10 Methods To Relieve Dry Nasal Passages

Effective Ways to Treat a Dry Nose:

Introduction

When your nose is working the way it’s supposed to, it moisturizes the air that you breathe. Furthermore, the nose warms the air you breathe before it reaches your lungs.

However, a dry nose causes much discomfort as there is irritation, itching, sinusitis, or headaches. There are various causes that can contribute, such as:

• rhinitis;
• certain prescription drugs, such as some decongestants and antihistamines;
• oxygen therapy;
• high blood pressure;
• Sjogren’s syndrome, a long-term autoimmune disease that affects the mucous membranes and glands and produces dry mouth and eyes;
• excessive nasal picking;
• dry weather, whether cold or hot;
• chlorinated pools;
• intermittent exposure to air conditioning.

Symptoms

• dryness in the throat and mouth;
• severe itching within the nostril;
• red, itchy, or watery eyes. In more severe cases, you can suffer from problems with your vision;
• reduced sense of smell and taste.

There are many home remedies for dry nostrils treatment that are quite effective.

Here are 10 easy methods to relieve dry nasal passages:

#1 Saline sprays

Saline nasal spray humidifies the mucous membranes in the nose.

It can also help wash away germs and allergens before they cause inflammation. However, the exaggerated use of a saline spray for more than 3 days can cause congestion and swelling.

#2 Vitamin E oil

This oil is a non-sticky formula that you can use anytime.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of vitamin E oil can hasten the healing process for a dry nose.

#3 Coconut oil

Coconut oil is not greasy and is absorbed quickly into the skin, plus it effectively adds moisture.

You just need to pour 1 or 2 drops of organic coconut oil in each nostril to relieve dry nose symptoms. Repeat the process a few times a day till your nose heals completely.

#4 Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is a wonderful moisturizer. You can apply a tiny drop of petroleum jelly on the tip of your finger and spread it around the insides of your nostrils.

Don’t forget to use the best quality petroleum jelly and apply it three times a day, particularly while going to bed at night.

#5 Almond oil

This oil is an excellent remedy for a dry nose. Apply some of it inside the mucous membrane of your nose to ease dry nose.

You can apply it with cotton rolled on a stick. In addition, for the best result, almond oil should be mixed with Aloe Vera gel.

#6 Steam bowl

You can inhale the steam for quick relief from a dry nose directly from a container of boiling water or through a filter like a towel.

Because it is hot, it even infiltrates into the dry skin opening up the pores that secrete the nasal mucous. Furthermore, an electric steamer vaporizer can be handy too.

#7 Bedroom humidifier

Keeping a humidifier close to your bed at night will keep your nasal passages moist. The night is the time when the nasal passages are most probable to dry out the most.

Moreover, in dryer climates, humidifiers can be used year-round, but they provide the greatest benefit in the cold winter months. If humidifiers are not available, you can achieve almost the same benefits with a water container installed near a heating system.

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#8 Sesame oil

This oil is considered to be the golden child of Asian cuisine but is also used as a personal care product. This is because it has got unique compounds, which soften, protect, and repair the skin.

Sesame oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant, and preserves perfectly well at room temperature.

It contains sesaminol and sesamol, two antioxidants that may have amazing effects on your health.

According to some studies, spraying sesame oil on the inside of the nose is a better method for a dry nose as compared to saline sprays.

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#9 Sauna bath

The heat generated from the sauna causes your blood vessels to relax and dilate and increases your heart rate, allowing more blood to reach your legs, arms, feet, and hands.

More importantly, the steam and heat from the sauna help to clear mucus from bronchial and nasal passages, which offers considerable relief to individuals with chronic sinusitis.

Tip – if you take a sauna bath, you should add a few drops of mint oil.

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#10 Tea Tree oil

Tea tree oil is taken from the leaves of a plant native to Australia (botanical name – melaleuca alternifolia). This oil can be used to treat nasal congestion, which is caused by the swelling of nasal membranes in the nasal passage.

To use it, you just need to add the tea tree oil to water and steam the nasal passageways with the help of a vaporizer.

Precautions

Talk to your healthcare specialist before using any medicated solutions or nasal sprays to ease dry nose symptoms. In addition, see a doctor if nasal dryness is accompanied by dry mouth and dry eyes.

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Tips to improve the health of your nose

Drink plenty of water during your car or flight travel to prevent nasal congestion. The amount of water you need will vary based on the climate you live in and your activity level.

Avoid going outside if your nose is still irritated.

Excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, and salt can cause the mucous membrane to dry out. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or reduce the amounts you intake.

Featured image credit – Shutterstock

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1429586/
https://waojournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1939-4551-6-5
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866547/