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What Is the Meaning of an Itchy Nose?

An itchy nose most likely means you have an allergy to something, and there are several possibilities. The itching is caused by an overreaction of your body to the offending allergen. You might have other symptoms, including an itchy throat or eyes, sneezing and runny nose, stuffy nose, watery eyes, sinus pressure, and congestion and itching in your ears. Nonallergic rhinitis is another possible cause of an itchy nose and can be caused by a number of conditions.

  1. Pollen

    • Pollen from weeds, trees and grass are possible reasons for your itchy nose. Trees usually cause spring allergies, summer allergies are often from grasses and weeds, and ragweed is usually the reason for fall allergies related to pollen.

    Mold

    • If you are allergic to mold, you might notice it when you are around areas where water accumulates. Indoors, it could be in damp basements, window and door moldings, or shower curtains. Outdoors, there can be mold in mulches, compost piles, wet leaves and rotting logs. Mold tends to form most often during rainy weather and high humidity.

    Animal Dander

    • An allergy to animal dander can cause an itchy nose and the other common allergy symptoms as well as wheezing and breathing difficulties. Cats, dogs and rodents that are household pets are the most common problem, but it can occur in other places such as farms, zoos and laboratories.

    Dust

    • An allergy to dust mites is most likely evident around bedding, carpeting and upholstered furniture cushions. Dust mites do well in warm, humid places, and your bedroom might be their ideal home.

    Nonallergic Rhinitis

    • Nonallergic rhinitis results in swelling of the lining of your nose, causing your nose to itch and other allergy-type symptoms. It can be triggered by dust, smoke, perfume, chemical fumes, weather changes, infections, hot or spicy foods, hormonal changes, stress and some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, ibuprofen, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, antidepressants and oral contraceptives.

    Treatments/Prevention

    • Treatments can include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops. To prevent allergies, you need to take measures to remove the allergen, avoid contact with it or take allergy shots to keep your body from reacting to it.

    Superstitions

    • Superstitions about an itchy nose are that you are going to get in a fight with someone or that you have company coming.

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