DR ELLIE CANNON: What can be causing constant pins and needles... in my nose? trends now
I have suffered pins and needles in my nose for a few years. It's not painful, but pretty relentless. A private GP suggested I try a nasal spray containing mometasone, but it hasn't made much difference. I've also noticed that my eyes have become puffy and dry. What do you think is going on?
Most people are familiar with the sensation of pins and needles. It means something is happening to the nerves, causing prickling and numbness.
When this feeling continues – and spreads throughout the body – it may be a sign of a problem with the nervous system. But if it is confined to just one area, without spreading to the rest of the body, this is unlikely.
Numbness in this particular area of the nose and eyes would suggest an issue with the ethmoid sinuses.
These are cavities within the skull which sit just behind the top of the nasal bridge. An ear, nose and throat consultant would investigate these areas further with a CT scan.
'I have suffered pins and needles in my nose for a few years,' today's reader tells Dr Ellie Cannon (stock photo)
The sinuses are air-filled gaps that have a lining similar to the nose. They can get inflamed and infected, causing acute sinusitis, as a result of allergies, smoking or nasal polyps and can cause long-term inflammation.
It sometimes causes swelling around the cheeks, eyes and forehead. The inflammation involved in acute sinusitis can usually be detected in a scan.
Another option would be to try treatment rather than looking for a cause. Pins and needles may respond well to specific nerve painkillers or a topical cream.
It's possible that a numbing or painkiller cream may be all you need to provide relief.
I'm struggling to get more than four or five hours of sleep a night since becoming my wife's carer. I seem to wake up needing the toilet, then I can't get back to sleep because anxiety kicks in. I have heard that amitriptyline is being used for treating insomnia. Should I try it?
'I'm struggling to get more than four or five hours of sleep a night since becoming my wife's carer,' a reader tells Dr Ellie Cannon (stock photo)
Insomnia, and difficulty sleeping, is a very common problem. But amitriptyline is not the medication doctors would usually prescribe as it is licensed for use for pain-relief, depression and migraines. One of its side effects is drowsiness, so I can understand why some may assume it could help.
Lots of factors influence how a GP might treat this type of insomnia. There are a few things to consider here: a potential bladder problem, anxiety and the practicalities of caring for a loved one long-term.
For instance, it might be crucial for a carer to be awake overnight or alert first thing in the morning. This is important, as some sleep medications can make people feel sluggish and hung-over the next day.
Dealing with the urge to go to the toilet could help. There are medications that can control the need to urinate overnight.
Becoming a carer for a loved one is upsetting and overwhelming – it is only natural that someone in this position would feel anxious.
It is important that carers ask for help. It can be comforting to talk to people in a similar situation who understand the burden. We know that carers suffer more physical and mental illnesses than others. Talking about worries and concerns may help to ease some of the anxiety.
A GP
