Dry air and air conditioning
Air with low humidity, especially in winter or in rooms with air conditioning and heaters continuously, will cause water to evaporate quickly from the surface of the mucous membrane. When exposed to a dry environment for a long time, the mucus layer becomes thicker, the mucous membrane loses water and a feeling of dryness appears.
In Vietnam, many people working in air-conditioned offices all day or sleeping in air-conditioned rooms all night often experience waking up with a feeling of dry, slightly stuffy, and scaly nose.
Environmental pollution and stimulant chemicals
Cigarette smoke, fine dust, traffic emissions and industrial chemicals can damage the epithelial layer of the mucous membrane. These irritants not only cause inflammation but also reduce the activity of mucus and cilia secreted cells, making the mucous membrane more prone to dryness.
Nasal picking habit
Many people have a habit of using fingers or cotton swabs to remove nasal scales. This action unintentionally peels off the young epithelium, causing abrasions of the mucosa and forming a vicious cycle: the more you pick, the more damaged the mucosa becomes, the more dry scales form and it is easy to bleed.
Abuse of nasal decongestants
vasoconstrictor sprays such as oxymetazoline or xylometazoline have the effect of quickly reducing nasal congestion. However, if used for more than 3-5 consecutive days, patients are at risk of drug-induced rhinitis (rhinitis medicamentosa). The mucous membrane becomes edgy, dry and dependent on medication to maintain ventilation.
Systemic medication
Some medications can reduce mucosal secretion, including first-generation antihistamines, some antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, and diuretics. People who use these medications for a long time may experience dry nose accompanied by dry mouth or dry eyes.
Age
As age increases, the ability of mucosal glands to secrete fluid gradually decreases. At the same time, the activity of the ciliary system also decreases, making older people more prone to prolonged dry nose than young people.
Foundation pathology
Some diseases can cause dry nasal mucosa, such as Sjogren's syndrome – an autoimmune disease that damages the exocrine glands, atrophic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, or prolonged dehydration.
In addition, people who have undergone sinus rhinoplasty or radiation therapy in the head and neck area are also at high risk of mucosal dryness due to changes in the structure and function of mucosal tissue.
