Too much cold air entering the nostrils

Hello @learningstudent. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
I have had similar experiences in the past that matches your description. Most of these instances happen during winter, and early spring for me. When breathing, I'd feel cold air entering my left nostril that will cause a sharp headache, numbing on the left-side of my face.
Here's a bit of my background so you can understand my situation/solution to these symptoms better. I was diagnosed with mild asthma, sinusitis, and I also have a deviated septum that cause some difficulties in my breathing. When the symptoms above first started, I went to the doctors and was told that any of my preexisting conditions could have caused them, essentially saying that the cause of my symptoms was unidentifiable.
However, he did recommend some solutions that I found helpful to alleviate the pain, and reduce the frequency of these symptoms. Firstly, having a humidifier placed next to my nightstand while I'm sleeping had stopped the cold-air-breaths at night, and lessen the symptoms during daytime somewhat. Secondly, I've been steaming my face with hot water + a few drops of lemongrass oil for 5-10 minutes almost every night, and I found that this works the best to lessen the symptoms.
Please keep in mind that while these solutions work for me, they might not deliver the same result to you. It's best to consult with your physician before trying new solutions.
@learningstudent, how long does each experience last? Do you also experience headaches during those times? Have you mentioned these symptoms to your doctor?

Thank you, Juli. I have been having somewhat similar symptoms and have similar problems. I was told I had mid segment pain and prescribed amitriptilline 10mg. But the problem isn't really pain it is pressure over the bridge of my nose and nose "sensitivity". Often my nose would feel very cold. So I have stopped all nasal sprays, even saline spray, for a while, and started, like you, inhalation in the morning and nasal irrigation in the evening. I add a drop of peppermint or eucalyptus, but not too much. I will try lemongrass also. .And this seems to have helped somewhat although I do find it frustrating not to really understand what the problem is. That is why I find Connect so helpful. Just knowing these symptoms are not unusual helps a lot.

Well I do not have any nasal pain but instead the nose or nostrils feel so empty. When I inhale there seems to be a force of airflow entering my nostrils, making me feel so uncomfortable band hard to breathe. My nose seems to lose function of how to stop the air, humidifies and moisturize the air I inhale.

Does anyone know what causes these symptoms and if they are very unusual?

Hello @bride, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I agree with you that it's always reassuring to know that you're not alone with these symptoms. It certainly makes the journey of finding answers to your health concerns easier, and more bearable when you have a supportive community like Connect to share with.
@learningstudent, @bride: I've found a discussion thread about Empty Nose Syndrome that shares some similar symptoms with what you're describing.
- Facial Pain - Empty Nose Syndrome https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/facial-pain-empty-nose-syndrome/

Here are some additional discussions about Empty Nose Syndrome that you might find useful:
– Vivaer nasal valve remodeling and Empty Nose Syndrome?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vivaer-nasal-valve-remodeling-and-empty-nose-syndrome/

– Where did my snot go? Atropic Rhinitus mystery case
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/where-did-my-snot-go-atropic-rhinitus-mystery-case/
Do any of these discussions describe the issues you are having and provide some answers?

Thanks Juli. I don't have the symptoms of empty nose syndrome although I sympathise with the problem. My nose feels, I suppose, very sensitive to air as if all the nerve endings are on high alert. I get some pressure over the bridge of my nose and the whole nose seems "thick". I don't have nasal drainage but I have thickish post nasal drainage. I have always had non allergic rhinitis and this is as always. My nasal passages were sore but I stopped all nasal sprays, even saline spray and this has helped. I stick to inhalation in the am and nasal irrigation before bed. As of now I feel I am managing the situation but I wish I understood the underlying reasons.

Yes same here except mine is worse than that and I do not have any other symptom that triggers this empty nose syndrome. It is very hard and difficulty to breathe when u have that and it is terrible and ruin ur life.

@learningstudent and @bride. It's definitely frustrating feeling that a certain health problem has interfered with daily life. Please don't give up on finding answers and treatment that work for you!
@learningstudent What have you been doing to help alleviate the symptoms? Have you had the chance to check in with your doctor?

No doctors are willing to see patients in person due to this pandemic. I suffer everyday with this syptoms. By putting gel into the nostrils and then wear mask make it slightly better. What is scary is the fact that when doc cannot diagnose what is wrong.

I think I know what happens. I think my lowest turbinates dysfunction. Is there a way to fix it?

According to the article snippet. "Inferior nasal turbinates are located inside your nose on either side of your nasal septum. They are bone covered with erectile soft tissue that helps create turbulence inside the nose to warm, purify and humidify the air that we breathe. The soft tissue covering expands and contracts which can give you the sensation of congestion and clear breathing, respectively."