Curious Indentations on My Septum
Hello everyone, Recently, I experienced a tingling sensation in my nose and some discharge, which subsided after I blew my nose. Afterward, I decided to examine my nasal passages with my bebird ear camera while resting in my room. Upon inspection, I noticed three almost perfectly round indentations resembling craters located on my septum. They aren't present on the opposite side, so I'm not inclined to believe it's an actual perforation—yet I can't help but wonder if this could signal the beginning of one. What puzzles me is why they appear to be three, all identical in size. A search online hasn't yielded anything matching my discovery. My nose tends to get runny quite often, especially in cooler weather, which means I usually keep tissues handy, particularly at work. While I do have nasal polyps, they haven't interfered with my breathing. To note, I've never engaged in the use of any snortable drugs, nor have I suffered from any recent nasal injuries. The most significant impact was when a chain struck the side of my nose a couple of years back, but it barely left a mark. These indentations likely appear somewhat larger than they truly are due to the magnification of the ear camera. They’re not tender to the touch, show no signs of bleeding or pus, and there’s no redness or inflammation present. Nevertheless, I’m eager to know if anyone else has encountered something similar or if this situation warrants an immediate visit to an ENT specialist. One thought that crossed my mind is related to my cat; whenever I pick her up, she has a habit of resting her paws on my nose to prevent me from kissing her. I wondered if these could somehow be claw marks left behind. However, I don’t see any corresponding indentations on the outside or inside of my nose, only on the septum, which makes me think the claws are unlikely to be the cause. About me: I'm a 40-year-old woman who smokes cigarettes and takes ibuprofen occasionally (600 mg once or twice monthly), while also contending with low vitamin D levels. I experience anxiety and OCD, with much of my distress stemming from health-related worries and attempting to understand oddities in my body, so this situation is quite troubling for me. Thanks for any insights!
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 12:30:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about new changes in your body, especially regarding something as sensitive as your nasal septum. The indentations you're noticing, along with your other symptoms, can be unsettling, but let's break this down and determine how to proceed.
Main Points:
- The indentations you observed on your septum may result from various non-serious factors.
- Ongoing nasal irritations, such as from smoking or frequent nasal discharge, could contribute to changes.
- Observing for any worsening symptoms is essential before considering an ENT visit.
Explanation:
The craters or indentations on your nasal septum could be caused by a few factors, like irritation from nasal congestion, frequent blowing of the nose, or even minor trauma. Since you mentioned having nasal polyps, this could also contribute to the irregularities you're seeing. The absence of pain, inflammation, or bleeding is reassuring, as these signs typically indicate a need for more immediate care.
Your smoking habit can irritate the nasal passages, potentially leading to changes in the septum over time. It's less likely that your cat's paws caused these indentations, particularly if there are no corresponding markings elsewhere.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes over the next week:
- Note if the indentations change in size or shape.
- Check for new symptoms like increased discharge, bleeding, or pain.
-
Hydrate and Humidify:
- Ensure you’re staying well-hydrated to help maintain moisture in your nasal passages.
- Consider using a humidifier, especially if you find your nose runs more in colder weather.
-
Modify Habits: If you can, reduce smoking, as it can irritate your nasal pathways, potentially leading to further issues.
-
Document Findings: Keep a picture diary to track the indentations and any symptoms you may experience. This can provide helpful evidence if you decide to pursue professional advice later.
If the indentations persist or worsen, or if you experience new concerning symptoms, it would be a good idea to see an ENT specialist. Having a healthcare professional evaluate the situation could offer you peace of mind, especially considering your anxiety about health concerns.
Remember, taking these steps will empower you in managing your health while also alleviating some worry. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
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