HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)breathing problemsWhy I was advised septoplasty for a minor breathing issue?

When is a septoplasty required?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Oliyath Ali

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 17, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I was advised for septoplasty. I have a very minor breathing issue, and my nose is never blocked due to working out. However, the doctor recommends surgery based on the CT scan. I want to get a second opinion before going forward with it. Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Oliyath Ali

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Most people have some degree of septal deviation and only those who have symptoms like nasal blockage, recurrent headache, or sinusitis. The deviation may need surgical correction. If you do not have symptoms then no septoplasty is needed. The CT scan shows (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) you do not have much septal deviation but there is bilateral hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate and prominent septal tubercle. There is concha bullosa but it is not obstructing the sinus ostium so no intervention is needed. I suggest that your condition is manageable with medications. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

About bilateral hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate and prominent septal tubercle, can these be treated with just sprays or medications, or surgery is needed? I also have tinnitus. Do you think anything in there might be contributing to it? Also attaching the other CT scan report. Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Oliyath Ali

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, hypertrophied turbinate and prominent septal tubercles can be reduced with nasal and systemic decongestants, but sometimes medical therapy may not give optimum results. That time the inferior turbinate can be reduced with interventions like cryotherapy, laser, diathermy, or co-ablation. But I do not think you require septoplasty. The concha bullosa cannot be reduced by any medical means, it needs surgery to correct it but only if it's causing symptoms like a blockage in the sinus drainage pathway. As I can see in the CT scans (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) your sinuses are pretty clear, so it is evident that the concha bullosa is not causing any problem. Tinnitus can happen due to nasal blockage if it is causing a compromise in eustachian tube function with consequent tympanic membrane retraction. For that, you need to get impedance audiometry done. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Oliyath Ali
Dr. Oliyath Ali

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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