Too much cold air entering the nostrils

@joannap-you are most welcome.
I try to provide what I have learned from ENTs themselves or from experiences shared. While I know you sought out an ENS expert, the term ENS is really outdated and only associated with surgery. However any change or alterations to the nasal cavity via surgical or medically can induce these symptoms.

Feel confident that that your son has options to seek out for restoration due to not being affiliated with surgery. Stay focused on proper total body hydration and anything that can bring blood flow to the nose, like cardio exercise. Highly recommend a functional medicine doctor who has an understanding of the nose as a full organ system and its function systemically with the nervous system. The nasal cavity functions best when it’s moist and many of the topical steroids dry out the nose. Steroids act on the cells in the mucosa by constricting their production of mucous. That’s why it’s important to focus on a cellular level from within the body.

The ENT who coined the term “ENS” actually worked at Mayo Clinic for 30 years. He was referred patients from all over. All complaining of the same symptoms post sinus/nasal surgery.
They all shared the same commonalities on their CT scans. A wide open nose with too much tissue/cartilage removed. Destroying the entire function of the nasal cavity. ENTs tried to ignore, and deny this. Or maintain that if they only performed “conservative” surgeries then this would not happen to their patients.
This still proved to be untrue as even to this day ENTs still don’t know how the nose functions and are just now starting to get a better grasp on the associated with immunology. It’s much more complex than what they have knowledge of.
This is not rare it is just underreported, because if a patient returns with complaints they are referred to a Neuro or elsewhere. So ENTs never report when they cause this and will continue to maintain its “rare”.

Anyone can read the Wikipedia link below.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empty_nose_syndrome
And specifically the History tab. The only reason why ENTs are being forced to start acknowledging this condition is due to the availability of CT scans after 1980, internet exposure and more ENTs speaking out at their ARS conferences.

The nose functions systemically and is driven by the nervous system. It is meant to congest and decongest. That is part of its organ function.

I always have to maintain that 10% of patients who see an ENT will actually ever need or benefit from a surgery.

I definitely find that if I get fairly vigorous exercise, such a longish uphill hike, the pressure over my nose and sense of inflammation, is noticeably improved. Probably because the blood flow to the area is increased.

Hi Joanna, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to a journal article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post it for you.

- Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome https://www.scinapse.io/papers/2108501606

@joannap-thank you for sharing this article. It’s spot on and accurate.

Keep the awareness up!

Hello ,

I have been having symptoms where my nose burns constantly feels like I am breathing in cold air and same for my throat and upper chest. Sometimes when I inhale it feels like I am sucking through and bag. I have been to my PCP and they put me down n a couple nasal sprays and a Z-Pack but they didn’t stop the symptoms. I have very little moisture in my nose and as I said it feels like ice cold air. Can anyone give me any suggestions on what it is please ..?

Also , symptoms seem to stop when I am active or outside but while in doors it is rough.

Respectfully and Gratefully

Rob T

@robbiet Hello and welcome to Connect. I know from my own experience that temperature sensitivity happens from nerve irritation. I have that issue with my teeth and I have exposed roots from recession, but it also happened from tight jaw muscles after bracing from dental work because it was irritating the nerve as it ran through the jaw. After I massaged out my jaw relieving some pressure, I was able to relieve some of the sensitivity to warm water. Last summer I broke my ankle, and after the cast was off and I was starting to walk again, my foot was cold sensitive, so when I stood barefoot on the tile, one foot felt the floor as much colder than the other foot. Another example was after I had a spine injection that caused a problem with sharp pains (which was nerve irritation) that hand was cold sensitive for over a year. I am a spine surgery patient, and that was done as a diagnostic test before I came to Mayo for treatment.

I do sometimes uses a nasal rinse bottle with saline to wash my sinuses. That helps relieve some allergy symptoms. That may help if you live in a dry climate and your nose is dry inside. I have asthma and I am sensitive to breathing in cold air during the winter, and even exercise can be an issue.

Have your doctors tested you for allergies? There may be a lot more humidity outside than inside. Do you think dry air may be causing your symptoms?

Hi Rob, I add my welcome. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion called "Too much cold air entering the nostrils." I did this so you can connect with others experience similar issues, like @nrd1 @bride @joannap @du6721 as well as @jenniferhunter. I encourage to read through the past posts to learn what others have shared.

I have the same issue. I'm 15. Out of nowhere my nose, feels like its inhaling more air then smells, and it's cold air. I'm trying not to stress myself out but I cant help it. It feels like my nose is too clear, kind of like whenever you take a mouthwash and your nose feels clear and minty from the mint but it goes on 24/7. I haven't had any surgery, and this just came out of the blue.

Buddy that is very similar to what I am experiencing as well almost a numbing type sensation. I pray you
Find out some answers as I know how frustrating it is. I unfortunately have no answers myself otherwise I would relay it.

Best

@robbiet-Hi. There are many things that can cause these sensations. I encourage you to read through the replies. As well as ask your provider to educate you on the why’s and how’s.

@jenniferhunter mentioned accurate points about the nerves, allergies and climate.

The nose is a highly sensitive, subjective place changing all day long in response to internal/environmental/emotional stimuli.

Be very thorough in explaining any changes in your environment, medications, activity level, food changes, stress level.

I will list some examples that can cause these types of sensations;

-dry climate (restriction of ciliary beat frequency)
-frequent climate/elevational changes
-allergies
-new work/home environment (lack of humidity)
-Vitamin deficiency’s (D, C,B12)
-breathing rate (shallow fast breather vs. slow controlled)
-blood pressure
-sedentary lifestyle
-medications that dry/constrict blood vessels.

humidification/hydration/inhalation of
peppermint oils can all change/calm/soothe the sensitivities .

•Notice everything listed is derived from your own autonomic nervous system sensitivities. The skin inside your nose is a vital organ just like the skin you have on other areas. If you have sensitivities to other things on your skin, chances are you would have sensitivities in your nose as well.

These are just some. Keep track of when you feel this and be very detailed when speaking to your provider. Ask them to explain the role in the autonomic nervous system and the nose.