Dry nose: What gives moisture back to the nasal mucosa

A dry nose can be quite a nuisance: it feels tight, tingles or burns, sometimes crusts form, and when blowing hard a little blood appears. Especially during the heating season, in air-conditioned rooms or on long flights, the sensitive nasal mucosa suffers from air that is too dry. This guide explains what lies behind a dry nose, when a visit to the doctor is advisable, and which everyday steps, dietary building blocks and nutrients have a connection to normal, moist mucous membranes.

What lies behind a dry nose

The nasal mucosa is normally moist and covered with a thin film of mucus. This film catches dust and pathogens, and fine cilia transport them towards the back and away. If the mucosa dries out, this protective film can become thinner, the mucosa becomes more sensitive, feels tight and tends to form crusts.

The most common cause is dry air: heated air in winter, air conditioning and the dry cabin air on an aeroplane draw moisture from the mucosa. Dust, cigarette smoke and irritants at the workplace also affect it. Using decongestant nasal sprays too often or for too long can likewise dry out the mucosa. Some medications, hormonal changes as well as a generally too low fluid intake additionally play a role.

Typical signs are a feeling of tightness or dryness, itching or burning, crust formation and occasionally slight nosebleeds. Some people also notice a reduced sense of smell or a constant urge to blow their nose although there is hardly any secretion. If the dryness persists permanently or nosebleeds occur more often, it is worth taking a closer look at the causes.

When you should have it medically checked

A temporarily dry nose during the heating season is usually harmless. In some cases, however, a medical assessment is important. Have persistent symptoms checked by a doctor; this does not replace medical advice.

• dryness that persists for weeks despite moisture measures
• frequent or heavy nosebleeds
• persistent crusts, sores or an unpleasant smell in the nose
• a persistently obstructed nasal airflow
• dryness in connection with new medications
• simultaneously noticeably dry eyes and a dry mouth

A GP or ENT practice can classify the cause and outline suitable measures, for example suitable care products for the nose or the clarification of possible underlying conditions.

What you can do in everyday life

With a dry nose, it is above all about giving moisture back to the mucosa and avoiding stimuli that dry it out further.

• Humidify the room air: Regular airing by opening windows wide, a not-too-high room temperature and a container of water on the radiator or houseplants keep the air less dry.
• Drink enough: A good fluid intake across the day supports moist mucous membranes from within.
• Nasal care: Sea salt or saline sprays as well as caring nasal ointments and oils are often experienced as soothing with a dry nose.
• Saline rinses: Rinses with an isotonic saline solution gently moisten and cleanse the mucosa.
• Avoid irritants: Reduce cigarette smoke, dust and dry draughts as much as possible.
• Decongestant sprays sparingly: Use such sprays for only a few days, as they can dry out the mucosa in the long run.

Especially when travelling and on the aeroplane, it helps to keep drinking small amounts again and again and to have a sea salt spray at hand. In the bedroom, a somewhat cooler temperature and moister air ensure more pleasant nasal breathing overnight. Anyone who notices that a certain trigger such as a new nasal spray intensifies the dryness does best to discuss alternatives at the pharmacy or doctor's practice. The choice of workplace also plays a role: anyone who sits all day in air-conditioned or strongly heated rooms can counteract this with a glass of water within reach, short airing breaks and a plant on the desk. When cleaning the nose the rule applies: better to blow gently and refrain from coarse mechanical irritation, so that the already dry mucosa does not tear additionally. Anyone who regularly applies a mild nasal ointment maintains the protective film better over the night.

Nutrition that supports moist mucous membranes

A balanced, plant-focused diet provides building blocks for healthy mucous membranes and goes hand in hand with a sufficient fluid intake. The Mediterranean diet has proven its worth.

• plenty of vegetables and fruit, especially colourful varieties with beta-carotene and vitamin C
• dairy products, eggs and wholegrains as sources of riboflavin and other B vitamins
• high-quality vegetable oils as well as nuts and seeds for zinc and other trace elements
• water-rich foods such as cucumber, melon and soups
• sufficient fluids across the day, best of all water and unsweetened teas
• little sugar and few heavily processed foods

This way of eating provides nutrients that play a role for mucous membranes and, together with a good drinking amount, supports moist mucous membranes from within. Water-rich foods complement fluid intake in a pleasant way. Anyone who easily forgets to drink during the day can place a filled carafe visibly on the desk or plan fixed drinking breaks. Unsweetened herbal teas also count towards the fluid balance and are experienced by many as pleasant, especially in the cold season. Coffee and alcohol tend to have a dehydrating effect and should therefore not be the main source of fluid intake.

Nutrients and plants with a connection to mucous membranes

Some nutrients contribute, according to the approved EU claims, to normal mucous membranes. These statements relate to normal body functions, not to the treatment of a dry nose.

• Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
• Niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

A good basic supply of the nutrients mentioned supports mucous membranes and defences in their normal function. From traditional use, lungwort is also known, and mucilaginous plants such as marshmallow and ribwort plantain are likewise mentioned around the airways; for these plants there are no approved EU health claims. They replace neither moist room air nor a sufficient drinking amount. Anyone wishing to try such plants as a tea does best to look for transparent origin and tested quality and understands them as a supplement, not as a substitute for the basic moisturising of the nose. According to experience, a less dry environment and regular drinking make the biggest difference in everyday life.

Honestly put into perspective

No remedy replaces moisture from outside and inside. What has proven itself best are less dry room air, sufficient fluids, gentle nasal care with saline solutions and ointments as well as avoiding drying stimuli such as smoke, dust and long stays in strongly air-conditioned rooms. A balanced diet and a good nutrient supply form the basis on which these measures work. Food supplements can round off this basis but replace neither drinking nor a medical assessment if the dryness persists or nosebleeds occur more often. Anyone who regularly moisturises the mucosa does it the greatest favour in everyday life.

Suitable products from Scheunengut

Those who want to specifically supplement their nutrient supply around mucous membranes and airways will find at Scheunengut the comprehensive lungwort complex optimised with vitamin C. It combines traditionally known plants around the airways with vitamin C, which contributes to a normal function of the immune system. In this way a mindful routine for the nose and airways can be sensibly complemented. The focus remains on moist room air, sufficient fluids, gentle nasal care and avoiding drying stimuli; the nutrient supply rounds off this foundation without replacing it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is my nose so dry?

The most common cause is dry air, for example from heating, air conditioning or the cabin air on an aeroplane. Dust, cigarette smoke, using decongestant nasal sprays for too long, some medications and a too low drinking amount can also dry out the nasal mucosa. If the dryness remains permanent, a medical assessment is worthwhile.

What quickly helps against a dry nose?

In the short term, sea salt or saline sprays as well as caring nasal ointments and oils are often experienced as soothing. Drinking enough and keeping the room air less dry provide additional support. On long flights, a sea salt spray at hand and frequently drinking small amounts help.

Are nosebleeds normal with a dry nose?

With a very dry mucosa, small tears and thus slight nosebleeds can occur more easily, for example when blowing the nose. Good moisturising often eases this. Frequent or heavy nosebleeds should, however, be medically checked.

Which nutrients are important for moist mucous membranes?

Vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. Vitamin C and zinc contribute to a normal function of the immune system. A balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruit usually covers these nutrients well; a sufficient drinking amount additionally remains important.

When should I see a doctor with a dry nose?

If the dryness persists for weeks despite moisture measures, nosebleeds occur frequently, sores or an unpleasant smell form or the nasal airflow is persistently obstructed, you should have it medically checked. This also applies if eyes and mouth are noticeably dry at the same time.