I was wondering what causes my nose (sinuses) to suddenly burn and my eyes water for a few secondsometimes upon standing-up from a lying position or straightening-up from a bent-over position? It's hard to precisely describe the pain, other than to say it is sudden and of short duration...and feels closest to accidentally snorting carbonated beverage up your nose.
I do have a slight deviated septum, could it be related?
Reply: ------------------------
Most likely this has to do with the dynamics of the blood supply to your nose which can be affected by changes in head position. In the recumbent position blood can pool in the vascular spaces located in the structures of the nose known as turbinates. Then when rising to an erect position the pooled blood drains from the tissues. These changes are usually associated with fluctuation in the actual size of the turbinates. If you have a deviated septum, there may be intermittent contact between the septum and the turbinates depending on the size of the turbinates. There are other possibilities - the circulatory dynamics of the turbinates may also be exerting some influence over the air pressure inside the sinus cavities if with turbinate engorgement the small openings into the sinus cavities become temporarily obstructed. The symptom described is not suggestive of a specific disease condition however.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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