Ever since, the SARS-CoV-2 virus first came into existence and started spreading all across the globe, there have been a vast change in the symptoms. With new variants emerging out of the mutated genes, for every few weeks, several complications and newer symptoms are cropping up making it all confusing for the doctors and scientists to understand.
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Although Covid-19 can cause a whole lot of symptoms and affect the vital organs of the body, yet upper respiratory tract symptoms like dry cough, stuffy nose, blocked sinuses, altered sense of smell are still considered as the most tell-tale signs of the original virus. However, with the mutated variations during the second wave, doctors and experts are also getting cases where patients suffering from this contagious infection are also reporting a burning sensation in the nose.
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This article unravels the link between the atypical upper respiratory tract symptom and Covid-19 and to correctly differentiate between the symptoms at this stage.
How Does The Sars-CoV-2 Virus Affect The Upper Respiratory Tract?
According to current understanding, the contagious virus chiefly enters the body via the nasal passage. The nasal cavity is rich in ACE-2 receptors, an enzyme to which the virus's spike protein binds itself and facilitates spreading throughout the body. The preliminary reason as to why the lethal virus showcases upper respiratory tract symptoms is that the nasal passage has the highest concentration of ACE2 receptor which helps it to spread further. Hence, more and more research studies are conducted to develop nasal coronavirus vaccines that can prevent the proliferation of the infection right at Level 0.
Is Burning Sensation In The Nasal Passage A Symptom Of COVID-19?
Nasal burning sensation may not be a classic coronavirus symptom but many patients suffering from Covid have reported this symptom before testing positive. According to clinical studies and ongoing research studies, burning in the nose is commonly reported by COVID patients, who are experiencing a blocked sinus and nasal congestion. But, then again, it can also occur due to a viral infection or fungal or bacterial growth within the nasal cavities.
Is The Symptom A Cause Of Worry?
Well, according to the current data available, a burning sensation in the nose mainly occurs due to an underlying infection that causes blockage or disruption in the sinuses. But it is still unclear as to what is the absolute cause of this burning sensation in Covid patients. However, this symptom is mostly seen in Covid-19 patients who are experiencing blocked sinus. Additionally, people with this symptom can also experience itchy, very dry or irritated feeling in the nose.
What Are The Other Common Upper-Respiratory Tract Symptoms?
Apart from this unusual nasal burning syndrome, other nasal symptoms that most Covid-19 patients report about include:
- Runny eyes
- Itching sensation in the eyes
- Nasal drippage
- Blocked or stuffed nose
- Loss of smell
- Inability to distinguish between smells
- Trouble breathing in or out of the nose
When To Seek Medical Help?
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a highly spreading infection and impacts every person differently by bringing about different types of symptoms. Hence, the best possible way still remains to recognize and treat the symptoms at the earliest.
Although burning sensation in the nose is a less-commonly experienced Covid-19 symptom, but it mostly crops up alongside other upper respiratory tract symptoms. If you notice the classic signs like fever, aches, cough, shortness of breath, altered smell/taste, fatigue, runny eyes, dry mouth, exhaustion, and gastrointestinal symptoms alongside nasal burning, do not waste time and seek medical intervention immediately.
