Headache felt in the nose

A blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itching can point towards allergic inflammation. A cold may bring congestion, sore throat and cough. Facial pressure, thick mucus or reduced smell can occur with sinus inflammation, while dryness, smoke, strong scents or picking can irritate the nasal lining.

Nasal pain can also be part of migraine or another headache pattern, so mucus colour or pain location alone cannot establish the cause. Consider whether symptoms affect one side, follow an injury, or worsen with bending or touch.

Avoid smoke and strong fragrances, rest, drink fluids and use a humidified environment if dry air irritates your nose. Saline nasal rinsing may help some people when performed with safe water and clean equipment. Use sprays and pain medicines only as directed; persistent blockage or repeated pain deserves a clinical review.

Seek urgent help for swelling around an eye, vision change, severe headache with fever or neck stiffness, confusion, repeated vomiting, or a severe headache after injury. Get prompt assessment for one-sided bloody discharge, a foreign object, breathing difficulty, or pain that is rapidly worsening.

Ask whether allergy, infection, migraine or irritation best fits your pattern and whether your nose needs examination. Mention fever, discharge, smell changes, dental pain, injury, sprays and medicines you have tried.