Is a Burning Nose Feeling a Symptom of COVID-19?
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Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH
A burning nose feeling can occur with COVID-19, though it's not amongst the most common symptoms. The virus may inflame and irritate the nose and nasal passages, causing a heat-like sensation, as well as a sharp or prickly-type of pain.
This article discusses nose burning and how it may be related to COVID-19. It also reviews other possible symptoms of the coronavirus, how they compare to those cause by the common cold, flu, and allergies, and when to see a healthcare provider.
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Does COVID-19 Always Cause a Burning Sensation in the Nose?
COVID-19 can cause many different symptoms. Many of them affect the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, nasal cavity, and throat.
COVID doesn't always cause nose burning, but it is a possibility. A small study published in 2023 found that up to 32% of people with COVID experienced nasal burning as a general symptom.
The clinical evidence surrounding the nose burning sensation in people with COVID-19 is limited, however, and it’s unclear whether or not the viral infection itself causes this symptom.
Some people with COVID also develop sinusitis, a sinus infection that can cause burning in the nose.
Common Nasal Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms that affect the nose in people with COVID-19 include:
Nasal congestion
Nasal obstruction
Sneezing
Loss of smell
Runny nose
Other COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms don't always appear in a particular order, but they often do. The order in which your symptoms appear may be slightly different depending on where you live and which variant of the virus you have.
For example, a 2021 study found that in the United States, people with COVID-19 were more likely to develop a cough before a fever. Additional symptoms often appeared in the following order:
Fever
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
As new variants appear, the typical order of symptoms may change too. Other COVID-19 symptoms include shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, and loss of taste and smell.
Related: Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19 vs. Cold, Flu, and Allergies
Nose burning and several other symptoms can be shared amongst COVID-19, the common cold, the flu, and seasonal allergies.
There are some differences that can help you determine which illness you have. Even still, these conditions can be hard to tell apart based on symptoms alone.
COVID-19 | Influenza | Common Cold | Allergies | |
Fever | Usually | Usually | Uncommon | Never |
Cough | Usually | Usually | Usually | Sometimes |
Headache | Usually | Usually | Uncommon | Uncommon |
Shortness of breath | Usually | Usually | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Diarrhea | Sometimes | Sometimes | Never | Never |
Nausea/Vomiting | Sometimes | Sometimes | Never | Never |
Sore throat | Usually | Usually | Often | Uncommon |
Muscle aches | Usually | Usually | Sometimes | Never |
Fatigue | Usually | Usually | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Sometimes | Sometimes | Usually | Usually |
Runny/stuffy nose | Usually | Usually | Usually | Usually |
Burning nose | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Loss of taste/smell | Often | Uncommon | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Itchy nose/throat | Never | Never | Uncommon | Usually |
Itchy, watery eyes | Uncommon | Never | Uncommon | Usually |
Learn More: Signs Your Cold Has Turned Into a Sinus Infection
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you know that you have allergies and get the sensation when your allergies act up, you likely don’t need to make an appointment.
However, if the nose burning is new and accompanied by other symptoms that you have not experienced, it's a good idea to take a COVID-19 test.
If your test is negative, retest again in a few days. If you get another negative result and your symptoms persist or worsen, see your healthcare provider.
Takeaway
Generally speaking, if you have trouble breathing, extreme fatigue, chest pain, or confusion, seek emergency care right away, regardless of which condition you believe you have.
Summary
A burning sensation in the nose can be caused by COVID-19, but it can also be related to other things such as a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection.
If you suspect you have COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is allergy season?
Allergy season changes depending on what sets off a person’s allergies. For example, spring is often considered the most common allergy season. However, different pollutants are present in other months, which can cause people with various allergies to experience allergy season for the better part of the year.
How long do allergies last?
Allergies typically last as long as the allergen is prevalent in the air. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, each allergen sticks around in the air for roughly two to three weeks. This varies widely based on geographic region.
How long does COVID last?
COVID-19 and its effects are still being researched as new evidence continues to come to light about its symptoms, duration, and severity. The majority of people with mild COVID recover in about one to two weeks. A 2023 study found that up to 57% of those who have had COVID-19 may continue to experience symptoms for 12 weeks or longer.
How long are you contagious with COVID?
How long a person is contagious depends on the severity of their infection. For example, people who experience a mild case of COVID-19 are likely only contagious for up to 10 days after their symptoms began. However, those with a more severe case could transmit the infection for up to 20 days.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
