Inflamed nasal lining: What is good for the nasal mucosa

An irritated nasal mucosa quickly makes itself felt: the nose runs or is blocked, the mucus is thick, and breathing becomes harder. Whether due to an infection, dry heated air or an allergic reaction, the sensitive lining of the nose responds delicately to many stimuli. This guide explains what lies behind an inflamed nasal lining, when a visit to the doctor is advisable, and which everyday steps, dietary building blocks and nutrients have a connection to normal mucous membranes and a normal immune system.

What lies behind an irritated nasal mucosa

The nasal mucosa is a moist, well-supplied boundary layer that warms, moistens and filters the inhaled air. Fine cilia transport dust and pathogens towards the back and away. If this mucosa is irritated, it swells, produces more secretion and the nose feels blocked. Depending on the cause, specialists speak of rhinitis, that is, an irritation of the nasal mucosa.

Most commonly there is an ordinary respiratory infection behind it, colloquially a cold. In addition, allergic triggers such as pollen, house dust mites or animal hair can irritate the mucosa. Dry heated or air-conditioned air, cigarette smoke, dust and strongly smelling substances also affect it. Some people also react sensitively to temperature changes or spicy foods with a runny nose.

Typical signs are a blocked or runny nose, the urge to sneeze, a tingling or burning sensation and sometimes a reduced sense of smell. With an infection, a scratchy throat and a general feeling of illness often come on top. If the symptoms persist for a long time or keep recurring, it is worth taking a closer look at possible triggers such as an allergy or persistently too dry room air.

When you should have it medically checked

A simple cold usually clears up on its own within a week. In some cases, however, a medical assessment is important. Have persistent symptoms checked by a doctor; this does not replace medical advice.

• symptoms that last longer than about ten days or worsen
• high fever, severe headache or facial pain, or a feeling of pressure over the sinuses
• one-sided bloody or clearly purulent discharge
• a persistently obstructed nasal airflow without a recognisable infection
• recurring cold symptoms with suspicion of an allergy
• symptoms in a weakened immune system or after an injury to the nose

A GP or ENT practice can classify the cause and outline suitable measures, for example allergy diagnostics or a targeted treatment.

What you can do in everyday life

Many irritations of the nasal mucosa can be eased with simple means by keeping the mucosa moist and avoiding unnecessary triggers.

• Provide moisture: Drinking enough and not keeping the room air too dry support a moist mucosa. A container of water on the radiator or houseplants can help.
• Nasal rinses: Rinses with an isotonic saline solution are often experienced as soothing and help flush out secretion and irritants.
• Inhaling: Inhaling warm water vapour is frequently experienced as pleasant with a blocked nose.
• Avoid irritants: Reduce cigarette smoke, dust and strongly smelling substances as much as possible.
• With an allergy: Avoid known triggers such as pollen or house dust as far as possible, for example by ventilating at low-pollen times and wiping regularly.
• Allow recovery: With an infection, rest is good for getting better.

Especially during the heating season, the nasal mucosa suffers from dry air. Regular airing by opening windows wide, a not-too-high room temperature and sufficient fluids spread across the day help keep the mucosa moist and functional. Decongestant nasal sprays can bring short-term relief but should only be used for a few days, as the mucosa otherwise gets used to them. Anyone prone to allergic colds does best to keep a kind of diary in order to identify triggers such as certain pollen, pets or dust and to avoid them deliberately. A look at the pollen forecast, closed windows at times of high exposure and washing out the hair in the evening are experienced as helpful by many. With an infection, the rule also applies: take it easy, keep warm and give the body the rest it needs to recover.

Nutrition that supports mucous membranes and defences

A balanced, plant-focused diet provides building blocks for mucous membranes and a normally functioning immune system. 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
• sea fish as a source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids
• sufficient fluids so that the mucus stays fluid
• little sugar and few heavily processed foods

This way of eating provides nutrients that play a role for mucous membranes and defences. Especially in the cold season, a colourful selection of vegetables and fruit is worthwhile, complemented by sufficient fluids so that the mucous membranes do not dry out. Warm soups and broths are additionally experienced as soothing with an infection and contribute to fluid intake. Anyone who pays attention to regular meals and reduces sugary snacks supports a balanced basic supply that benefits the body especially during the cold season.

Nutrients and plants with a connection to mucous membranes and defences

Some nutrients contribute, according to the approved EU claims, to normal mucous membranes and to a normal immune system. These statements relate to normal body functions, not to the treatment of an inflamed nasal lining.

• 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.
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Vitamin D 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 plants such as thyme, 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 the avoidance of known irritants. Anyone wishing to try such plants, for example as a tea, does best to look for transparent origin and tested quality and to keep the basic everyday measures in view as the actual foundation.

Honestly put into perspective

No remedy makes an irritated nasal mucosa resilient again overnight. What has proven itself best are a moist mucosa, saline rinses, avoiding known irritants and, with an infection, a little rest. 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 sufficient fluids nor medical support if symptoms persist. Anyone who keeps the mucosa moist and reduces triggers 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, saline rinses and avoiding known irritants; the nutrient supply rounds off this foundation without replacing it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is my nasal mucosa constantly irritated?

Common causes are recurring infections, dry heated or air-conditioned air, cigarette smoke, dust as well as allergic triggers such as pollen or house dust. Using decongestant nasal sprays for too long can also irritate the mucosa. If the irritation keeps recurring, it is worth having possible triggers medically checked.

Do saline nasal rinses help?

Rinses with an isotonic saline solution are experienced by many as soothing, because they flush out secretion and irritants and moisten the mucosa. They are suitable both with a cold and with dry room air. It is important to use clean, boiled or suitable water and the correct salt concentration.

What helps with dry heated air?

Regular airing by opening windows wide, a not-too-high room temperature and measures that provide moisture such as a container of water on the radiator or houseplants help keep the air less dry. Drinking enough additionally supports a moist mucosa.

Which nutrients are important for the nasal mucosa?

Vitamin A, riboflavin and niacin contribute to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc contribute to a normal function of the immune system. A balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruit generally covers these nutrients well.

When should I see a doctor with nasal symptoms?

With symptoms that last longer than about ten days or worsen, with high fever, severe facial pain, one-sided bloody or purulent discharge or persistently obstructed nasal airflow, you should have it medically checked. A check is also sensible if an allergy is suspected.