Have you gone to blow your nose recently and felt a lump in your nostril? Or maybe you feel like there is something solid blocking your nasal passage, in addition to the regular congestion. While it is possible for lumps to grow inside your nose, luckily they are usually nothing serious.
There are a few things that may cause the lump:
Acne. Pimples pop up when pores get blocked and oil and dead skin cells build-up. Usually, pimples appear on your face, but they can appear in your nose too. Other than using acne medication and warm compresses, you can just wait it out for them to go away. Just make sure you don’t pick at them because that can lead to infection.
Folliculitis. Sometimes the hair follicles inside your nose can become inflamed because of bacterial or fungal infection. The most common type of infection is Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and can go away on its own in mild cases. In severe cases, it is usually easily treated with antibiotics. The symptoms of folliculitis, as explained by Mayo Clinic, are:
Boils. This is another type of bacterial or fungal infection, which manifests as painful bumps that drain pus. Like folliculitis, it is also usually a staph infection that can be cured with some home care. However, if the following symptoms occur, you should see a doctor as, according to Mayo Clinic, they can lead to a serious condition:
Nasal Polyps. These are painless tear-drop or grape-shaped growths that are often caused by continuous inflammation brought on by allergies or asthma. Polyps are usually harmless but can cause uncomfortable symptoms. According to WebMD, “Most people with nasal polyps have a runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip. About 75% have problems with their sense of smell.” The site also lists these additional symptoms:
SINUVA is the first and only FDA-approved stent for the treatment of nasal polyps in adult patients who have already had ethmoid sinus surgery:
*Anti-inflammatory medicine (mometasone furoate) was not detected 14 days after placement of SINUVA In a pharmacokinetics study.
Often when people feel a lump anywhere on their body, they ignore it out of fear. A lump in the nose is no exception. However, it really is best to get it checked out, even in mild cases, because it’s better to be safe, and also your doctor can help alleviate any discomfort and possibly prevent it from recurring. In the rare case that the lump is a more serious infection or growth, your doctor can make sure you get the treatment required.
Our expert physicians at CT Sinus Center have a nose for nasal issues and can help you figure out exactly what is causing the lump and how to treat it. When you come in for your appointment, we’ll sit down with you and discuss your symptoms and medical history. Next, we’ll conduct a series of tests, which may include allergy tests and nasal endoscopy, that tell us exactly what is causing your growth so that we can come up with an individualized treatment plan that is right for you and your lifestyle.
Call 860-BALLOON today and schedule your appointment. With three conveniently-located offices across the state, getting the care is a no(se)-brainer.
For more information on sinus– and allergy-related conditions and treatments, visit the CT Sinus Center website and blog.
