Alien invasion of the ear, nose, and throat?
Dear Dr.
Hsu,
Hello, I would like to share a recent experience regarding my ear, nose, and throat.
On the morning of April 10, while at work, I suddenly felt an itch in my left nostril.
Instinctively, I pressed my right nostril and forcefully tried several times to expel what I thought might be a small insect.
After a while, I suddenly felt some pain inside my nose, which seemed to be increasing, almost as if that insect was burrowing deeper.
I tried again to expel it, but was unsuccessful, and the pain intensified, leading to a headache.
I quickly went to the hospital to see a doctor.
The doctor used an endoscope but did not find any insect and prescribed some allergy medication to try.
I returned for a follow-up on the evening of April 17.
From April 10 to April 16, I continued to feel the pain as if that insect was still burrowing deeper, and I felt mucus being produced from my left nostril.
When I used a cotton swab to clean inside my nostrils, I noticed some blood.
At night, I felt as if the insect was digging in my nasal cavity.
During my follow-up on April 17, I informed the doctor about the progression of my symptoms, but no further examination was conducted, and I was told to get an X-ray around April 24.
That night, I was awakened from sleep by the pain of the insect burrowing, which made it difficult for me to fall back asleep.
The headache became increasingly severe, and I also began to feel pain in my left throat and left chest.
On April 18 (today), I rushed to the hospital early in the morning to request an immediate X-ray, but it seemed that nothing was visible in the nasal X-ray.
The doctor performed another endoscopic examination, but still found nothing.
I was scheduled for a CT scan tomorrow morning (April 19).
Now, on the evening of April 18, I still feel the pain of that insect burrowing inside my nasal and throat area, and it seems to have moved deeper than before.
Therefore, I can no longer find blood with the cotton swab, and the pain has shifted from just a headache to include pain in my chest as well, with signs of increasing discomfort.
I am genuinely worried and do not know what is moving around in my ear, nose, and throat, especially as it seems to be going deeper and lower.
I am concerned it may reach my chest (or brain) and damage internal tissues.
Is there any medication that can kill a parasite inside the body? Or is there a way to lure it out? Please advise me on what to do.
Thank you very much!
Lauren, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/04/18
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the metastasis of the lesions is indeed a significant concern for patients.
Your physician has already arranged for endoscopy, X-rays, and CT scans.
I believe it would be best for you to wait for the results of these examinations.
If you are still worried, seeking a second opinion from another specialist is also a good option.
Reply Date: 2006/04/18
More Info
Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your detailed account of your symptoms and experiences. It sounds like you are going through a very distressing time with your ear, nose, and throat issues. Based on the symptoms you've described, let’s explore some potential causes and considerations.
Firstly, the sensation of something "crawling" or "digging" in your nasal passages can be quite alarming. While you initially suspected a small insect, it is important to note that such sensations can also arise from various medical conditions. These include allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or even a foreign body lodged in the nasal cavity. The presence of blood when you use a cotton swab could indicate irritation or minor trauma to the nasal mucosa, which can occur with frequent manipulation.
Your symptoms of increasing pain, especially if they are radiating to your throat and chest, warrant careful evaluation. The pain you describe could be due to referred pain from sinus issues or even an infection that is spreading. The fact that you are experiencing headaches and chest discomfort is concerning and should be addressed promptly.
The upcoming CT scan will be crucial in determining if there are any structural issues, such as sinus blockage, polyps, or other abnormalities that could be causing your symptoms. If there is a foreign body, it may not always be visible on X-rays, but a CT scan can provide a more detailed view of the nasal passages and sinuses.
Regarding your concerns about parasites, while it is rare for parasites to inhabit the nasal cavity or sinuses, it is not impossible. If there is a suspicion of a parasitic infection, specific tests would be required to confirm this. Medications to treat parasites are available, but they would need to be prescribed based on a confirmed diagnosis.
In the meantime, here are some recommendations:
1. Avoid Manipulating the Nose: As tempting as it may be, refrain from using cotton swabs or other objects to probe your nasal passages. This can lead to further irritation or injury.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and may alleviate some of the pressure and discomfort.
3. Use Saline Nasal Sprays: Saline sprays can help moisturize the nasal passages and may provide some relief from irritation.
4. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help manage your pain until you receive a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
5. Follow Up with Your Doctor: Ensure you keep your follow-up appointment for the CT scan and communicate any changes in your symptoms, especially if they worsen.
6. Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or any other alarming symptoms, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical care.
In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning, a thorough evaluation through imaging and possibly further testing will help clarify the situation. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon.
Best wishes for your health,
Doctor Q&A Teams
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