Swollen nasal mucosa in thyroid gland dysfunction
The thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, is responsible for the production and storage of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which influence growth, but also other important metabolic processes of our body. Furthermore, the thyroid gland produces the hormone calcitonin, which is important for the calcium balance of the human body. Like any other gland in the human body, the thyroid gland can be limited in its function (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism). Symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland can include dry skin, brittle fingernails, hair loss, intestinal obstruction, cycle disorders, and swollen nasal mucosa. The swollen nasal mucous membrane causes a feeling of congested nose by narrowing the lumen of the nose.
Accompanying symptoms of a swollen nasal mucosa
Depending on the cause of the swollen nasal mucosa, there can be different accompanying symptoms. To the causes belong: If an underfunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is the cause, in addition to a swollen nasal mucosa, there can also be weight gain, constipation, lack of drive, brittle hair and brittle nails, and in women also menstruation (amenorrhea), slowed reflexes, muscle cramps. If an allergy is the cause of a swollen nasal mucosa, the accompanying symptoms are itching, redness, sneezing and a runny nose.
If an autoimmune disease such as Sjögren’s syndrome is the cause of a swollen nasal mucosa, one also has very dry eyes, in addition to a foreign body sensation in the eye. If a swollen nasal mucosa is seen in women who are currently going through menopause, other symptoms accompanying menopause can also occur, such as vaginal dryness or the exit of the urethra (so-called urogenital area). Frequently, a burning sensation, itching and pain during sexual intercourse occur.
Dryness of the vagina also makes these women more susceptible to vaginal infections with bacteria and fungi, which are usually manifested by a foul-smelling discharge. If a cold with rhinitis and cough is the cause of a swollen nasal mucosa, it can also obstruct the access to the paranasal sinuses, so that they are partially or completely blocked. Since this can promote the spread of pathogens, it can also lead to an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis). In addition, the pathogens can spread via a nasopharyngeal connection (the so-called Eustachian tube or tuba auditiva) to the middle ear, where they can lead to a painful inflammation of the middle ear.
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergy
- Autoimmune disease
- Menopause
- Common cold
