nostril leasons

[vin_d]

i have had for many years a fungal type growth in both nostrils, it appears as a scaly crust, dry and flaky. i have seen (6) doctors,  most dermatologist, and two eye, ear, nose & throat Md's. one prescribed an ophthalmology cream (cortisporin) to relieve the dryness. originally i could get by for about two weeks between applications but now I'm applying it every couple of days to relieve the discomfort. All the Md's professed ignorance as to just what it is, lately i have been having a sputum discharge from my lungs that has been tested as a bacterial infection but is not cleared up with an anti-biotic treatment. i have read that a fungal infection is possible in the lungs. does anyone have any ideas???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it sounds like allergic fungal sinusitis and fungal infection of the lung(aspergillosis).You can get it confirmed by getting total Ig E levels, transillumination (passing light through the sinuses),Sinus X-rays or CAT scan of sinuses and fungal culture of nasal and sputum specimens.

You can use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant combined with an anti-inflammatory analgesic (pain reliever) like Ibuprofen. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time. Symptoms can also be relieved by using a saline nasal spray or a nasal spray that contains corticosteroids. Corticosteroids work by helping to reduce inflammation and congestion.

However the golden rule for chronic stuffy nose is steam inhalation. Severe and chronic cases may require sinus drainage and antifungal oral medication for lung infections.I sincerely advise you to consult an ENT surgeon/physician and get yourself evaluated.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[lucidus]

Scaly, crusty, dry, flaky could be a form of psoriasis or other immune system problem.  The cortisone is dangerous to use that often as it can be absorbed and cause your own adrenal glands to stop working correctly.  You need to get weaned off the steroid and get a proper diagnosis.  Please find an autoimmune specialist within immunology/allergy specialty regarding your nose, but see a pulmonologist or infection medicine specialist for your lungs before it causes severe scarring or damage.

YOu may want to have the allergy/immunologist try to determine if there is something in your home or work environment that may be causing a reaction chronically.

Don't know -- is not an answer -- it is a dead end -- back up and look elsewhere for help.