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• Coronavirus: Can nose burning sensation be a COVID-19 symptom? Here's what you need to know

TrendingPropose Day MessagesParenting QuoteOldest Restaurants In BengaluruGeorge OrwellValentine Week 2026 CalendarWilliam FaulknerPlastic RiceIndian RiverAnimal KingdomJyotirlingaPropose Day MessagesParenting QuoteOldest Restaurants In BengaluruGeorge OrwellValentine Week 2026 CalendarWilliam FaulknerPlastic RiceIndian RiverAnimal KingdomJyotirlingaPropose Day MessagesParenting QuoteOldest Restaurants In BengaluruGeorge OrwellValentine Week 2026 CalendarWilliam FaulknerPlastic RiceIndian RiverAnimal KingdomJyotirlingaCoronavirus: Can nose burning sensation be a COVID-19 symptom? Here's what you need to knowTIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 27, 2021, 13:55 ISTShareAA+Text Size

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Is nose burning a COVID-19 symptom? Read this

Over the past year, we have come to learn of the many different and unusual symptoms caused by the SARs-COV-2 virus, responsible for the spread of COVID-19. The changes in the virus's mutation have also brought forward complications, newer symptoms, which can be rather confusing.

Now, while COVID-19 can cause a manifestation of different symptoms which impact your vital organs, upper respiratory tract symptoms seem to be rather uncommon. Encountering a dry cough, stuffy nose (sometimes), blocked sinuses, altered sense of smell are now considered to be classic signs. However, as seen across newer case studies, some patients suffering from a novel coronavirus infection may also go through a nose burning sensation.

We decode the link between this atypical nasal symptom and COVID-19, and how you can distinguish between your symptoms at this point of time.

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Why does COVID cause upper respiratory tract symptoms?

One of the primary ways COVID-19 enters your body is through the nose. The nasal cavity is also rich in ACE-2 receptors, which is an enzyme to which the virus's spike protein attaches itself and facilitates spread. The reason why upper respiratory tract symptoms are too common in COVID-19 cases is that the ACE2 receptor concentration is highest in the nose. This is also the reason why scientists are working towards developing nasal COVID-19 vaccines which prevent spread and infection at the base level.

Further, studies have found that the upper respiratory tract infection can cause a lot many mild or moderate symptoms, including congestion, blocked sinus, dry cough, breathing difficulties.

READ ALSO: 5 signs your cough is a symptom of COVID-19

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Is nose burning a symptom of COVID-19?

Experiencing a burning sensation in your nose isn't a classic COVID-19 symptom, but something which a lot of people have come forward and reported. According to clinical studies, a burning nose is a common symptom experienced by COVID patients, who encountered blocked sinus and nasal congestion, and may even be a commonly 'unreported' symptom.

It should also be known that a burning nose can also be caused by any bacterial or fungal growth or other viral infections.

ALSO READ: Common cold or coronavirus, here's how you can tell the difference

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How does it feel? Is it worrisome?

Encountering a burning sensation in the nose could be due to any underlying infection, disrupted sinus or blockage. It is usually a result of inflammation in the nasal passage, which further fuels the spread of pathogens.

As with COVID-19, while it is entirely unclear as to what causes them, most case studies have observed the symptom to be more prevalent in those who encounter a blocked sinus. Since the virus is known to cause widespread inflammation, nasal irritation or allergy can be common.

That said, a burning nose can feel very dry, irritated or cause a persistent itchy feeling. Apart from the nose, the burning sensation may spread to the throat, be accompanied by nasal drippage, runny eyes, clogged sinuses as well as itching in the eyes.

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What are the other common nasal symptoms of COVID-19?

Apart from a burning sensation in the nose, some of the other common nasal symptoms experienced with COVID-19 include:

-Runny, stuffy nose

-Blocked nose

-Inability to smell/ distinguish different scents

-Post-nasal drip

-Experiencing trouble to breathe well/ breathing out of the nose

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When to seek help?

Do remember that nose burning may still be a less-commonly experienced COVID-19 symptom, and in most cases, accompanied by other nasal symptoms and not be a standalone symptom.

Having said that, COVID-19 still remains to be a fast-spreading virus and impacts every person differently. Therefore, recognizing and treating symptoms at the earliest is the best way to fight the virus.

If you spot classic signs of trouble, including fever, aches, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, altered smell/taste along with a burning nose, seek a doctor's consultation immediately.

With the mutant virus, one also needs to be careful of symptoms like runny eyes, dry mouth, exhaustion, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea. Isolate yourself, and get tested at once.

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