How Your Dry Nose Speeds Up Aging and What To Do About It

A dry nose, whether on the skin surrounding the nose or inside the nasal passages, may be pretty uncomfortable and difficult to manage, especially if you’re still suffering from cold symptoms that make you want to massage your nose even more. Dryness of the nose can occur independently or in conjunction with other nasal symptoms such as a runny nose. It’s also linked to crusting, scabs, and bleeding on the skin around the nose.

The nose’s physiology and function change with aging. Because the supporting cartilage weakens, the nose lengthens, and the nasal tip is sagging. Nasal blockage, also known as geriatric rhinitis, occurs as this region narrows.

Nasal dryness affects some people regularly, and the cause is usually apparent. However, a dry nose can be a recurring, bothersome symptom for others, lowering their quality of life. Continue reading to learn why and how your dry nose speeds up aging and what to do about it and treat it.

Dry Nose and Aging

Many variables influence how your skin ages, including lifestyle, nutrition, genes, etc. For example, smoking can cause free radicals. Once, healthy oxygen molecules have become hyperactive and unstable, it also impacts the regular functioning of different organs and senses.

There are also other factors. Normal aging, sun exposure (photoaging), pollution, and loss of subcutaneous support (fatty tissue between your skin and muscle) contribute to wrinkles and age spots. Stress, gravity, daily facial movement, obesity, and even sleep posture are all factors that contribute to skin aging.

A dry nose can speed up the aging process. The skin in and around the nose needs moisture to combat premature aging. Conversely, a dry nose can make the skin in and around the nose run out of natural moisture, leading to premature aging. Various factors could cause it; continue reading to learn more.

What Causes a Dry Nose?

Nasal passage dryness can occur as a result of cold and flu virus symptoms, as well as environmental causes. Dry noses and breathing through the nose can be caused or exacerbated by nasal structural changes as people age. A runny nose from a cold and allergies have one thing in common: they make you want to grab a tissue and blow your nose. The catch is that repeatedly using tissues can dehydrate the skin around your nose, making it dry and irritating. The other type of dry nose occurs when the skin surrounding your nose becomes dry. Other several reasons are listed below.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), can irritate the sinuses, causing the tissue to dry out and become inflamed. In addition, it can result in thickened or sticky mucus, exacerbating the condition. Additionally, Allergies to pollen, blossoming plants, grasses, trees, and mold can cause allergic rhinitis.

Nose dryness can also be caused by over-the-counter or prescription allergy treatments. You may suffer allergies more than once a year, depending on where you live and when particular plants bloom. Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat, sinuses or ear canals, postnasal drainage, fluid in the ears, headache, cough, nasal obstruction, and wheezing are all symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Pet Allergies

It’s conceivable that you’re allergic to your pets’ dander if you have dogs or cats in your home. It’s possible that allergy testing will be required to identify whether your pet is causing your symptoms. Make an appointment with your doctor or an allergist to learn more about what is causing your dry nose.

Dry Air

Low humidity in the home can irritate and dry out your nasal passages and sinuses. Running the central heating unit (or other heaters) in your home can dry up the air during the winter. People frequently have nosebleeds in the winter due to a lack of sufficient humidity in the house leading to a dry air environment.

Antihistamines and Decongestants

Drying up excess mucus with over-the-counter and prescription drugs also dries out the nasal passages and tissues. The most frequent drugs that cause this condition are antihistamines and decongestants. Other drugs, however, can dry up your mucus membranes. If you’re taking a prescription medication and suspect it’s the source of your dry sinus condition, consult a doctor about the medicine’s possible adverse effects. Your doctor may offer a new over-the-counter medication or replace the prescription.

Chemical and Environmental Irritants

Many cleaning, home repair, and other chemicals and materials might irritate your nasal passages and sinuses. These can result in dry sinuses, sore throats, dry noses, nosebleeds, and other allergy like symptoms. Household cleaning products, cigarette smoke, industrial irritants (such as chemicals in the workplace), paint or varnish fumes, strong perfumes, and other synthetic scents are all examples of chemicals and items that can irritate your sinuses and cause a dry nose.

Sjogren Syndrome

Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune illness in which the body cannot produce enough fluids. Dry eyes and mouth are common symptoms of Sjogren syndrome. In addition, mucous membranes can become overly dry, resulting in dry nostrils.

Dry lips, dry eyes, dry skin, joint pain, vaginal dryness, weariness, skin rashes, and chronic inflammation are symptoms of Sjogren syndrome.

What Happens When You Experience a Dry Nose?

A dry nose affects people in different ways. For example, your nasal passages, or the lining inside your nose, can become dehydrated. It’s also possible for the skin around your nose to get dry because the underlying causes of your dryness influence the symptoms and duration of your dry nose. A dry nose caused by spending a lot of time in dry air, for example, is likely to feel more distinctive than one caused by a cold or flu virus.

Understanding why and where your nose is dry might help you deal with the discomfort more quickly and effectively. If you have a dry nose regularly, you can take steps to lessen how often it is dry and how long it stays dry. Thus, knowing which treatments are appropriate for you might help you manage your dry nose more effectively when it occurs.

Tips for Treating Dry Nose

Like any other part of your body, your nose requires maintenance to function correctly. There are various things and remedies to prevent nasal dryness in and around the nose, which you may have at home, such as nasal sprays, nasal balms, and more, that can keep your nose moist daily or restore normalcy when you encounter dry nose symptoms. The goal is to figure out what’s troubling you the most and choose a solution that addresses it.

Hydrate

When it comes to overcoming a dry nose, hydration is crucial. Dehydration is frequently a contributing factor because a dry nose is caused by a lack of moisture in or around the nose. When our bodies are dehydrated, our noses have a more challenging time moistening the incoming air, which can cause both the inside and outside of our noses to become dry.

Drinking extra fluids, particularly water, may aid mucus thinning. In addition, it may help to relieve a stuffy or blocked nose and sinuses. Limiting alcohol, which can dehydrate and dry you up, may also be beneficial. When temperatures rise, and you participate in physical activity during the summer, try to drink more water. If plain water doesn’t appeal you, try adding lemon to it, drinking flavored water, or drinking an electrolyte beverage.

Humidify

Humidifiers are devices that raise humidity by releasing steam or water vapor into the air. The amount of water vapor in the air is referred to as humidity. It has the potential to influence the onset and treatment of sensitivities. One technique to alleviate the severity and symptoms of allergies is to breathe higher humidity air. Nasal congestion, Nasal dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the delicate, moist tissues of the nasal cavity are common symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 

Reduced tissue inflammation can bring immediate relief. It permits irritants and allergens to be blown out of your nasal cavity by moistening nasal tissues, lessening allergy symptoms, and reducing nasal dryness. Finding the correct humidity level for you can be difficult. Mold and dust mites, two common allergies, cannot survive at low humidity. On the other hand, higher humidity is significantly more pleasant for the throat and nasal passages tissues. The optimum indoor air should be neither too moist nor too dry.

Nasal Spray

People with a dry nose can use a nasal spray to administer various drugs. The majority of these drugs address issues with the nose and sinuses, such as nasal congestion. People can purchase nasal sprays over the counter or via prescription medicine. Nasal sprays containing saline can assist in moistening your nose while also clearing it of dust, debris, and pollen. They may also aid in the relief of a dry nose.

Before applying the nasal spray, you’ll need some tissues to blow your nose and clean your hands. You can apply the nasal spray to yourself by following these steps. Healthcare providers can also use these methods to apply the nasal spray to a child or another adult.

Nasal Sprays We Love

Preparing

Gather your materials. The nasal spray or nasal pump spray, as well as tissues, are included. To cleanse your nasal passages, gently blow your nose. Users should wash their hands with soap and water before being dried with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer instead of soap and water if neither is available. Shake the nasal spray bottle carefully as advised by the product label or your doctor or pharmacist.

Using The Spray

Close the nostril that isn’t getting medicine. Gently press on the side of your nose that you want to be closed. In the opposite nostril, gently insert the bottle tip. As you squeeze the bottle, take a deep breath into that nostril. Remove the bottle from the nostril and have a quick sniff. If instructed, do so again. Between each spray, wait at least 10 seconds. Repeat steps with the other nostril if required.

Using The Pump Nasal Spray

Hold the bottle in your hands with your index and middle fingers on each side and your thumb on the bottom. Spray bottle a little. Priming a bottle is usually accomplished by spraying the product into the air or onto a tissue one or more times. Users can find specific instructions on the product label. Then, slightly tilt your head forward. Close the nostril not getting medication. Press down on the side of your nose to do this. Next, place the bottle’s tip into the opposite nostril. Inhale deeply through that nostril while pressing down with your index and middle fingers on the pump. Retrieve the bottle and take a few sniffs. If necessary, repeat. Between sprays, wait at least 10 seconds.

Finishing

Replace the cap on the bottle. After applying the nasal spray, wait a few minutes before blowing your nose. Then, get rid of any medication by washing your hands. Finally, keep the bottle in the refrigerator as the doctor or pharmacist recommended.

Stop Nose Picking

You could be harming your inner nasal passages without even realizing it. Picking at the nose is typical to get the nostrils itchy and dry by mistake. You may allow your nose time to regain its moisture and correct function and implement measures to break the habit. Additionally, sticking your finger in your nose can introduce viruses or bacteria you don’t want.

Try a Neti Pot

A neti pot resembles a miniature teapot in appearance. It is a nasal and sinus irrigation device. Nasal irrigation clears the nasal passages, assists in the removal of excess mucus, and thins the heavy nasal discharge. Users can purchase a neti pot and a sinus rinse at their local pharmacy without a prescription. To prepare their rinses, people can also use baking soda, iodine-free salt, and distilled water.

For saline nasal rinses in adults, The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends the following ratio of salt, water, and baking soda: 1/3 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon non-iodized salt, 8 ounces sterile room temperature water.

Although a neti pot is simple to operate, it does take some time to get used to it. Some consider the sensation to be purifying and healing. To use a neti pot for nasal irrigation, follow these steps:

In a sterile container, combine the components. Place yourself over a sink. Tilt your head so that one nostril is above another, and you’re looking at the sink basin. In the upper nostril, place the faucet. Avoid putting pressure on the septum (the middle part dividing the two nostrils). Raise the handle of the neti pot while breathing through your lips, letting the mixture enter the upper nose and drain from the opposite nostril. Continue until about half of the saline rinse has been utilized. Repeat the procedure with the other nostril. When you’re done, blow your nose softly and gargle with water.

Lower Your Elevation

A dry nose has been linked to being at high elevations. However, a dry nose may result from anything other than the elevation for persons who travel to high altitudes frequently. If you’ve been to a high altitude and suffer from a dry nose, returning to a lower height may help. If you discover that high altitudes dry up your nasal passages, using additional items with moisturizing properties will help keep your nose hydrated on the inside as you enjoy a mountain climb.

Treat Runny and Stuffy Nose Symptoms

Symptoms of a runny or stuffy nose are unpleasant and may require you to use more than one tissue box. But you don’t have to suffer through the pain of cold or flu symptoms and the dry skin around the nose that may accompany them. Instead, take a cold and flu drug that cures the symptoms that are irritating your nose.

Steam

Steam rooms warm the mucous membranes and induce deep breathing. As a result, employing one can assist in the relief of congestion in the sinuses and lungs. However, steam therapy is controversial for treating colds and sinus infections at home due to the risk of scalding yourself if done wrong. In comparison, steam rooms are reasonably safe as long as you don’t stay inside for too long. A previous study on a group of youngsters indicated that children with respiratory illnesses recovered faster following steam therapy than those who did not. If you have a fever, avoid using a steam room.

Final Thoughts

Low humidity weather and specific health issues such as allergies and dehydration can induce dry nose and sinus airways. Congestion, headaches, and inflammation are symptoms of a dry nose and sinuses. Furthermore, your nose and mouth may feel dry and inflamed. Some dry noses, including nasal passageways and itchy skin around the nose, last far longer than they should. A dry nose is rarely severe, other than being uncomfortable and painful. Your nose’s linings and the crease beneath them are extremely sensitive. 

The skin can break and bleed due to excessive dryness and irritation. If your dry nose persists, you can always contact your healthcare practitioner to discuss your options. Lastly, drinking more water and utilizing a saline nasal spray, a neti pot, or a humidifier can help dry noses and sinuses. If you have had a dry nose for more than 10 days or have signs of illness such as fever, discharge, bloody noses that won’t stop, or weakness, you should see a doctor.