Concerns Over Nasal Swelling: Seeking Advice
I am a 25-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 180 pounds. My medication regimen includes Adderall, Gabapentin, and Flexeril. In terms of my medical history, I underwent surgery for a deviated septum 12 years ago, had two cesarean sections, and had my gallbladder removed. Additionally, I have a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome but am not currently on anticoagulants. Recently, I have been experiencing noticeable swelling on my nasal septum, which is the wall that divides my nostrils. This swelling has persisted for several days and is not a pimple; rather, it appears as a smooth, rounded protrusion within one nostril. At times, it feels tender and seems to fluctuate in size, becoming larger or softer depending on my position. Although I haven’t experienced any significant trauma, I might have caused some irritation. This weekend, I attended a funeral where I found myself crying quite a bit, and the swelling appeared the following day. The previous evening, I encountered sharp, painful sensations with significant popping and cracking of my sinuses on that side. Along with this, I feel considerable pressure around the bridge of my nose and the eye on the same side. When I examine the swelling, it feels soft and pliable, but it does become quite tender at times. As the situation seems to be worsening and is hindering my ability to breathe comfortably, I'm left wondering whether I should seek immediate medical attention or simply wait for my scheduled appointment with my primary care physician next week.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 8:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
The symptoms you describe, including nasal swelling, tenderness, and pressure, suggest that you might be experiencing a nasal issue that could be related to inflammation, possibly due to sinus congestion or irritants. Given your medical history and current medications, it's valuable to address your concerns thoughtfully.
Explanation
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Nasal Swelling and Tenderness: The smooth, rounded protrusion in your nostril—especially after crying—might indicate inflammation or irritation of the nasal tissue. This could stem from excessive mucus production or localized trauma from crying and blowing your nose.
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Pressure and Pain: The pressure around the nose and eye can often accompany sinus issues, such as sinusitis or a condition known as an "aseptic inflammatory response," especially handled in those with prior nasal surgeries like deviated septum correction.
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Monitoring Symptoms: The fluctuation in size and tenderness is notable; it could suggest fluid accumulation or minor infection. Deeply consider how these symptoms impact your daily life and breathing, as that can influence your next steps.
Next Steps
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Immediate Self-Care:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin.
- Nasal Irrigation: Use a saline nasal spray or perform nasal saline irrigation to relieve congestion and reduce swelling.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress over the affected area can help soothe discomfort and reduce pressure.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on changes in the size, tenderness, or appearance of the swelling. Note any new symptoms, such as fever, severe pain, or changes in vision.
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Consider Positioning:
- Sleeping propped up may help reduce swelling, as it can facilitate drainage and relieve pressure.
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Stay Attentive:
- If your symptoms worsen—especially if you experience severe headaches, persistent pain, or difficulty breathing—consider seeking immediate medical attention rather than waiting for your scheduled appointment.
Your comfort and well-being are important, so please take these steps seriously as you monitor your condition. It's always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to new or progressing symptoms.
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