Persisting Nasal Issue
A 49-year-old male, standing 5'9" and weighing 180 pounds, experienced a trauma-induced stroke at the age of 46, which has resulted in blindness in his left eye. Alongside these challenges, I underwent surgery around 2021 to excise a cyst located deep within my right nasal passage. During the procedure, the physician had to remove a portion of tissue for a complete extraction. Every couple of months or so, I find that when blowing my nose, I sometimes release a substance resembling a small bead. This object is approximately the size of a BB, lacks any blood, displays a flesh-tone, and has a resilient quality, bouncing back when squeezed despite the center feeling denser. Its surface appears slightly irregular, almost as if several tiny growths are fused together. Previously, I attempted to present one of these samples to my physician; however, by the time of my appointment, it had mostly dried up and lost its structure. Should I be concerned about these occurrences? I appreciate any insight you can provide!
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 10:21:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
It seems you're experiencing the discharge of a small, bead-like substance from your nasal passage, which follows a history of nasal surgery and concerns about your overall health. While this can be unsettling, the appearance and texture of the substance you described could be related to your previous surgery, nasal tissue changes, or even mucus buildup.
Explanation:
The substance you've described could potentially be a combination of dried mucus, cellular debris, and possibly remnants from the previous tissue removal. After surgeries within the nasal cavity, it’s not uncommon for people to notice unusual discharges or changes in how their nasal passages function. Sometimes, people experience the formation of mucoid plugs - these can appear firm and irregular, and may result from mucous buildup that has become compacted.
While this isn't automatically a cause for concern, it's essential to monitor the situation and take some proactive steps.
Next Steps:
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Keep Documentation: Try to document when these beads appear, noting their frequency and any associated symptoms (e.g., pain, changes in smell, or nasal congestion).
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Observe Any Changes: Pay attention to any new symptoms that arise, such as increased nasal congestion, pain while blowing your nose, or nasal bleeding.
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Manage Nasal Hygiene: Gently rinsing your nasal passages using a saline solution (like a sinus rinse or neti pot) can help keep them clear and may prevent buildup that leads to these occurrences.
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Build a Support: If you experience these substances frequently, consider preparing one of these samples properly, possibly using a small container with a lid. This way, you can present it to your healthcare provider during your next visit.
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Follow Up with Your Physician: Continue discussing these occurrences with your healthcare provider, especially if their frequency increases or new symptoms develop. If they happen consistently or if there is any change in symptoms, it might warrant further investigation.
Your health is important, and while these occurrences are likely benign, staying vigilant and maintaining communication with your healthcare provider is key to addressing any concerns.
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