A dry nose is caused by dry mucous membrane in your nose. This nasal mucosa normally produces just enough moisture to function properly. It catches and removes dirt with the help of the cilia in your nose. A dry mucous membrane feels very uncomfortable and can lead to a nosebleed. Therefore, it is important to keep your nose moist with a nasal spray or nasal gel.

Dry nose is caused by dry air, inflammation, allergies, medication or an oxygen mask, among other things. This dries out your nasal mucosa, causing it to stop functioning properly. It can no longer filter the inhaled air properly, leaving dirt in your nose. Bacteria can then settle in the mucous membrane, resulting in infections. Nose picking can also cause dry nose by damaging the mucous membrane. Oxygen masks CPAP COPD blow dry air, drying out your nasal mucosa and causing you to wake up with a dry, tight nose and itching. Medications for hay fever, for example, can stop your runny nose, but they work so well that they dry out your nasal mucosa. The same goes for nasal sprays containing xylometazoline.

A dry nose poses risks to your health, so it is wise to do something about it immediately in the acute phase - if you have symptoms. First of all, it is important to drink well. Follow the guidelines of the Nutrition Center for this. Second, it is important to keep your nose moist. You do this by using a nasal spray with saline solution. The saline acts on your nasal mucosa and attracts moisture. Do not use a nasal spray pump with a small dose. Prof. Dr. W.J. Fokkens, ENT physician at the Amsterdam UMC says, "These little sprays with moisture droplets won't reach beyond the center of your nasal passage." Use a nasal spray which delivers a powerful fine mist spray and moisturizes all areas high in your nasal cavity. NeilMed has these in three different varieties. If this doesn't help enough or if you also suffer from crusts or lots of mucus, flush your nose with a nasal shower. This instrument moistens your nose and flushes all the dirt out of your nose under light pressure.

You can easily prevent nosebleeds and dry nose. A good tool to protect your nasal mucosa from drying out is a special nose gel. NeilMed's Nasal Gel works very well for anyone who regularly suffers from a dry nose. You use this nasal gel preventively, or after the acute phase as described above. This nasal gel is available as a spray or tube. "A nasal gel puts a kind of fake layer of mucus over your nasal mucosa. You add extra mucus, so to speak, and thus help Mother Nature," says Prof. Dr. W.J. Fokkens of the Amstedam UMC. She advises against using an oily ointment because it is not pleasant for your mucous membrane and cilia. This is necessary with crusting to loosen the scabs and prevent them from breaking.

You can also prevent a dry nose or nosebleed by drinking plenty of fluids, not picking your nose and not scratching your nose when it itches. It also helps to turn off the air conditioning or otherwise provide adequate humidity.

The special nose gel is also very pleasant for patients using a CPAP COPD oxygen mask. Dr. J. van der Borden, neus.nu and previously ENT specialist at the BovenIJ Hospital: "The oxygen dries out the mucous membrane, causing crusting. This makes breathing more difficult and the crusts trap bacteria. This creates a risk of infection. Atomizing the oxygen is possible, but the disadvantage is that the skin gets wet, which can become infected. The use of gel is a logical protective layer of the nasal mucosa against dehydration."