Any help going to ENT specialist?

[Dotanne]

I suffer frequently from a burning inflamed feeling in the back of my nose when my eyes get dry particularly on the right side (which incidently had a Schirmers of 15 when last tested - the left eye was 12). The Drs say my eyes look OK, but they sure don't feel that way although if I am very careful I can get to a 'comfortable' manageable stage most of the time. Could an ENT Dr help with this inflamed feeling? Or would I just get "It is caused by dry eye - can't help." for an answer? I am reluctant to spend another $100 plus, to find out nothing. I do not have insurance. I wonder whether Alrex (soft steroid) would help but we can't get the ester steroids here. I have a feeling it is inflamation spreading down from my eyes, but I do not get bloodshot eyes - they are just a bit red in the inner corner. I had Lasik in October 2004.

I am braving flying to North West Australia for a holiday next Saturday so I am hoping for lots of good eye days but will go armed with all my drops, tranquileyes etc. I will not let this dry eye stop me from travelling! Winter in NZ has been particularly cold this year - lots of snow down south! Thank goodness we live in the north.

Cheers

Dotanne

[neil0502]

Dotanne-

Though I surely have *no* idea what it is that you're experiencing, I might suggest that you try some really easy, really cheap, and really safe things first.

The first thing I would try is simply saline spray (meant for cleaning and moisturizing nasal passages) when you feel this sensation in your nose.

It's usually available at any drug store and is cheap. Not sure if you'd have access to the same brands here, but ... look in the section where they sell all of the *medicated* nose sprays (I'd skip those for now), and/or ask the pharmacist.

If this helps with your symptoms, then it's quite likely that you do have *something* going on with your nose, but it may be as simple as just fussy sinuses. If it *does* help, I might just stay with that and not bother with the ENT.

If it does NOT help, then you'll have to make the decision whether it's worth the time and money to make the trip. Some people get a lot of comfort in ruling things out, plus ... there's always the chance of finding something treatable

Best of luck,
Neil

[Dotanne]

Thanks Neil for your reply. I do get some short term relief from Otrisal saline nasal spray - it is soothing. Also I go for Dwelle and a shower, or Alcon poly gel(It's like Genteal gel which we can't get here), hot steamy compresses and Diclofenac and a good night's sleep with lots of gel finally gives relief! The nasal inflammation does go away overnight, and gradually develops through the day. BUT I do think if only I could get rid of that burning feeling in my nose, I would feel a lot better! I might add that when I tried Cyclosporin ointment(NZ equivalent to Restasis) it made the back of my nose so sore that I had to give it up. Maybe the equivalent of the burning eyes that it causes with many people.
Cheers from wintery NZ!

Dot

[Peggy]

Dotanne,
I have the same problem on my left side of my nasal passage and pain in my left eye. I just recently went to a ENT and he scoped inside there because I still think I am having problems from a plug insertion and removal from over a yr. ago anyways, he did not find anything but he gave me a prescription for a steriod (medrol is the name I think ) and said take it for a week if it helps than its sinus related...if not than who knows what is causing the pain?????????not anyone I have gone to. I havent started the meds yet because I am a bit worried for my eyes and he kind of brought it up as a last ditch effort. I will let you know when I take the meds when I get the courage soon I hope if they help.
Enjoy your upcoming trip. Peggy