Differential Diagnosis for Nostril Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Nasal dryness or irritation: This is often due to environmental factors such as dry air, allergies, or exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke. It's a common and straightforward cause of nostril pain.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Nasal septal deviation or spurs: Abnormalities in the nasal septum can cause pain, especially if they lead to nasal obstruction or turbulence of airflow.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain in the nostrils, face, and forehead, often accompanied by nasal congestion and discharge.
- Allergic rhinitis: Allergies can lead to inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages, resulting in pain, itching, and sneezing.
- Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal passages can cause obstruction, leading to pain, loss of smell, and difficulty breathing.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause nasal obstruction, pain, and bleeding. Early detection is crucial for treatment.
- Invasive fungal sinusitis: A serious infection that can spread to the brain and eyes if left untreated, often presenting with severe pain, fever, and nasal congestion.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: A blood clot in the cavernous sinus can cause severe headache, facial pain, and nasal congestion, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Wegener's granulomatosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to the nasal passages, sinuses, and other organs.
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dryness and inflammation in the nasal passages, eyes, and mouth.
- Relapsing polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and destruction of cartilage in the nose, ears, and other areas.