Why do my eyes and nose itch?

Respiratory pathologies

Why do my eyes and nose itch? The eyes may feel uncomfortable with a common cold. A respiratory infection is accompanied by a feeling of irritation in the nasal cavity. The person also has other symptoms of the pathology (fever, headache, coughing attacks). However, these manifestations are typical not only for colds, but also for more serious ailments.

Experts say that frequent infections are an indicator of poor functioning of the body’s defenses.

The immune system does not function well enough, so the human body is susceptible to germs. The latent period of the disease lasts about two days. Then the patient develops symptoms of infection: coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes and nose. The eyes often become inflamed and watery as a result of complications of acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections. It consists of inflammation of the connective membrane of the organs of vision. The disease develops when the immune system deteriorates and hygiene standards are not observed. For example, if the patient rubs or scratches his eyelids with unwashed hands.

To diagnose conjunctivitis caused by an infection, you must be examined by an ophthalmologist. The signs characteristic of this disease are described below in the article.

Possible diseases

There are many diseases with a combination of these symptoms. For example, they can be caused by a common cold, flu, or acute respiratory diseases. These diseases also have other symptoms. Such as:

• elevated temperature;
• headache;
• general weakness;
• body aches and fatigue;
• inflammation of the respiratory system.

Other illnesses can also appear with colds. If your eyes are itchy, watery, or have a runny nose, these may be symptoms of a cold conjunctivitis. With this disease, the mucous membrane of the eye becomes inflamed. Viral conjunctivitis may also cause photophobia, itching, and redness of the eyes.

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But the most common disease that causes itchy eyes and a runny nose is hay fever. Hay fever is an allergy to pollen. As a rule, this is a seasonal disease that haunts allergy sufferers at certain times of the year.

General symptoms that occur with hay fever:

• redness and irritation of the eyes;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, resulting in coughing and sneezing;
• fatigue, irritability, weakness;
• skin diseases.

Allergies can affect people of both sexes and different ages. The reasons for its appearance remain unclear. As, indeed, why people are affected by different allergens. Allergies can be inherited, or arise as a result of severe stress or great nervous or physical exhaustion.

Of course, if you suspect hay fever, you should immediately contact a specialist who, upon diagnosing the disease, will immediately prescribe treatment.

Also, do not forget that ignoring this disease leads to such consequences as allergic tracheitis, the treatment of which is already difficult, and here it is also complicated by the presence of a constantly influencing external factor. In addition to tracheitis, bronchitis may occur due to allergies. The principle is the same as with inflammation of the trachea. For children, the development of these diseases often leads to false croup, acute laryngotracheitis, accompanied by laryngospasms.

In addition to a runny nose, the patient may complain of coughing attacks, which are also considered allergic.

Frequent colds are the first sign of a weakened immune system. This is an indicator that the immune system cannot cope with its functions, so the body easily succumbs to infections.

A runny nose and sneezing are easily explained by inflammation of the respiratory system, but why does itchy eyes occur? In case of respiratory diseases (acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections), influenza, the patient may develop infectious conjunctivitis as a concomitant disease.

Its appearance can be provoked by both weakened immunity and neglect of sanitary and hygienic standards. For example, an infection can get into your eyes if you rub them with dirty hands.

To confirm the presence of infectious conjunctivitis, you must be examined by an ophthalmologist. When conjunctivitis develops against the background of a cold, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

• sneezing;
• cough;
• inflammation of the respiratory system;
• itching, redness and irritation of the eyes;
• tearfulness;
• photophobia;
• prostration;
• increased fatigue;
• dizziness;
• high body temperature.

To get rid of symptoms, you must fight the infection. The doctor prescribes medications for general and symptomatic action, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs, vasoconstrictor drops, which help remove redness of the eyes and relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa.

The patient is recommended maintenance therapy: plenty of warm drinks, bed rest, rinsing, washing (herbal infusions, alkaline, saline solutions).

Allergic rhinitis

The pathology is associated with intolerance to any substances and the body’s reaction to unfavorable external factors. There are two types of such ailments. The first is called hay fever and is an individual intolerance to plant pollen. It is observed during the flowering period. The second type is an allergic reaction that occurs at any time of the year. With these pathologies, the eyes and nose itch. The eyes can become inflamed as a result of increased sensitivity to various substances (pet fur, dust, cosmetics, household chemicals).

Manifestations of seasonal allergies

This disease is called hay fever (hay fever). It is characterized by the following symptoms:

• profuse flow of tears;
• bright red tint of the sclera;
• feeling of itching in the visual area;
• sneezing;

• mucus discharge from the nose, difficulty breathing;
• headache;
• sleep disorders;
• lethargy;
• depressed emotional state;
• rashes on the surface of the skin;
• coughing attacks, difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis and treatment of seasonal rhinitis

“My nose and eyes itch and I sneeze, what should I do?” - this is a question many people ask during the flowering period of plants. To get rid of discomfort, you need to contact specialists - an otolaryngologist and an allergist. Doctors recommend undergoing laboratory tests and x-rays of the sinuses. In addition, you need to do tests and find out which substance provokes individual intolerance. Therapy is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The most important thing in treatment, judging by the advice of allergists, is to eliminate allergens from your environment. If this is not possible, the patient is recommended to use drugs with antihistamine properties and anti-inflammatory drugs. They are able to eliminate the symptoms of hay fever.

In addition, in some cases, immunotherapy has a good effect. A solution of a substance that causes individual intolerance is injected into the patient’s subcutaneous tissue. With each procedure, the concentration of the allergen is increased. Thus, the patient’s body gradually adapts to it. However, this method cannot be used in case of exacerbation of the disease.

Why the nose may itch outside and inside: causes, treatment

Taking just one of them just makes your nose itch. On the one hand, this may be a reaction to a speck of dust that has entered it, on the other hand, it may be a symptom of an upper respiratory tract disease.

Often, nasal discomfort is expressed in the form of an itchy sensation, which no longer resembles a speck of dust, but some more serious consequence.

This is the feeling of burning, moderate tingling, which manifests itself under the influence of external and internal factors.

The nerve endings irritated by them reproduce itching in the nose, subject to the mental stress transmitted to them, allergies, bites of domestic and street parasites, all kinds of mechanical friction, skin or internal diseases.

The main factors influencing the itching impulses are temporary and pathogenic causes. It won’t be difficult to eliminate the first ones; it’s enough to blow out, rinse, clean the nasal cavity, in a word, keep it clean. Pathogenic ones will require medical intervention. Let's look at both in more detail.

Temporary

These factors include circumstances that are caused by a short period of time or arise periodically. They are characterized by:

• dust getting into your nose;
• wool of domestic or street animals;
• low air humidity;
• sharp characteristic odors;
• pollen from plants during their flowering;
• evaporation of aggressive chemicals;
• presence of a foreign object in the nose.

There may be other factors affecting a person individually that make him sneeze.

Pathogenic

Pathogenic, or disease-causing factors, are caused by the manifestation of diseases, such as:

• respiratory and cold pathologies cause itching in the nose, occur after prolonged stay in a frosty environment, excessive consumption of cold drinks in hot weather, wet feet syndrome;
• mycoses - fungal diseases of the skin, due to the reproduction and activation of yeast fungi that affect the wings of the nose, can be caused by prolonged use of antibacterial drugs and hormonal agents;
• clogged sebaceous ducts, hair follicles seem to be a good environment for increasing the population of pathogens - that’s why the outside of the nose itches;
• poor circulation, injury, surgery, decreased red blood cells, smoking, alcoholism, genetic hereditary predisposition lead to a constantly itchy nose;
• flowering of plants, periodic inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane, other seasonal factors;
• Nasal drops and sprays, perceived as a panacea, often irritate the mucous membranes and this makes the nose itch.

Curvature, for any reason, of the nasal cartilage, overgrown polyps, and other benign formations also cause itching in the nose.

The localization of manifestations on the olfactory organ has its own etiology - origin. For example:

• an itchy wing of the nose indicates an allergic reaction or a mild inflammatory process;
• itching in the nose is reflected when a foreign object gets inside, dry air, or the use of medications;
• redness is characterized by respiratory, viral diseases, influenza;
• often itching in the nose from damage to its mucous membrane, nasal drops, dry air, prolonged runny nose:
• manifestations around the olfactory organ indicate an infectious nature, the presence of staphylococci, streptococci, rod-shaped bacteria of diphtheria;
• the tip of the nose itches due to prolonged mental stress, anxiety, frustration, an allergic reaction is possible;
• if the bridge of the nose itches, ulcers or red spots appear - a visit to the dermatologist cannot be avoided; there may be a parasitic disease of the iron mite (Demodex);
• itching is felt under the nose after mental stress, nervous shock, disruption of the endocrine system, hormonal abnormalities during pregnancy, adolescence, menopause, inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers, fumes of aggressive chemical compounds, etc.

By the way, lovers of sunflower seeds and pumpkin feel itchy nose. Between the hard shell and the grain there is a thin film that is not paid attention to. It is a very strong specific allergen, which causes the mucous membranes to itch.

Treatment

Don't know what to do if your nose itches? You must try to independently find out the reasons for this phenomenon. Most often, this is a common reaction to dust, pet hair, strong odors and many other harmless factors.

But if the symptoms are not temporary or periodic, then you should definitely visit a specialized doctor. For medical treatment at home, there are a large number of different drugs that can get rid of the disease both from the outside and from the inside.

But these drugs can only be prescribed by the attending physician.

Very important! By using any medications at your own discretion, without an accurate diagnosis, you risk harming your health.

The fragile immune system of children, a not fully formed organism, responds in the child with frequent scratching of the nose.

Unfavorable weather conditions, dust, bites of small insects, and flowering plants cause frequent unpleasant sensations in children.

It is not recommended for young children to be given small, sharp, piercing objects or exotic foods to play with, or to be left alone with these objects.

Not understanding the danger that threatens the child, he can stick a small foreign object into his nose or mouth, or breathe it into the nasopharynx, which is fatal.

Even if simply damaging the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, parents are not recommended to use medications for adults - they can cause even greater damage and inflammation.

But, if it itches a lot, or an object still gets stuck in the nose, what should you do? You need to immediately contact a pediatrician, or an emergency department, or any medical institution.

Conclusion

Most likely, symptoms such as tingling, itching, and frequent itching of the nose are signs of an allergic reaction or irritation. Moreover, if he itched earlier during certain periods of the year during the flowering of plants.

But in some cases, such symptoms are a manifestation of a serious illness. The olfactory organ will continue to itch if the patient does not consult a doctor to find out the cause.

Therefore, if you experience such symptoms quite often, you should not delay making an appointment with a doctor.

Before starting treatment, you need to identify the irritant. Nowadays, the allergen is quickly determined by a laboratory method. If it is plant pollen, then you need to try to prevent plant spores and pollen from getting on your clothes or in the room. Therefore, both residential and business premises need to be ventilated and wet cleaning carried out more often, wiping dust on furniture, window sills, and wiping the floor regularly.

If you had even a short walk down the street, then when you come home, you should immediately change into different clothes, all because street allergens may remain on your clothes.

Water procedures should become a habit, which are carried out regularly in the morning and evening.

Hay fever, or also called hay fever, cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to stabilize a person’s condition thanks to medications and folk remedies.

Drug treatment is aimed at eliminating congestion and reducing swelling.

Among the medications for rhinitis in adults:

• Antihistamines (Suprastin, Cetrin, Zyrtec and others). Used to relieve runny nose and watery eyes. Only a specialist, based on the general condition of the patient and his individual characteristics, can prescribe a specific treatment regimen. Antihistamines do not relieve swelling, so your doctor may prescribe decongestants.
• Decongestants (Naphthyzin, DlyaNos and others). The components of the medicine narrow peripheral blood vessels and reduce swelling of the mucous membrane. Nasal congestion and runny nose are reduced and a person can breathe much easier. But the use of drugs in this group is addictive and it is necessary to change them quite often to other drugs of the same group.

In parallel with drug treatment, you can use traditional methods:

• At the end of July and beginning of August, when there is a lot of pollen in the air outside, when you come home, you just need to gargle with warm water or drop a few drops of motherwort or valerian tincture into a glass of water.
• A freshly prepared decoction of the string helps a lot. Instead of coffee or tea, steam the herb in the same quantities until golden brown. It takes twenty minutes to infuse the tea. If you drink this tea for at least a couple of years, you can get rid of hay fever forever.
• Probably one of the most effective remedies is mumiyo. And you only need a little bit of it: one gram per liter of water. Early in the morning, drink 100 grams of solution, always with milk.

• Peonies are not only beautiful flowers - their roots are very useful for allergies. If the peel of the peony rhizome is dried and crushed into powder, then taking three tablespoons a day can get rid of a runny nose and watery eyes in two days.
• A very useful mixture of calamus rhizome powder and honey, if mixed in equal proportions. Half a teaspoon at night will improve your health in a few days.

• Near dachas and rural houses there grows a lot of very useful herbs - nettles. The entire plant is suitable for combating hay fever. Just pour two handfuls of herbs into half a liter of boiling water and let it brew. It is enough to take one hundred grams four times a day to get rid of a runny nose due to allergies.
• Of course, the treatment will not be as fast as we would like, but after three months a person will feel much better if he takes an infusion of rose hips and dandelion roots (1: 1) during this time.
• In the fall, collect dill seeds and use 1 gram three times a day with water. Dill tincture will also help (pour a teaspoon of seeds into one and a half cups of boiling water and leave).

How to prevent the development of the disease?

What to do if your eyes are itchy and your nose is stuffy during the flowering season? The ideal solution to this problem is to change the climate zone for a given period. If this cannot be done for some reason, the patient with hay fever must adhere to difficult recommendations.

1. Avoid walks in forests and parks, and trips to the countryside.
2. Do not open windows and doors in your house, apartment or office.
3. Place a thick sheet or rag soaked in water on the window.
4. Do not go outside in hot and dry weather.
5. Open the windows indoors after rain (only in the evening and in the absence of wind).
6. Take a shower twice a day and wash your hair regularly.
7. Do not dry clothes and bedding outside or on the balcony.
8. Wet clean the house every day.
9. Use air purifiers or air conditioners.
10. Do not open the car windows while traveling, especially in rural areas.
11. Take medications prescribed by your doctor.

Judging by the reviews, these methods are quite effective. If you follow these recommendations, the disease will go away easier.

Preventive measures

To prevent the occurrence of rhinitis and conjunctivitis, it is enough to follow simple recommendations and not neglect the basic rules of personal hygiene:

• wash your hands thoroughly;
• do not touch your eyes and face with dirty hands;
• periodically carry out wet cleaning of premises and avoid accumulation of dust;
• lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right;
• support the immune system by strengthening it with physical exercise and walks in the fresh air;
• if you are prone to allergic reactions, you should avoid possible contacts with potential pathogens and eliminate their probable sources.

The doctor will conduct an examination, make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment that will help avoid unpleasant consequences and complications.

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Itching in the corners of the eyes

The appearance of such symptoms indicates various diseases of the organs of vision.

However, in some cases, itching does not indicate the presence of pathologies. There are situations when discomfort is caused by overwork. Drops with a moisturizing effect help to cope with visual fatigue.

Why do the corners of my eyes and nose itch? The following conditions may be the causes:

1. Inflammation of the connective membrane of the organs of vision. Conjunctivitis is divided into several types. They can be bacterial, herpes, viral, or result from an allergic reaction. If symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
2. Demodecosis. If the eye itches in the corner near the nose, the cause may be a pathology caused by mites. These insects infect the skin and cause an itching sensation. Demodicosis often indicates a deterioration in the functioning of the immune system and the presence of other ailments. Therefore, when its signs appear, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination.
3. Entry of a foreign object into the visual area. In this case, you should also contact a specialist.

Adenoviral conjunctivitis

Develops against the background of rhinitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Initially, only one eye is affected by inflammation, but within a few days the virus spreads, and the second eye begins to itch and turn red.

Depending on the symptoms, adenoviral conjunctivitis is divided into three more types:

• catarrhal is characterized by mild discomfort in the eye area, a slight burning sensation and slight swelling of the periocular area;
• follicular is characterized by the appearance of dense bubbles on the outer layer of the cornea, accompanied by profuse lacrimation, pain and fever;
• with membranous conjunctivitis, lacrimation increases, and a grayish film forms on the surface of the mucous membrane of the eye.

With adenoviral conjunctivitis, blurred vision and enlargement of the lymph nodes of the submandibular region are observed.

Folk ways to get rid of discomfort

What to do if your eyes and nose itch? Your eyes will be less bothered if you use the following methods:

1. Use compresses made from strongly brewed black tea.
2. Rinse the mucous membranes with a decoction of calendula or chamomile.
3. Apply applications of fresh cucumbers to the surface of the eyelids.

If you believe the reviews, the methods described above really help. However, these methods give a temporary effect. To determine the cause of the discomfort and get rid of it, you need to visit a doctor.