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What Causes Persistent Nasal Discharge?

Posted on Fri, 18 Aug 2017

Question: Hi I am a medical professional who has been plagued by a constant flow of sticky serosanguinous liquid emanating from 2 port on upper part of nose and 2 holes on lower side of nose. This is not my skin. It lies under layers of this stuff and I have never been able to get it completely off. It melts in hot showers but quickly accumulates and covers holes. I can pull long strings of this stuff from the holes. Needless to say the dermatologist I have known for 30 years says I'm having a nervous breakdown but he wouldn't even let me show him how I can remove layers with no bleeding or pain. Help

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal discharge

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
From the complaints it seems to be a sinus tract formation with drainage. Please send me the pictures of the site and tell me for how long are you having these symptoms?
these are usually congenial tracts but I can suggest you better only once I see the pictures. Mark the site of holes in the picture so that I can suggest you better.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Take care
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (7 hours later)

Right now I'm leaving it alone with makeup on because I have to travel. The holes are on the lateral side of the top and bottom of the nose top is near the bridge. Bottom is the same. I can't take a pic today because it requires takin a hot shower getting it all off and then immediately taking the picture because it fills in in minutes and hides the holes which is why by the time I got to the dermatologist it looked fine even though it was just layers of dried stuff that if it's smooth looks normal. If not it looks like a scab and because I was recently diagnosed with mitochondrial disease I'm on a ton of supplements in addition to my other meds. So at least I finally have an answer that makes some sense. If you have any more input let me know but the next two days all my energy is focused on packing after being with my 85 year old mother for 2 months.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the information but it would be better if you send me the pictures whenever you get time because I can suggest you anything only if I confirm the diagnosis for which I need to see the pictures.
Follow up with the required information so that I can suggest you better.
Take care
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (2 hours later)

Will do in a couple days

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
you are always welcome with any queries.
It would be my pleasure to help you.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (8 hours later)

I wanted to add to the diagnosis. I had a brain MRI because of the mitochondrial disease symptoms. It showed a subarachnoid cyst in my temporal lobe and chronic sinusitis and bilateral maxillary mucous retaining cysts.I took a pic but there is so much irritation from me trying to get this stuff off. Doesn't show the 4 holes. Need to let it heal. I get these stones I call them but basically it is a hardened bee bee size hardened mass of this stuff and I removed a lot. These are extremely painful. I resolve to leave it alone so everything can heal and when I can get a clear shot without other distractions I will send

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the information.
The MRI report says you have sinusitis also but the holes and discharge are probably not related to this. The arachnoid cysts are also a separate problem.
Even if the holes are not visible in the picture, you can just mark the site of holes and send me. That will help me to reach any diagnosis.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Take care
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (4 hours later)

Ok am at airport when I recover in a day or two will send

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I 'll be delighted to help anytime.
Take care
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (13 hours later)

I'm not sure how to attach a picture

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

There is an option to upload pictures in the reports section that's available on this page. You can use it.
Alternatively, you may mail it to YYYY@YYYY with subject as "Attn: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal".

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (23 hours later)

Thank you. I also had a Caldwell Luc with creation of a trail window after 2 years of scuba and snorkeling in the keys. This was done in early 80s

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
your nasal problem can be related to your previous surgery but I can't say this with confidence unless it is completely investigated.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (22 hours later)

Imagine the space below is my nose

X O. X
O
O
O
X O. X

The O represents the bridge The X represents the holes

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I'm sorry but I can't understand it clearly..are the holes above the lip in the same line?
Any surgery for cleft lip?

It'd be best if you kindly send me the pictures. You can simply upload them to the reports section of this web page.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (23 hours later)

This is after I softened and removed the painful hardened exudate on R side of tip. The left is still very painful. Under this layer of Crap is hardened material that is a 10 on the pain scale unless I spend all day softening and removing

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal sinus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the pictures.
These are either nasal sinuses or hypertrophic sebaceous glands. From the history and positioning it appears to be sinus tracts.
You should get them operated and excised but before that you should consult an ENT SPECIALIST or a Plastic surgeon to get it investigated. A sonogram should be done to locate the tract before getting it excised.
Keep the area clean and avoid any cosmetics. It will help to decrease the repeated filling up frequency. Secondly do hot fomentation before squeezing. It will soften the tissue and cause less pain.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Take care
Thanks and regards

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. Prasad