constant inflammation in right side of nose - ideas?
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I'm experiencing inflammation in the right side of my nose. It feels like it's in the middle + top turbinate. Some times it feels like it's burning/irritated skin inside. Other times it feels like I've been punched in the eye/nose and it's swollen. Headaches sometimes. Almost always I cannot breath through my right nostril. I've had this feeling for about 2 years. I went to an ENT dr to have it checked. He had me try Flonase for a few months, but that did not do anything. Then I had a CT scan and he said that there is no structural problem. He suggested it was caused by clenching/grinding my jaw. I do clench my jaw, especially when I'm asleep. But, I think it's because I have pain/inflammation in my nose/face - a circular problem. I'm looking for some ideas on what's causing this and how to calm it down.
I've got a bit of history… so here's more info:
When I was 28, I had sinus surgery to remove a bone spur that was in the upper right of my nose and had a contact point that caused migraines (same area as the inflammation). They also straightened out my septum while they were in there. The surgery solved the migraines. I was basically problem free until about 2 years ago. I'm 39 now.
I had a baby 2 years ago, this inflammation started soon after his birth.
While I was pregnant with baby, I fell down a flight of stairs and had a head injury above my eyebrow on the left side.
In the months to a year following having baby, I had dizzy spells. I went to the Dr. Blood work only showed vitamin D deficiency. Thyroid tested normal. I eventually got desperate and googled for solutions. I read about BBPV and tried the Epley maneuver and that solved the dizziness on the first try.
Since baby, I've also had a hard time maintaining my blood sugar. I breast fed for 1 year. Only recently (baby now 2 years old) have I been able to manage that better by changing my diet - reducing carbs and eating more protein and fat. That sounds obvious, but I was eating very healthy and balanced before. I have had to push it to paleo style (no refined grains, very few carbs) to feel comfortable and not starving all of the time.
I am fatigued, but baby was not a good sleeper for the first full year. I get as much sleep as I can, but with jaw clenching and two small children, it's not perfect.
I neti pot fairly regularly with salt water. It helps with any congestion I get, but does not get rid of inflammation.
I recently went to an indoor swimming pool and had increased nasal/sinus inflammation and headache on the right side and a sore throat. It was inflamed before, the pool environment made it incredibly painful.
When I have a cold, there's lots of pain/pressure/discomfort on that right side.
I had a head cold a few months ago and the Dr. said my ears were very blocked with ear wax and had to clean them out in order to see my ear drum. It makes me wonder if something is going on with my ears.
I am allergic to milk. I eat yogurt, butter. Small amounts of milk in cooking. Would not dare drink a glass of milk or ice cream. I used to have irritable bowels when I did drink milk... so I generally control my intake so that I have no bowel symptoms. But, I'm wondering if milk could contribute to congestion/inflammation.
I also recently realized that if I sleep tilted up (with 2 pillows) I will wake up with my right nostril completely clear and air moving through comfortably with no inflammation. This makes no sense to me since I have a blocked nostril all day long.
Another remedy that seems to help is inhaling steam with tea tree oil. It takes out the raw/stinging feeling. But, obviously hasn't cured it.
Any ideas for what is causing this or how to reduce the inflammation would be a great help! Thank you
0 likes, 1 reply
sarah71689
Posted
I'm replying to my own post. But, if anyone's following this might be helpful:
I noticed my eyes being dry. Occasionally I used saline drops that maybe helped. I brought this up when I had an eye exam. The doctor said I had dry eyes and gave me a sample of over the counter lubricant eye drops (the brand is Systane). This made a huge difference. My eye felt sore/tired for a day or two after I started using them. Since then, the pain in my nose/sinus area seems to have gone away. I don't feel like I'm clenching, squinting or otherwise wincing in pain. From my layman's research I know that your eye drains into your nose basically where I was having pain and it seems that the whole drainage path might've been dry and inflamed. I never connected pain to the mild/occasional dryness in my eye.
Good luck!