Nasal Skin Tears and Allergies: When to Seek Help

Q: Nasal Skin Tears and Allergies: When to Seek Help

Hello： If the symptoms have improved and there is no bleeding, you can monitor yourself for now. <br>Whether allergy testing is necessary depends mainly on whether the symptoms are affecting your daily life. <br>If you are experiencing daily sneezing and runny nose that causes si

Nasal skin irritation and allergies?

Recently, the weather has been slightly cool, and I've been experiencing post-nasal drip.
Sometimes in the morning, I wake up sneezing and with a runny nose, which occasionally has a bit of blood in it.
I decided to see an ENT specialist to check for allergies.
The doctor performed a nasopharyngoscopy and said everything looked normal, with no growths.
The blood was due to a small abrasion at the front of my nose, which the doctor observed.
He mentioned that I don't need to return for a follow-up, as the abrasion can cause the nose to bleed a little.
He advised me not to blow my nose forcefully, as it could irritate the wound and slow down healing, and that it would heal naturally and form a scab.
I didn't fully understand the allergy situation because I didn't want to take allergy medication, so I didn't get any.
Now, after a week, it seems like there’s no blood when I blow my nose, and my allergy symptoms have improved; I’m not sneezing much in the morning anymore.

I would like to ask the doctor if I can just monitor my condition on my own.
If I experience sneezing and a runny nose with blood every year during seasonal changes, should I return to see a doctor? My family says that allergies don't require a doctor's visit and that a little blood from a nose abrasion isn't a concern.
They think going to the doctor is overreacting.
Also, is it true, as the doctor said, that I shouldn't blow my nose forcefully? Thank you.

Jun Jun, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/02

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: If the symptoms have improved and there is no bleeding, you can monitor yourself for now.
Whether allergy testing is necessary depends mainly on whether the symptoms are affecting your daily life.
If you are experiencing daily sneezing and runny nose that causes significant discomfort, it would be advisable to seek medical treatment.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/09/02

More Info

When it comes to nasal skin tears and allergies, it's essential to understand the underlying causes and when to seek medical help. From your description, it seems that you have experienced nasal symptoms such as post-nasal drip, sneezing, and nasal discharge with blood streaks. You mentioned that an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist examined you and found no significant issues, only a small tear in the nasal mucosa. This is a common occurrence, especially in dry or cold weather, which can lead to nasal irritation and subsequent bleeding.

Nasal skin tears can occur due to several factors, including excessive nose blowing, dry air, or even allergies. When the nasal mucosa becomes irritated, it can lead to small abrasions or tears, which may bleed. The ENT specialist's advice to avoid forceful nose blowing is crucial, as this can exacerbate the injury and prolong healing. Instead, gentle blowing is recommended, and using saline nasal sprays can help keep the nasal passages moist and promote healing.

Regarding your question about allergies, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience seasonal allergies, particularly during transitional weather. Symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion can be indicative of allergic rhinitis. While you may not want to take allergy medications, it is important to recognize that untreated allergies can lead to complications, including sinus infections or worsening nasal symptoms.

Since you mentioned that your symptoms have improved over the past week, it is a positive sign that your nasal mucosa is healing. However, if you continue to experience symptoms such as sneezing and nasal discharge with blood, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare professional again. Allergies can fluctuate, and if you notice a pattern of symptoms recurring with seasonal changes, it may be beneficial to explore allergy testing or treatment options.

In summary, while your current observation of improvement is encouraging, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If you experience recurrent issues, especially with blood in your nasal discharge, seeking medical advice is advisable. Allergies can significantly impact your quality of life, and there are various management strategies available, including antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and lifestyle modifications to reduce exposure to allergens.

In conclusion, while your family may feel that seeing a doctor for these symptoms is unnecessary, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Understanding your body and its responses, especially in relation to allergies and nasal health, is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Nasal Allergies and Cough: When to See an ENT Specialist

Hello, I have been experiencing nasal allergies for a long time, and in the past two to three years, it has become that whenever my menstrual period approaches, my nose starts to run excessively (clear mucus). I find myself constantly blowing my nose and sneezing throughout the d...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, it is recommended to visit the ENT department for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Understanding Facial Discomfort Caused by Nasal Allergies

Hello doctor, I have been suffering from nasal allergies for many years. A few weeks ago, I visited the neurology department at the Tri-Service General Hospital, and the doctor said that my facial discomfort is due to nasal allergies. My symptoms include twitching of the nose and...

Dr. Wu Wenqiu reply Pulmonology
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response as I was unaware of this email. The symptoms mentioned in your message are not very clear. Allergic rhinitis can indeed present with the symptoms described; however, it is usually accompanied by sneezing upon waking, nasal congestion, r...

Managing Allergic Rhinitis: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

There is no obvious runny nose or cough, but there is discomfort around the nose area. Sometimes it feels like there is insufficient oxygen, as if the brain is lacking oxygen. Should I switch to an immunology or rheumatology specialist? I have visited the ENT department multiple ...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
If you suspect symptoms of allergic rhinitis, you can visit an otolaryngologist for an endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity, blood tests for allergens, and other diagnostic evaluations. Based on the results, treatment options may include nasal sprays, oral medications, nasa...

Chronic Nasal Congestion: When to Seek Further Medical Help?

Hello: I have been experiencing nasal congestion for six months. Previously, I consulted an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with sinusitis and prescribed antibiotics for 14 days, which alleviated the nasal congestion. Upon follow-up, it was noted that I no longer had thick mucus ...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
If symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Regarding allergic rhinitis, there are several important concepts to consider: the individual's constitution and environmental allergens and irritants are the primary triggering factors. If one parent has aller...