Is Your Nasal Pain Linked to Nerve Issues?
A 48-year-old woman weighing 119 lbs, who has been taking fish oil, experienced a cold last January that led to a fever and congestion. Following the onset of these symptoms, she underwent a CT scan, which revealed mucus accumulation. Despite a course of multiple antibiotics, she found little relief. By February, her nasal passages felt excessively dry, and after two months, subsequent scans showed no mucus present; however, a persistent pain remained. The discomfort manifests along the side of her nose and nostril, accompanied by pressure beneath her eye—all on one side of her face. Medical professionals have indicated that she has a deviated septum and mildly enlarged turbinates but have not provided a clear explanation for her pain. After being advised to consult a dentist, she had a molar extraction, which did not alleviate her symptoms. Now, doctors are recommending gabapentin, suggesting that her issues may stem from nerve-related problems. She is questioning whether this pain might indeed be nerve-related. Since the troubling symptoms began after her severe cold, she has been enduring discomfort for several months and has now been referred to a neurologist, along with the suggestion to try gabapentin.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 8:30:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with significant discomfort and uncertainty regarding your nasal pain, which can be frustrating. Your medical team is exploring various possibilities, including nerve-related issues, which may be linked to your symptoms following the cold.
Explanation:
Nasal pain can arise from various causes, including anatomical issues (like a deviated septum), sinus infections, or nerve-related conditions. It’s not uncommon for post-viral conditions to lead to ongoing symptoms, including pain and pressure due to inflammation or irritation in the nasal passages and surrounding areas. Gabapentin is sometimes used to address nerve pain, especially if there's a suspicion that the pain may be due to nerve irritation or damage.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your pain, noting its intensity, duration, and any triggers. This information can be invaluable for your neurologist in determining potential nerve-related issues.
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Follow Neurologist's Recommendations: Since you have been referred to a neurologist and advised to try gabapentin, it's essential to discuss any concerns you have with them. They can provide guidance on the appropriateness of this medication and what you might expect in terms of pain relief.
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Consider Supportive Care: In the meantime, you might find relief from saline nasal sprays or humidifiers to help combat dryness. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen could also help manage the discomfort in the short term, but check with your doctor to ensure these are safe for you.
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Evaluate Allergies or Sinus Health: If you have not already, discussing potential allergies or undergoing tests for other sinus issues with your healthcare provider might be beneficial. This could provide a more comprehensive view of ongoing symptoms.
Taking steps to monitor and understand your symptoms can empower you as you navigate this situation with your healthcare providers. You're not alone in this, and there are pathways to relief and answers—stay proactive in seeking them. If you have any further questions or need clarity on your treatment options, don't hesitate to ask.
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