A New Form of Sinusitis or ???

Hi there!  I usually have sinus infections, but have never had one like this. My nose is extremely dry and tender to the touch (even touching it on the outside hurts on the inside).  I get very dried, green, bloody mucus inside, and do not have any nasal drip.  I do not have any facial aches or headaches, but do get a stabbing pain behind my eye every once in a while.  My throat also feels like it is impossible to swallow, like there is a "lump" in the back of my throat so bad that I get heartburn sometimes, and it has been going on and off since December, but I figure it is related to the nose situation (I went to the doctor one time and he said it was a virus).  I smoked for 18 years (I started when I was 14...I was a stupid kid), but have quit for 4 months now.  I guess I'm reaping the "benefits" of all that smoking now.  I also have unusually large tonsils, I do not know if that has anything to do with it or not.  Does anybody have any clues?  I know it sounds crazy, but my nose is killing me!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Sinusitis or chronic rhinitis would be the two more common causes that should be considered.  

If the symptoms have been going on for 8 months now (since December), further evaluation should be considered.  This can include various imaging studies of the sinuses - including plain films or a sinus CT scan.  

Antibiotics can help.  If there continues to be inflammation evidenced on the imaging studies, steroids can be considered.

You may want to consider an ENT referral to discuss these options.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com