Understanding Nasal Vestibulitis: Seeking Insights
Greetings, I’m a 29-year-old female in good health, and I’ve recently experienced a peculiar set of symptoms. For the last week, I perceived sensations akin to sinus pressure accompanied by a runny nose, which produced clear mucus. I must admit that I have had a habit of nose-picking, albeit unconsciously, and at that point in time, I had developed a small injury on the rim of my nostril. Beginning Wednesday, I noticed the emergence of new symptoms. The most prominent issue now is pain in my nose, particularly along the bridge, which has become so sensitive that even the slightest touch triggers a sharp, throbbing discomfort. This pain has shown some relief with Panadol, and occasionally, applying cold or warm compresses helps. However, swelling has started to manifest, prompting me to reach out to my physician. They advised me to get an X-ray of my sinuses, which I underwent on Friday, revealing no abnormalities. The skin around my nose appears slightly pink, and while there is some swelling that has begun to extend toward my cheek, it isn’t significant. After taking Panadol, I generally feel a marked reduction in pain. The discomfort mainly resides in my nose area between my eyes but also radiates to my forehead, behind my eyes, and along my eyebrows. I consulted with an internal medicine physician today since my regular doctor was unavailable. They seemed uncertain about the exact nature of my condition. Their suspicion points to a localized infection possibly stemming from my previously mentioned nostril wound, which appears to have healed but might have created a pathway for infection. They expressed confidence that it isn’t sinusitis, unless it involves the ethmoid sinuses. Furthermore, they assured me that this is not a severe infection due to the absence of fever and lack of pain when I move my eyes. They prescribed me Augmentin, for which I am thankful. If I do not notice any improvement in a few days, they suggested that I consult with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist and consider having blood tests to prepare for a facial CT scan. I must admit that I struggle with significant health anxiety, leading me to fear that this situation could escalate to involve my eyes or brain, with dire consequences. Although I have sought reassurance through ChatGPT, I would genuinely value any additional insights or advice on my condition!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 5:00:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Summary: You’re experiencing discomfort in your nose, likely related to a minor infection near a previous injury. Although your symptoms can be concerning, it's reassuring that there are no signs of a serious infection based on your X-ray and the expertise of your inner medicine physician. Here are some focused steps to help manage your situation.
Explanation: Nasal vestibulitis occurs when there's inflammation or infection in the nasal openings, often due to bacteria entering through small wounds. Your symptoms, including pain, swelling, and sensitivity in the nose, align with this condition. Since you've received Augmentin, antibiotics should help reduce the infection. It's normal to feel anxious, especially when considering symptoms that affect your face and sinuses. Remember, your doctor's assessment indicates that there are no immediate serious risks based on your current symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Continue Taking Medication: Follow the prescribed course of Augmentin as directed by your physician, even if you start feeling better before finishing the entire course.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you start to notice worsening pain, increased swelling, fever, or any changes in vision, it would be important to seek further medical attention immediately.
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Nasal Care: Avoid picking at your nose, as this can exacerbate irritation and increase the chance of infection. You may gently clean around your nostrils with a saline nasal spray or a damp cloth.
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Pain Management: Continue using over-the-counter pain relievers like Panadol for discomfort as needed, and apply warm or cold compresses to soothe the pain.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your mucus thin and facilitate healing.
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Follow-Up: If you notice no improvement in 48-72 hours after starting Augmentin, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps, including potential referral to an ENT specialist.
Remember, your health anxiety is valid, and it's great that you're seeking information and support. You're taking the right approach by staying informed while following your doctor's advice. If you have any further questions or need more support, feel free to ask.
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