From the Guidelines
Saline nasal sprays or rinses are the first-line treatment for nasal dryness, used 2-4 times daily to moisturize the nasal passages. Treatment options for nasal dryness include both over-the-counter and prescription remedies. Petroleum jelly or water-based nasal gels like Ayr can be applied inside the nostrils using a cotton swab 2-3 times daily. Humidifiers in the home, especially in bedrooms during sleep, help maintain adequate moisture in the air. For more severe cases, prescription nasal sprays containing hyaluronic acid (such as Rhinocort Aqua) may be recommended 1. Patients should avoid irritants like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and excessive alcohol consumption, which can worsen dryness. Drinking adequate water (6-8 glasses daily) helps maintain overall hydration. These treatments work by restoring moisture to the nasal mucosa, which is essential for proper nasal function including filtering air and preventing infections. If bleeding occurs or symptoms persist despite these measures, medical evaluation is necessary as chronic nasal dryness can sometimes indicate underlying conditions like Sjögren's syndrome or be a side effect of certain medications.
Some key points to consider when treating nasal dryness include:
- Avoiding oral decongestants, which can exacerbate dryness and have other side effects such as insomnia, irritability, and palpitations 1
- Using topical decongestants with caution, as they can cause local stinging or burning, sneezing, and dryness of the nose and throat, and are not recommended for long-term treatment due to the risk of rhinitis medicamentosa 1
- Considering the use of intranasal corticosteroids, which can be effective in reducing nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but may have local side effects such as nasal irritation and bleeding 1
Overall, the goal of treatment for nasal dryness is to restore moisture to the nasal mucosa and prevent further irritation or infection. By using saline nasal sprays or rinses, avoiding irritants, and staying hydrated, patients can help to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Nasal Dryness
- Nasal sprays with hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, or isotonic saline can be used to treat nasal dryness, as they have been shown to improve symptoms and tolerability in patients with dry nose symptoms 2.
- Saline nasal irrigation can also be used to treat nasal dryness, with studies suggesting that it can improve symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, including nasal congestion and loss of sense of smell 3, 4, 5.
- The use of seawater or saline drops may also provide relief for nasal congestion and other symptoms in children with the common cold 6.
- Isotonic and hypertonic saline solutions can be used for nasal irrigation, with some studies suggesting that hypertonic solutions may be more effective in improving objective measures, but the impact on symptoms is less clear 3, 4, 5.
Key Findings
- A study comparing hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays found that all three treatments improved symptoms and tolerability in patients with dry nose symptoms 2.
- Saline nasal irrigation has been shown to be a useful addition to the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, with large-volume hypertonic saline irrigation being more effective than usual care in improving disease-specific health-related quality of life 4.
- The use of saline nasal irrigation is well tolerated, with minor side effects being common, but the beneficial effect of saline appears to outweigh these drawbacks for the majority of patients 5.