Dry Nose

A dry nose can be just as irritating as a running nose. And while it is probably nothing much to worry about, it may be a sign of Sjogren's Syndrome, a rare but serious autoimmune disease that interferes with the production of mucus and saliva. If left untreated, Sjogren's, which primarily affects women, can lead to eye, reproductive, and other physical problems.

Dry nose is also a fairly common sign of the use (or overuse) of some medications used to treat stuffy nose, asthma, and other nose-related conditions. These include antihistamines, nasal sprays, and bronchodilators, especially those containing the muscle relaxant atropine.

If your nose is chronically dry and heavily crusted, you may have a rare condition called Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). Empty nose syndrome is found primarily in people who have undergone extensive sinus or other nasal surgery for medical or cosmetic reasons. During surgey too many turbinates are mistakenly removed and the nose is literally left empty. Turbinates can also be damaged during radiation therapy or by physical trauma to the nose. Empty nose syndrome sufferers describe a frightening feeling of not being able to get enough air when they breathe. Paradoxically, they often say their noses feel both empty and blocked at the same time.

Other common signs of empty nose syndrome are shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties, a dulled sense of smell and taste, an odorous nose, sleep disturbance, and sleep apnea. These signs often show up many years after the surgery or damage to the turbinates.

Dried nasal mucus, commonly known as Snot, Boggies, or Boogers, may seem gross and embarrasing, not to mention difficult to get rid of .  .  . at least in public. But these nasal products are a sign that your mucous membranes are doing their job, secreting a sticky substance that helps trap and encase dirt and dust, much the same way an oyster produces pearls.