Nose Burning: Causes, Treatments, And How To Stop It

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Causes and treatments of a burning sensation in the nose

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on June 13, 2025

Allergic rhinitis
Nonallergic rhinitis
Sinusitis
Cold viruses
The flu
COVID-19
Is it a stroke?
Home remedies
Contacting a doctor
Summary

A burning feeling in the nose can stem from respiratory infections, allergic or nonallergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and other causes. Steam inhalation and other remedies can often help. However, prescription medication and medical intervention can be necessary.

A burning sensation in the nose may result from inflammation or irritation brought about by an infection or allergic reaction. Besides burning in the nose, a person may experience irritation or itching in the eyes, throat, or sinuses.

Allergic rhinitis

A nose and mouth. — Justin Lambert/Getty Images

“Rhinitis” refers to inflammation inside the nose. In a person with allergic rhinitis, the immune system mistakenly interprets a harmless substance, such as dust or pollen, as a threat and attacks it, leading to inflammation.

Allergic rhinitis is very common, affecting 10 to 30% of people worldwide.

When pollen is responsible or something else that presents seasonally, the doctor may diagnose seasonal allergic rhinitis, which is better known as hay fever.

The symptoms of hay fever can include:

itchiness or a burning sensation in the nose, mouth, throat, and eyes
stuffy nose
runny nose and eyes
sneezing
headaches
postnasal drip, which can cause frequent throat clearing

The quickest way to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms is to avoid the allergen. For example, people with pollen allergies may limit their time outdoors during days with high pollen counts.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids can also help ease the symptoms.

Another option is allergy immunotherapy, which involves exposing the person to tiny doses of the allergen, “teaching” their immune system not to react to it.

»Learn more about allergic rhinitis.

Nonallergic rhinitis

Sometimes, rhinitis cases do not stem from an allergic reaction.

In this case, the condition is nonallergic rhinitis. It tends to affect adults and cause symptoms all year, including:

sneezing
runny nose
stuffy nose
postnasal drip
burning sensation in the nose

Unlike allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis usually does not cause itchy eyes, nose, or throat.

A person with nonallergic rhinitis may have a sensitivity to air pollution, certain odors or chemicals, or changes in the weather. Some medications and health issues, such as viral infections, can cause inflammation in the nose.

Avoiding triggers may help ease the symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis. While there is no cure, saline nasal sprays, medicated sprays, or rinses may help reduce the inflammation.

»Learn how to make a saline solution here.

Sinusitis

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

runny or stuffy nose
pain in the cheeks and forehead
headaches
sore throat
mucus dripping down the throat
cough
fever

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which are small, empty spaces behind the cheeks and forehead. It can occur due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Many cases of sinusitis result from viral infections, which tend to go away on their own without treatment. When the cause is bacterial, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics.

»Learn more about sinusitis.

Cold viruses

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults in the United States get around 2–3 colds per year. The symptoms may include:

sore throat
runny or stuffy nose, which can cause a burning sensation
cough
headaches
body aches
loss of taste and smell
fever

Usually, cold symptoms go away without treatment, though certain medications and home remedies can ease symptoms. For example, decongestant medications can help unblock a stuffy nose.

»Learn about the best medications for each symptom of a cold.

Influenza

Influenza, also called the flu, is another common respiratory tract infection. The flu can cause mild to severe symptoms that include:

fatigue
headaches
body aches
cough
sore throat
fever
runny or stuffy nose, sometimes with a burning sensation

Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms of the flu may develop suddenly.

Most people recover without medical treatment. However, certain groups have a higher risk and may require extra care and precautions, including:

adults older than 65
pregnant people
children under 5
people with chronic health conditions

»Learn more about flu symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods.

COVID-19

An infection can develop in any part of the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, are sometimes responsible.

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. Some symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

fever
cough
shortness of breath
tiredness
headaches and body aches
loss of taste or smell
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose, which may lead to a burning sensation
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea
nasal dryness

According to the CDC, anyone who suspects that they have COVID-19 should:

stay away from others whenever possible
get a test
monitor the symptoms
call ahead before visiting a doctor
wear a well-fitting mask
cover the mouth and nose when sneezing, then throw away the tissues and wash hands thoroughly
clean the hands often
avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and bedding
clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
keep the home ventilated by opening windows

Is it a sign of a stroke?

A burning sensation in the nose is not an indication of a stroke. The symptoms of a stroke include:

sudden weakness or numbness in the face, leg, or arm, usually on one side of the body
problems seeing in one or both eyes
difficulty walking
a loss of balance or coordination
a severe headache
trouble speaking or understanding speech

If anyone has any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Home remedies

Home remedies cannot cure an infection or allergic reaction. However, they can ease the symptoms and relieve discomfort.

For a viral illness, such as a cold or the flu, a person can:

inhale steam from a hot bath or a bowl of very hot water to clear congestion
drink plenty of fluids to replace any lost fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea
get plenty of rest

For ongoing nasal irritation or inflammation, a person can try saline nasal sprays or rinses. Also, increasing the amount of moisture in the air with a humidifier may make breathing easier and reduce discomfort.

Over-the-counter treatments such as nasal saline gel, vaseline, and Aquaphor can also help to lubricate the nasal passage and help protect the skin barrier.

»Learn about home remedies for cold and flu here.

When to contact a doctor

Anyone who develops sudden or severe symptoms should receive medical care. If a doctor determines that a burning sensation in the nose results from a bacterial infection, they will prescribe antibiotics. A doctor can also perform allergy testing before diagnosing allergic rhinitis.

However, if a person may have COVID-19, they should call ahead to check whether it is safe to visit the clinic, office, or hospital. If a doctor believes that someone may have COVID-19, they will advise about the next steps.

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for your cold, flu, or sinus infection in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Perks Online Care.

How to stop burning sensation in nose?

To stop a burning sensation in the nose depends entirely on the cause. For flu and colds, inhaling steam or try saline nasal sprays.

How do you stop a burning nose from tissues?

When a person repeatedly blows their nose with rough tissue paper, this can cause soreness and burning. Try and opt for softer tissue paper, blowing the nose gently, and apply an ointment.

Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Summary

A burning sensation in the nose may stem from inflammation or irritation brought about by an infection or allergic reaction. The feeling may be mild and go away when the infection clears or the reaction subsides. In the meantime, OTC medications, home remedies, and nasal sprays can help ease the burning sensation and other symptoms.

Allergy
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Seasonal Allergy

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

About common cold. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
About influenza. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm
Allergy statistics. (n.d.).https://www.aaaai.org/about/news/for-media/allergy-statistics
COVID-19. (n.d.).https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html
Learn more stroke warning signs and symptoms. (2021).https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms/learn-more-stroke-warning-signs-and-symptoms
Nonallergic rhinitis - vasomotor defined. (2024).https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/allergy,-asthma-immunology-glossary/nonallergic-rhinitis-vasomotor-defined
Rhinitis (hay fever). (2023).https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/rhinitis-(hay-fever)
Sinus infection basics. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/
Symptoms of COVID-19. (2025).https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on June 13, 2025

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