Could This Be My Nasal Cartilage or Something Else?
I am a 28-year-old female, standing at 163 cm and weighing around 50 kg. I do not smoke and am not currently taking any medication. My ongoing health concern is chronic sinusitis. Recently, I discovered a structure resembling "skin-like cartilage" within my left nostril, which is only visible when I lift the tip of my nose. After undergoing a CT scan, my physician diagnosed me with a sinus infection. Although I completed a 14-day course of antibiotics about a year ago, I still feel that a part of the infection lingers. I find myself questioning whether this formation is merely cartilage or if it could be something more concerning. It has a texture similar to normal skin, is not tender to the touch, yet is consistently covered in mucus. Additionally, I occasionally detect an odd odor within my nose that resembles something burning, especially when I manipulate my nose. This peculiar experience has been ongoing for more than a year, and my healthcare provider attributes it to the sinus infection. To provide a bit more background, I underwent a nasal surgery in 2019, which proceeded without any complications or concerns.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 3:30:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about the structure you found in your left nostril and the lingering symptoms related to your chronic sinusitis are understandable. The presence of a formation that feels like cartilage, along with the continued mucus production and unusual odor, can be concerning. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- The nasal formation may be a benign issue, such as nasal polyps or a mucous cyst, especially considering your chronic sinusitis and history.
- Ongoing sinus infections can lead to persistent symptoms, and the odor you detect could be related to residual infection or post-nasal drip.
Explanation:
Nasal polyps or similar formations can be common in individuals with chronic sinus conditions. They often resemble skin or mucus and might not be tender. The continued presence of mucus and a burning smell can indicate that there is still inflammation or infection in the nasal passages, which is not unusual after a sinus infection.
Next Steps:
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Regularly rinse your nasal passages with saline spray or sinus rinse. This helps clear mucus and may reduce inflammation.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the size of the formation, odor, or pain. Take note of how often you experience these symptoms.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus secretions.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, or allergens that may aggravate your sinuses.
- Consultation for Chronic Symptoms: Since this has been ongoing for over a year, consider asking your healthcare provider about the need for further evaluation, such as a referral to an ENT specialist, who can provide a more thorough assessment of the nasal structure.
If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or a fever, or if the odor intensifies, seeking immediate medical attention would be important. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more information on specific aspects!
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