
Diagnosis Of Itchy Nose
If you have a temporary condition, then you can refrain from seeking advice from your doctor. The simple and temporary causes of tickling sensation in the nose can go away with some home remedies. Some cases require no care as the tickling sensation fades away with time. But, certain underlying problem triggering itchy nose needs immediate medical attention. When you observe other problems along with the itching sensation, then talk to a medical professional. It is also advised to seek medical help when your symptoms do not improve over time. So, your doctor can suggest some test to diagnose the problem accurately. It is essential to determine the actual problem as it helps develop the best treatment and prevention plan to deal with the annoying problem.
Physical Examination
You can suffer from allergies, which can trigger tickling sensation in your nose. So, your doctor performs a physical examination that sheds light on the minor allergies leading to itchy nose. The doctor also asks about the medications you take. At times, certain medications can cause dryness in the nose and lead to tickling. If your doctor cannot pinpoint the exact allergens causing the problem, then you need further tests to detect the issue.
Skin Prick Test
It is to detect the allergens causing the problem. It is the common test suggested by your doctor to diagnose the underlying factor triggering the annoying problem. During the test, the medical professional places several substances on your skin. Your skin is observed closely to check the reaction to each one of the substances. If you are allergic to any substance, then you can see small red appearing on the site.
Blood Test
Certain viral infection can make your nose itch. So, the doctor orders a blood test to detect the presence of the virus in your bloodstream. The blood test can also detect allergies. In common cases, your doctor orders RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test) to detect the allergens present in your blood. It measures the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies, which occurs due to the reaction to certain allergens. It will shed light on the specific allergens in your blood.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are suggested to see the nasal lining that detects the presence of sinusitis, nasal polyps, or tumors. Your doctor can suggest undergoing X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT scans or other means to create a clear picture inside your nasal cavity. It can help provide a clear idea of the underlying problem that triggers the itchy nose. So, your doctor can adopt the diagnostic technique to detect the problem when other tests do not provide proper information.
Biopsy
The growth your doctor finds on the imaging tests can become a cause of concern. Your doctor needs to eliminate the presence of cancerous cells in the growth. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo biopsy. During the procedure, your doctor takes a sample tissue (a small piece of growth). It is tested under the microscope to reveal malignancy. A biopsy is the only conclusive method to check if you have paranasal sinus cancer or nasal cavity cancer. The testing in the lab can also reveal the type of cancer and its aggressiveness. So, it will help your healthcare provider can understand how fast it will grow and spread to other organs. Based on the comprehensive information, your doctor can come up with the best treatment plan.
Treatment For Itchy Nose
Handling an itchy nose can make you frustrated and angry. The uncomfortable sensation can pull you back from completing your chores properly. In most cases, the itching sensation occurs due to allergies or viral infections. Rarely you face serious health problems triggering tickling in your nose. You can tackle the irritants, infections, and allergies easily at home. The remedies can offer you short-term relief. But, if you feel the problem persisting, you need a doctor’s assistance. Any treatment you adopt at home needs evaluation from the health care provider to eliminate any complication. So, you can undergo the following treatment:
Home Remedies To Overcome Itchy Nose
You can try some inexpensive and over-the-counter remedies to treat your allergies. You have several options to try that will help combat environmental irritants and allergens. The home remedies can offer you relief temporarily. If the problem persists, seek medical assistance.
Avoid Triggers
It is one of the effective methods to prevent itchy nose without having any side effects. You just need to stay away from the triggers, which causes a reaction. So, people who are allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander need to avoid coming in contact with it. Some feel a tickling sensation in their nose when they get exposed to irritants like chemicals, perfume or smoke. Therefore, try not to come in direct contact with the triggers.
Over-The-Counter Allergy Drugs
If you suffer from seasonal and/or indoor allergies, then you can take the OTC allergy drugs. It can relieve the symptoms associated with the allergies, including an itchy nose. You can opt from the oral medication and nasal sprays depending on the severity of the problem. Consult a doctor before taking it to avoid any complications.
Cold Medicine
If you suffer from common cold or flu, you can take over-the-counter cold medicine. Try to get clearance from your doctor to ensure it is completely safe. You can also use a decongestant to treat the itching sensation.
Avoid Dry Nose
Excess dryness of the nasal passage can lead to the itchy nose. So, you need to follow the pointers suggested to reduce dryness and damage to your nose:
- Blow your nose less as the frequent action can irritate your nose and lead to damage.
- Never use your hands, tissue or Q-tip to clean the nasal passage. Your nose can become dry when you try to clean it with your fingers, Q-tip or tissues. The nose can clear all debris naturally without using any external items.
- During dry winter months, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. It will reduce the dryness of the nose and subsequent itchy feeling. So, use it at night or winter months to add moisture.
- You can use a nasal spray containing capsaicin. It is the active ingredient mostly found in chili peppers. It has properties that can overstimulate the nose. Therefore, it can ease irritation effectively.
- You can try using a Neti pot to flush out the debris and other items from your nasal passage. A Neti pot flushes saltwater. It enters the nasal passage and clears mucus as well as other irritants. So, you can enjoy a refreshed feel.
Get Rest
When you suffer from cold or flu, you need to take rest. It will help clear out the problem and regain your health.
Stay Hydrated
To avoid itchy nose, you need to hydrate yourself. Drink plenty of water and other fluids like tea. It keeps your body hydrated when you have an infection.
Take Supplements
You can include some dietary supplements to prevent nasal problems. You can get benefits by adding the following to your diet:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Grapeseed Extract
- Capsacin
- Honey
- Butterbur
- Astragalus
Prescription Medications To Combat Itchy Nose
If you do not get relief from the home remedies, see a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe some medications or treatment plans to treat simple underlying causes of the itchy nose. So, the following prescription medications can offer you relief.
Antihistamines
If you have severe allergies, then you need to take antihistamines to treat them. The medications prevent your body from making histamine. So, you can get relief from the irritation and uncomfortable feeling due to allergies.
Decongestants
People with sinusitis can experience stuffy nose and itchy nose. So, your doctor can suggest using decongestants. It relieves the sinus pressure and stuffy nose. But, you can only use it for a short period of time. Using it for more than three days can cause problems.
Immunotherapy
For chronic and severe allergies, your doctor suggests immunotherapy. It is the treatment option that helps your body fight infection and other diseases leading to itchy nose. You get allergy shots to overcome the signs associated with allergies. You can use the treatment along with other medicines to control the different symptoms causing you distress.
Treatment For Cancerous Growth
In rare cases, itchy nose occurs due to the growth inside the nasal passage. If your doctor diagnoses cancerous presence, then you need to undergo the following treatment:
Surgery
The invasive procedure removes the cancerous growth from your nasal passage. You need chemotherapy or radiation therapy to complete eliminate the cancerous cells.
Radiation Therapy
Using high-intensity laser beams, your care provides kills the cancer cells from the nasal passage. In many cases, radiation therapy is suggested as the primary treatment for nasal and paranasal sinus cancers. It is ideal for people who cannot undergo surgery due to poor health or advanced age.
Chemotherapy
You can take anti-cancerous drugs through your vein or mouth to combat the cancerous cells. It is chosen when cancer has metastasized. So, chemotherapy can reach all places in your body where cancer has spread.
Conclusion
In most cases, the itchy nose may not pose any serious health threats. You can overcome the problem easily at home with some simple remedies. If the problem persists for more than seven days, then you need to seek medical assistance. Your doctor can detect the actual cause of an uncomfortable problem. So, you can get the required medical assistance to overcome the problem without further complications.
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