Why You May Feel Your Heartbeat Pulsating in Your Nose

Why Can I Feel My Heartbeat in My Nose?

Feeling a throbbing or pulsing sensation in your nose can be alarming. But in most cases, it's harmless and there are several possible explanations for this unusual symptom.

While feeling a heartbeat in the nose is not exactly common, it tends to be more noticeable in certain scenarios and can point to an underlying issue. Heres a look at the potential causes and when to see a doctor.

Causes of Feeling a Pulse in Your Nose

There are a few reasons why someone might feel their heartbeat or pulse reverberating in the nasal cavity. Potential causes include:

• Exercise
• Congestion
• Allergies
• Dry nasal passages
• High blood pressure
• Overexertion
• Stress and anxiety
• Caffeine or other stimulants
• Some medications
• Pregnancy
• Anatomical factors
• Underlying medical conditions

Lets explore each of these possible explanations in more detail.

Exercise and Physical Exertion

During exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure rise to circulate more oxygenated blood throughout the body. This increases blood flow to the mucous membranes in the nose.

As a result, feeling a pulse in the nose when working out vigorously or doing strenuous activity is very common. It tends to go away once the exercise is complete and heart rate returns to normal.

Nasal and Sinus Congestion

When the nasal cavity and sinuses become inflamed or congested due to allergies, cold, flu, or sinusitis, the swollen blood vessels in nose can throb or pulsate.

Blowing the nose forcefully can also put extra pressure on the delicate blood vessels lining the nasal passages, making your heartbeat more noticeable for a short while.

Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis involves an immune response to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. This triggers inflammation of the nasal passages.

The inflamed blood vessels and increased mucus production can make you more aware of your pulse when allergies are flaring up.

Dry Nasal Passages

Low humidity, winter weather, sinus infections, and frequent nose blowing can all irritate and dry out the nasal membranes. This may make the nasal blood vessels and arteries more sensitive.

Proper hydration and use of saline sprays or gels can help moisturize dry nasal airways and potentially reduce the pronounced heartbeat sensation.

Stress and Anxiety

When we feel stressed or anxious, our brains trigger the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This speeds up the heart rate and increases blood flow.

People who experience chronic stress or anxiety may be more prone to feeling their pulse throbbing in the nasal area especially in times of high stress.

Caffeine and Other Stimulants

Consuming stimulant substances like caffeine, certain medications, or illicit drugs can elevate heart rate and blood pressure forcefully enough for it to be felt in the nose.

This effect should subside as the stimulant works its way out of the system.

Certain Medications

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can raise heart rate and blood pressure as a side effect. These include:

• Nasal decongestant sprays
• Oral decongestants
• Appetite suppressants
• Thyroid medications
• Corticosteroids
• Stimulants like ADHD drugs
• Birth control pills
• Some antidepressants

If you notice this symptom when starting a new medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives with less effect on heart rate.

Pregnancy

Hormonal shifts and increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to changes in heart rate and blood pressure. The nasal passages may pulsate more as a result.

This should resolve after giving birth. But notify your OB-GYN if it becomes painful or uncomfortably pronounced.

Anatomical Factors

In some people, the arteries and blood vessels lining the nasal cavity may be more prominent or closer to the surface. This can make the pulse more noticeable.

Structural deviations like a deviated septum may also contribute to feeling a stronger heartbeat sensation.

Underlying Conditions

In rare cases, an underlying medical condition could be causing a pronounced pulsating nasal sensation. These may include:

• Heart arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation
• Hypertension
• Heart defects
• Thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic nasal inflammation
• Vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation)
• Blood clots
• Noncancerous nasal tumors like hemangiomas

See a doctor if the symptom arises suddenly with no other explanation or persists chronically to rule out an underlying problem.

When to See a Doctor

Feeling a pulse or heartbeat in your nose is rarely serious. But it's a good idea to get evaluated if you experience:

• A new, sudden onset of the symptom
• Persistent, throbbing sensations that dont go away
• Unusually strong pulse in just one nostril
• Severe pain or pressure
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Other concerning symptoms

Seeking prompt medical treatment is recommended if feeling a heartbeat in the nose accompanies signs of:

• Arrhythmia
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Blood clots

Diagnostic tests like an EKG, CT scan, or bloodwork can help identify any underlying cardiovascular or other issues requiring treatment.

When to See an ENT

Consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist if you experience:

• Chronic congestion and pulsing sensation
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Nasal obstructions
• Sinus infections
• Facial pain or pressure
• Nosebleeds
• Swelling or lesions in the nasal cavity

An ENT can examine the nasal anatomy for sources of irritation or blockages, as well as screen for underlying issues like vasculitis, polyps, or tumors.

Treatments and Home Remedies

If an underlying health condition is not found, try these home remedies to find relief from a throbbing nose:

• Use a humidifier to moisture dry nasal passages
• Irrigate with a saline nasal spray
• Take antihistamines for allergies
• Avoid overusing nasal decongestant sprays
• Manage high blood pressure if present
• Treat sources of inflammation like infections
• Prevent congestion by staying hydrated
• Limit strenuous exercise and stimulants like caffeine
• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques
• Use OTC pain relievers if the sensation is painful

Surgery may be an option for structural issues like septal deviation causing chronic congestion and pulsating sensations.

When to Try AflexTM

AflexTM is a nasal strip that can provide relief by instantly opening nasal passages to enhance breathing. The spring-like band gently lifts and expands the nasal openings to:

• Relieve congestion
• Reduce sinus pressure
• Improve airflow
• Soften tissue vibrations
• Lessen pulsating sensations
• Enhance sleep for nighttime symptoms

It adheres comfortably across the bridge of the nose and can be worn day or night for instant relief from nasal throbbing caused by congestion or constricted airways.

The Takeaway

Noticing your own pulse or heartbeat throbbing in the nose can feel strange. But in most cases, it's a harmless sensation that stems from exercise, congestion, allergies, anatomical factors, or other benign causes.

Try remedies like hydration, antihistamines, and nasal strips to find relief. Seek medical guidance for sudden onset, severe symptoms, or concerns about an underlying condition requiring diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.