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What Causes Pressure Sensation Behind The Nose?

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016

Question: Hello, I've been having a feeling that there is pressure behind my nose, it's sort of like the feeling you get before a sneeze, or the pressure you feel when you have water up your nose from swimming, but without the burning and pain, just the uncomfortable constant feeling of pressure there. It is not painful, but it feels unpleasant, and there is that constant "smell" sensation or pressure. An MRI of my head was done 2 months ago (not looking for sinus problems) and they mentioned on the report that my sinuses looked clear. Is this enough imaging to know that I don't have sinus problems? Or would I need my doctor to specifically order a CT scan to look at my sinuses? Once again, the MRI of my head says "Sinuses appear clear". With this kind of pressure continuing to change over the last couple of months, what could this be? Would there be any chance that this is dangerous and could lead to brain problems or something serious happening? There are presently no headaches or pain with it, and no congestion or runny nose. I just notice that I am getting it more often, and it does seem to make me nauseous at times.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
CT scan is not requried

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I have gone through the query and understood your problem. I will try my best to help you with this.

1. Yes, MRI would suffice. As there is no mucosal thickening or fluid in the sinus cavities, I would not recommend CT scan of the sinuses at this juncture.

2. Pressure related changes in the nose could be secondary to hormonal imbalance, nasal allergy, viral or bacterial infection.

3. According to your history, there are no signs of any infection. Hence, I feel, the symptoms could be either related to nasal allergy or hormonal imbalance.

4. I would suggest you to try a course of intranasal steroid and saline sprays. This can alleviate your symptoms.

5. Drink plenty of warm water, avoid coffee/fizzy drinks/chilled food and beverages/smoking, if any.

Hope this answers your query. Revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Okay, thank you. You mentioned hormonal balances can cause this type of pressure - can you elaborate on what kind of hormonal balances can do this?

Also, I do have an underlying chronic infection in my body, but it is not specific to my head area, do you think this could be causing it?

I want to rule out any structure that could be pushing on the back of the nose from the head area, such as a mass. I'm guessing that an MRI (even without contrast) would have picked that up?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hormones affecting the progesterone levels can cause the above symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

1. Hormonal changes due to conditions such as pregnancy (increase in progesterone), menstruation, oral contraceptive use and hypothyroidism may cause sinus congestion.

2. If the chronic infection is affecting the histamine levels in the body, then, you could have these above symptoms.

3. MRI easily picks up any fleshy mass in the head and neck area. If its normal, then, no need to worry.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj