Feeling like you’ve inhaled water through your nose isn’t just something that happens when you’re swimming. That burning sensation can be irritating and inconvenient, especially when it occurs for unexplained reasons. Luckily, there are three main causes behind that watery nose feeling, and we’re here to help you understand them.
Zara Patel, MD, a professor of otolaryngology and Director of Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery at Stanford Medicine, sheds light on the most common causes and their treatments.
Allergies
Allergic rhinitis, or allergies, is one of the most common chronic diseases, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Symptoms include a constant runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and swollen or itchy eyes. In severe cases, life-threatening symptoms like throat closing and trouble breathing can occur. Dr. Patel explains that irritation, congestion, and drainage in your nose are common signs of allergies causing that “water up your nose” feeling.
Non-Allergic Inflammation (Rhinitis)
Non-allergic rhinitis can result from irritation by air pollution or dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system within the nose, a condition called vasomotor rhinitis. Dr. Patel says that this dysregulation can occur for various reasons, including medications, underlying disease states, or simply aging. Regularly waking up with a stuffy nose (without having a cold) or experiencing post-nasal drip could indicate non-allergic rhinitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sinus Infection
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can cause your sinuses to feel like you’ve inhaled water. The Cleveland Clinic states that sinus infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal, with varying durations. Dr. Patel explains that sinusitis is characterized by sinus inflammation and can occur for several reasons, not just infection. Symptoms of sinusitis include post-nasal drip, runny or stuffy nose, facial pressure, tooth pain, ear pressure, fever, bad breath, cough, headache, and fatigue.
Other Treatments for Nasal Inflammation
If nasal rinses or sprays don’t alleviate the watery nose feeling, Dr. Patel suggests that additional medical therapy, such as antibiotics or steroids, may be necessary. Sometimes, these treatments may be in the form of oral medications or added to a rinse. If all else fails, surgery may be the next step to address underlying genetic factors, clear the infection or inflammation, and allow for better access to the sinuses with rinses and sprays. However, Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of continuing topical medical therapy after surgery to maintain an improved baseline.
When to See a Doctor
If your symptoms interfere with your quality of life or daily activities, it’s time to consult your doctor. It’s also essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Dr. Patel advises that more urgent medical care is needed if a sinus infection causes severe headache, pain, lethargy, change in vision, or change in eye position.
