Dear Expert,
Over the last year my nose has been increasing in size from time to time, it is now swollen significantly. I am 35 years old. I am prone to autoimmune conditions (alopecia, vitiligo, rhinitis, eczema and others), and because some autoimmune conditions can cause the nose to swell (rhinophyma & relapsing polychondritis were listed as such and seemed to describe many of the symptoms i have) made me think it may be immune-related.
My Family Doctor, myself and people close to me all know that my nose has swollen significantly. I was sent to an ENT Specialist by my doctor, who after a brief check, sent a letter to my family doctor saying it was 'all in my mind', which surprised my own doctor!
I will describe my symptom below;
The bony-part of my nose is unaffected, but the lower half (nasal cartilage) has expanded outwards in all directions making my nose at least a third larger, and it is now rounded. The nostrils are larger. The nose is thicker. Wider. The nasal tip has become asymmetrical. The tip is also now softer and now can almost be pressed down flat next to my face. Also the nose can now be pulled very wide apart, something i couldn't do before. And finally, it seems that just before more enlargement occurs, there is some nasal redness and pain.
What could this be? If you think this is not autoimmune related, please consult one of your different experts before answering this question.
Best Regards.
Ajkam (nickname)