Can long-term use of nose drops cause nose cancer?

@tinea Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

You broke your nose over 13 years ago and you have had this issue since? That is a long time to have dealt with this issue. Did you ever go to see an ENT provider/doctor?

People on Connect cannot diagnose or give medical advice. Is sounds like you are saying is that your issue originates from trauma that was left untreated. I don't see evidence that points to cancer. Has anyone ever mentioned a deviated septum or nasal polyps to you before? The only way to adequately diagnose and treat your condition is to go to the doctor. It can be anxiety provoking to see a doctor, due to fear of a bad prognosis. The most likely outcome of going to the doctor is that you find a way to feel better.

I'd like to invite members @mrsworm12 @nrd1 @anonymous217382 @lmkarlov @steph14888 @johnhudson922 @menio @naney @lotsofpain @alaethia to the conversation. These members have recently discussed ENT issues and may be able to offer support.

Below I have also linked a couple of previous and somewhat related topics. You may wish to scroll through the past comments. There are many conversations that seem applicable. Have you had a chance to browse Connect conversations?
- Nasonex spray https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nasonex-spray/
- Nasal pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nasal-pain/

May I ask, is your reluctance to seek medical care due to anxiety or due to inadequate medical coverage as well?

Hello Lucy and Erika,

Thank you for answering!

Yes, it could be the break that's causing what I feel. It's been so many years. I used so many different nose drops that I don't even know what types they were.

I did seek a medical opinion four years after my nose got broken. They told me that I have a deviated septum but that surgery isn't necessary because I have just enough space to breathe. Otherwise, I would have to pay a lot, which I couldn't afford as a teenager.

My fear is mostly due to anxiety, but at the moment, I'm also not insured. I browsed Connect conversations, but I'm not even sure what I'm looking for, so I thought I should try and ask.

@tinea If you are experiencing pain a new provider may have a different opinion now. Would you consider going back and getting a second opinion?

I have severely dry eyes! I am to use eye drops several times a day. My specialist told me you cannot overdose by using to may eye drops! I was afraid just like you! He recommended Restasis! Perhaps that will make you feel better. I use nasal sprays every night so I can breathe--then some of them (Afrin for severe congestion) makes my nose burn like crazy some nights--it is the only one which helps me breathe. Then, it burns. That is what scares me but it is the only one which helps me breathe. A surgeon wants to operate on my severely deviated septum but I am not a spring chicken and I have had so many surgeries that I do not want any more. The back surgeons want to operate on my back but no, it scares me to even think about it! Perhaps you could go to an ENT and he will give you peace of mind. Prayers!

I have other problems. One of which is I have to pee (a lot) ever half hour every night! I get no sleep and I do not and cannot take naps.! I feel like a zombie.

@tinea Erika gave you some good advice I can only imagine how you feel I'm glad you stopped the nasal drops this may have been what has irritated your nose When your nose is swollen and it's hard to breath have you tried Vicks just put it under your nose this opens your nasal passages .I have sever dry eyes also My Dr recommended Restasis but they burn I found for myself I use only once as I have Glucoma and use it at night if I do both at night eyes really sore and burn ,I had to figure out what worked for me so use Restasis during day only In morning I use a eye wash before I start with drops this is my routine Everyone has to listen to your body to see what it will accept Dr,s can suggest and diagnose but you are your own advocate and know how you react . I use a allergy pill to contain my post nasal drip Humidifier for dry eyes and nose. Have you seen a ENT for your nose ?Tell him you can't breathe and it's a struggle I hope you make an appointment Wishes my you the best

@lac2 Thats why I only do Restasis only once instead of following Dr direction At night I put Latanoprest in eyes for Glucoma This was my decision but ask your Dr about only doing once. I found when my eyes feel dry at night a little cool water on the eyes help me During day I use the drops when needed I'm a retired nurse and don't like taking a lot of chemicals but you can tell your Dr about the burn in eyes and see what she says This is just what I do myself I'm not advocating this for others ,just me Good luck I,ll be interested in knowing what Dr says

@tinea-(in response to original thread question)...
I’m sure this sensation is very frustrating. I wouldn’t go to the worst case scenario when you sense pain. Sometimes that thought or reaction can make it worse.
So to calm some of your anxiety, know that the nose is a very sensitive place. It’s senses and protects you from so many things. Many times a sneeze is just a signal of irritation. The nasal mucosa (skin that lines your nasal cavity and sinuses) is very delicate. It also changes over time as does our regular external skin. A possibility is that overtime your nasal mucosa has grown irritated of the nasal drops. It is a natural appearance for the nasal mucosa to be red when it is irritated. This also happens to people in winter, who experience dryness to the mucosa. It gets red, irritated and causes a lot of sneezing for people. Overtime the nose goes through mucosal changes, new allergies, and possible changes to structure as we go through life.
I would say what you are expressing/ feeling is something very common for a doctor to hear and a simple check up (reassurance) might ease your anxiety. I would encourage you to not be afraid to seek a checkup from your PCP.
PCPs understand that they are often the first stop to help/ease very minor things as well as people who are concerned and anxious.

@lacy2. I also have tinnitus have had it most of my life. The only thing that has helped me is Mullen tea find at health food store or Amazon ENT said no cause, no cure that they no of but I'm wondering if it's all connected eyes nose ears 🤔

@lacy2 Yes I do research on the internet but when things point to a more professional look I make an appointment with an ENT You say you have a fulnes in your ears ,this sounds like it may be fluid just my guess a ENT will know Id suggest you make an appointment with one especially if there is ear pain .All are connected and this is the ENT,s specialty .