Itchy nose can be really annoying. Whether you suffer from dry nose or seasonal allergy (the most common causes of itchy nose), treating the underlying cause can help alleviate the symptoms. Should the problem persist, you should also consider some environmental and clinical factors.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Nasal Dryness
Step 1. Use a cold steam humidifier
Turn it on in the bedroom overnight following the instructions. This will increase the humidity in the air and can relieve itching and irritation by keeping your nasal passages hydrated. Clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from growing in the water.
Step 2. Try a saline solution
Use a saline-based spray to moisturize your nasal passages. Inhale slowly through your nose as you spray it into each nostril according to the instructions. It will help you get rid of irritants from your nose and relieve itching.
- After spraying the solution, blow your nose if you feel the need.
- Apply it a maximum of 2 times a day. If you feel that this is not enough, consult your doctor first.
Step 3. Drink daily to hydrate the upper airways
If you are a man, try to consume 3.7 liters of fluids a day, while if you are a woman, you will need only 2, 7. With an adequate supply of water you will ensure that the nasal tissues are well lubricated and you will avoid the itching associated with dehydration..
Step 4. Apply a water-soluble lubricant
Introduce a knob of water-soluble lubricant inside the nostrils, using a clean cotton swab. Use as much as needed for relief, but avoid application if you need to go to bed within a few hours.
- Avoid oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, as they can get into the lungs and cause infections.
- You can buy this product at a pharmacy or on the Internet.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Allergies
Step 1. Stay away from triggers
Avoid common irritants that cause allergic reactions, especially if you notice that the itching gets worse following exposure. Animal hair, dust, pollen, cigarette smoke and mold can all promote itchy nose.
Buy a HEPA filter, keep your furry friends out of the bedroom, and wash the bed linings with hot water once a week to reduce allergen exposure
Step 2. Try an antihistamine
Purchase an over-the-counter medication, such as diphenhydramine or loratadine, to relieve itching, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms. Take it following the instructions on the package insert.
- Be aware that some antihistamines can make you sleepy, especially chlorphenamine and diphenhydramine. The first time, you should take them when you don't have many things to do, to see how they affect your body.
- Ask your pharmacist if they can negatively interact with the medications you are taking.
Step 3. Make an appointment with an allergist
Contact an allergist to explain the symptoms and undergo allergy tests if the situation does not improve. If you don't know who to contact, book an allergy visit at the hospital.
- Take your notes on the onset of the itch, its duration and all the factors that seem to trigger it.
- He may ask you to stop taking antihistamines before your appointment so that the test results are reliable.
Step 4. Ask your doctor if you can use a corticosteroid nasal spray
Ask him if such a product could help you relieve the itch. It is a drug that reduces swelling of the nasal passages, calming the irritation and itching caused by seasonal allergies.
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids carries some risks, including injury to the nasal passages. Ask your doctor if you can use these medications when needed, applying the minimum dose needed to keep itching and other symptoms at bay.
- If you use them for a long time, your doctor will need to see you periodically to make sure they are not causing any harmful effects.
Step 5. Find out if allergy injections are effective for severe symptoms
If allergic reactions do not improve with medication, ask your doctor if you can use immunotherapy. It is a cycle of injections in which allergens are administered in increasing doses so that the body desensitizes itself. Over time, allergy symptoms will tend to subside.
Part 3 of 3: Watching for Other Possible Causes
Step 1. Limit your exposure to smoking
Ask people to quit when they want to smoke and start your smoking cessation therapy if you need to quit. Smoking can irritate and inflame the nasal passages, causing itching.
Your doctor can help you find and start a program to combat nicotine addiction
Step 2. Dust off the house
Remove knick-knacks that can become a receptacle for dust, including ornaments and books, and clean your home regularly. Even if you are not allergic, the dust particles can irritate the nasal passages, causing inflammation and itching.
If you can, ask someone else to take on this task so that the dust raised during cleaning doesn't irritate you further
Step 3. See your doctor for a checkup
Pay a visit to find out if the cause of the itchy nose may be a virus, such as the flu, or a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis. If you feel unwell, it is a probability although it is less common than nasal dryness or allergies.
Some chronic disorders, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and thyroid problems, can make the nose itchy. Discuss these possibilities with your doctor
Step 4. Eliminate spicy foods
Moderate the consumption of spices because they could cause inflammation of the nasal passages and, consequently, promote itching and irritation, especially if you accidentally touch your face with fingers contaminated with spicy seasonings.
Step 5. Correct your eating habits
If you are a man, avoid drinking more than 4 alcoholic drinks per day or 14 per week. If you are a woman, however, you should try to drink no more than 3 per day or 7 per week. Alcohol can inflame the nasal membranes, causing itching and irritation.
Step 6. Monitor hormonal changes
Note if the itchy nose coincides with a hormonal imbalance due to pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, or starting the contraceptive pill. It is very likely in these circumstances because such changes can irritate the nasal passages.
Tell your doctor about your symptoms so they can help you understand how you can manage them. For example, she may advise you to switch contraceptive pills
Step 7. Observe how the drugs work when you first take them
If you have an itchy nose as soon as you start taking a new drug, tell your doctor about your symptoms. Aspirin, ibuprofen, beta blockers, and high blood pressure medications can cause irritation and itchiness in the nose.
Your doctor may prescribe another medicine or recommend a different approach to relieve side effects
Step 8. Avoid prolonged use of nasal decongestants
Do not use the decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 consecutive days. Although it reduces swelling and relieves itching, prolonged use often exacerbates congestion and promotes worsening of symptoms.
