Ongoing Facial Pressure and Breathing Difficulties for Four Months
Greetings! I’m a 24-year-old female, currently prescribed nortriptyline (as mentioned earlier) and using a Fostair inhaler. I’m a nonsmoker, my height is 5'6", and I weigh 120 pounds. As indicated in the title, I’ve been dealing with pressure on the right side of my face—specifically above my eyebrow, extending to my temple, along the bridge of my nose, and beneath my eyes—for approximately four and a half months. This discomfort is accompanied by significantly impaired airflow through my left nostril. I’m feeling quite frustrated, which is why I’ve decided to share my experience here. The first instance of the facial pressure began on March 21, initially leading me to suspect a sinus infection. By March 22, I developed a debilitating headache and nausea, alongside the pressure, and also caught a cold. While the cold symptoms subsided within about three days, the headache, pressure, and nausea lingered. I found it difficult to breathe through my nose, assuming this was merely due to congestion. Following this, I was prescribed antibiotics (penicillin) and a nasal spray, but after completing the penicillin course and switching to doxycycline, I noticed no improvement. Fortunately, around May 1, the intense headache and nausea subsided. Subsequently, I was referred to an ENT specialist, but a CT scan of my sinuses revealed no issues apart from a deviated septum on the left side. An allergy test yielded no concerning results either. After that, I was sent to a neurologist. The week before my appointment with the neurologist, I noticed some numbness in my arms, a symptom I had previously only experienced during migraines (which I’ve had three in the past, all accompanied by aura and numbness prior to the headaches). The neurologist concluded that I was experiencing a migrainous phenomenon. He conducted an MRI of my brain, which appeared normal, and subsequently prescribed nortriptyline; I have been on it for eight weeks now. Unfortunately, the pressure on the right side of my face persists, though the numbness has dissipated after only a brief episode. As an avid runner, I’ve also observed that my heart rate during runs has become excessively elevated. For instance, my average heart rate during runs that used to be around 155 bpm has shot up to 180 bpm. Despite this, both my ENT and neurologist attribute my issues solely to migraine-related symptoms and the deviated septum, but I recall a time when I could breathe freely through my left nostril. Additionally, I’ve experienced noticeable clicking and crackling sensations in my face when I manipulate my soft palate. Although this has improved, it still occurs occasionally and is audible to those nearby. I am curious if others believe these diagnoses are accurate. Although I am not a medical professional, I struggle to distinguish the connection between my breathing difficulties and the pressure sensation, as they emerged simultaneously. I feel somewhat helpless at this point, especially considering that my insurance no longer covers migraine-related care since it has been classified as a chronic condition, leaving me uncertain about the next steps to take.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 11:21:13 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel frustrated with ongoing facial pressure and breathing difficulties, especially when they significantly impact your daily life. The symptoms you describe can indeed be interconnected, and addressing them requires a careful approach.
Main Points:
- Your facial pressure and nasal airflow issue may be linked to a sinus-related condition or migraine-related symptoms.
- The deviated septum may contribute to your breathing difficulties, but there could be other underlying factors.
- Increased heart rate during runs and sensations in your face warrant further investigation.
Explanation:
You’ve experienced facial pressure predominantly on one side, blood flow issues, and breathing difficulties, compounded by a past of headaches. It’s important to understand that the pressure might be a result of sinus congestion, even though the CT scan didn’t show significant issues. The deviated septum could potentially impede airflow, but it might not be the sole cause. Migraines can also cause referred symptoms like facial pain and numbness. The elevated heart rate during exercise needs attention, as it could be influenced by anxiety related to your symptoms or other physiological factors.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting the intensity of facial pressure, nasal airflow, headache occurrences, and exercise heart rate. This chronicling can help identify triggers or cycles in your symptoms.
-
Breathing Techniques: Practice nasal breathing exercises to enhance airflow through your left nostril. This could also include using saline nasal sprays to keep nasal passages moist and clear.
-
Evaluate Medication Effects: Since you have been on nortriptyline for eight weeks, consider tracking any changes in your symptoms to discuss with your physician. The medication may require adjustment if symptoms persist.
-
Discuss Further Evaluation: If issues continue, inquire about revisiting your ENT specialist for a more detailed assessment of possible sinus involvement despite the CT scan results. You might also ask about options for nasal surgery for the deviated septum if it's contributing to your breathing difficulties.
-
Focus on Physical Health: With your heart rate increasing during runs, consider cross-training with lower-intensity exercise until you assess your cardiovascular response. Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet to support overall health.
-
Seek Support: Look into support groups or online communities for chronic pain and migraine sufferers. Sharing experiences can provide comfort and potential coping strategies.
If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, remain vigilant and advocate for a thorough review of your case with your healthcare providers. It's important that you feel empowered and supported in managing your health journey. Please remember, you’re not alone in this process.
Related Questions
Dealing with Red Marks from Sweating: Seeking Guidance
As a 43-year-old male standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 163 pounds, I don’t have any known health concerns or allergies that I am aware of. In the warmer months, I notice the appearance of red patches on my skin, particularly after I sweat heavily or when the humidity levels rise. To mitigate any problems, I typically opt for a natural deodorant like Native, but despite my efforts, these marks still appear from time to time. The areas tend to itch, especially post-sweating; otherwise, they feel somewhat irritated. I'm curious about the nature of these marks and what over-the-counter remedies might be effective in treating them. Would using Sudocrem be beneficial? Additionally, would it make sense to apply baby powder temporarily to prevent further irritation? Thank you for your insights!
Elevated CRP Levels: Understanding the Implications
Greetings! I underwent a blood examination today, and while all findings were within normal limits, my C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level is notably high. The laboratory defines a standard range as being between 0 and 5 mg/L, but my measurement stands at 20 mg/L. The impetus for this blood work stemmed from experiencing digestive difficulties for the past three months. My physician has suggested that these issues might be related to stress, and I tend to worry excessively about my health. Currently, I do not exhibit any alarming symptoms, such as blood in my stool, vomiting, or diarrhea. My primary concerns are mild discomfort, occasional nausea, and infrequent acid reflux. Although my appetite is diminished, I am still able to eat. Additionally, my doctor has recommended an ultrasound, which is yet to be scheduled. Interestingly, I completed a 130km bicycle ride yesterday, with the blood test taking place this morning. I found information online indicating that vigorous physical exercise can result in increased CRP levels. What do you think about the significance of my elevated CRP? I'm feeling quite anxious about the possibility of serious illnesses, such as cancer. I am a 21-year-old male. Thank you!
Elevated Ferritin Levels: Seeking Guidance
Hello, I am a 36-year-old man. Recently, I visited my physician because I’ve been experiencing weakness in my arms and lower legs, along with occasional mild headaches. After conducting several blood tests, the results indicated a diabetes level of 58 and extremely elevated ferritin levels exceeding 1000, although I don’t have the exact number. I weigh 20 stone and stand 171 cm tall. My doctor has referred me to a gastroenterologist, who has recommended undergoing bowel screenings and a prostate examination. Has anyone else faced similar issues?
Struggling for Six Months: In Search of Answers
I’m a 20-year-old male, and I apologize for the lengthy message, but I truly need support. Approximately six months ago, I received a substantial 50,000 IU Vitamin D dose to rectify a significant deficiency, which may stem from my hypothyroidism, for which I'm currently prescribed levothyroxine. Prior to this incident, I had been taking this dosage monthly for nearly a year without any complications. However, shortly after my latest intake, I began experiencing alarming symptoms: profound dissociation, memory lapses, overwhelming fatigue, sleeping disturbances, and involuntary muscle spasms. A trip to the emergency room revealed normal blood test results for calcium and Vitamin D levels, and a CT scan of my brain returned with no significant findings. In the subsequent weeks, my condition took a turn for the worse. I experienced a drastic reduction in my ability to taste and smell (about 50% loss), developed weakness on my right side, and encountered a complete sensory loss throughout my body—culminating in a state where I no longer felt cold, tingling, or any heart flutters. Emotionally and physically, I felt utterly numb; my libido vanished, and I became increasingly disconnected from reality. This weakness progressed to the point where simple acts like urinating or passing gas became an enormous challenge. My right foot has become limp, and I now find myself in a constant fog of dissociation and an exhaustion so severe it feels akin to suffocation. As a consequence, I have withdrawn from both school and work. Seeking answers, I consulted a neurologist who prescribed an MRI (both with and without contrast) as well as a 20-minute EEG; all tests were deemed "normal." The neurologist suggested I could be experiencing migraines or depression and prescribed amitriptyline, which only aided my sleep issues. I began to feel increasingly hopeless, leading me to review my own MRI and CT scan images. To my alarm, I noticed what I believed to be brain calcifications, a detail that wasn’t highlighted in any of the official reports. When I raised this concern with my neurologist, he dismissed my findings as “normal,” even at my age, and ridiculed my inquiry. Next, I visited a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with ADHD and prescribed Adderall. Unfortunately, this worsened my dissociation significantly, prompting an immediate discontinuation of the medication. I also ceased taking amitriptyline because it left me feeling excessively lethargic and zombie-like. My symptoms have become unpredictable and vary significantly in intensity, although my baseline condition has deteriorated. I experience brief episodes of improvement, followed by sudden crashes where my symptoms return to peak severity. Upon waking, I often find my symptoms at maximum intensity, or I experience a painful pressure in the rear of my head that lingers for hours before it relieves. After this pressure subsides, I immediately encounter muscle spasms, a resurgence of extreme dissociation, memory issues akin to dementia, noticeable weakness on my right side, stiffness in my right pinky, and nearly complete loss of taste and smell. These cycles of slight improvement followed by severe relapses have become distressingly routine. I've identified sleep deprivation and late-night eating as major triggers for my episodes. At this point, I feel utterly lost, and I’m reaching out in desperation for any guidance or advice you might offer. Thank you for reading my story.
Request for Antibiotics Due to Severe Food Poisoning
Age: 37, Gender: Male, Location: Tennessee. I'm currently experiencing extreme food poisoning. I visited a local emergency room, but they incorrectly accused me of being under the influence of narcotics without any proof and then refused to provide treatment when I asked for help with my food poisoning. Additionally, I've been dealing with a long-standing dental cavity. The staff there were quite unsympathetic. Despite having insurance, it feels useless as they won’t accept me for care. The atmosphere at this ER resembles more of a police precinct than a healthcare facility. They enforce a policy allowing them to deny treatment for almost any reason, and they even have law enforcement present to remove patients from the premises, regardless of the severity of their condition—such as dizziness or vomiting, which I experienced at the time. I urgently need someone to prescribe antibiotics to help combat the bacteria that I ingested. I have no alternative means of reaching another ER, and this one was the closest to me. Furthermore, I really don't feel well; however, there is a 24-hour Walgreens nearby. At 3 AM, my options are limited to either this ER or waiting weeks for an appointment with a general physician. If you need more information, feel free to message me. I contacted poison control, and they advised me to go to the ER, but it’s clear that they aren’t equipped to assist me properly. I came across an article that discusses this situation. I would be willing to accept amoxicillin if it’s possible, as I understand it's effective for general bacterial infections. I've been suffering from frequent vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps in my stomach.