Q. Can surgery for inferior turbinate reduction and deviated septum cause frequent ear infections?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Turbinate reduction surgery with septal correction is predominantly done for relieving nasal obstruction. Whereas continued obstruction can increase the chances of ear infection, surgeries should generally reduce the chances. The eustachian tube that connects the back of the nose with each ear is responsible for maintaining appropriate pressure inside the middle ear and removing secretions and mucus discharge from the normal mucosa of the ear. Any nasopharyngeal growth (adenoids) or frequent upper respiratory tract infections (rhinitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis) block the tube, causing insufficient ventilation into the same side ear. This can eventually result in an ear infection and discharge from the ear. To rule out any nasal cause for the eustachian tube blockage, we must check the following and arrive at the correct diagnosis. 1. What do you mean by an ear infection? Is it discharging ear? 2. Do you have a running nose, sneezing, nose block, itching of nose and ears, thick nasal discharge, etc.? 3. Do you get frequent throat infections along with ear infections? 4. Are both ears affected? 5. Does a nasal endoscopy or a computed tomography scan of paranasal sinuses been done for you? If so, could you share the pictures, reports, and films of the same? 6. Is there any associated headache, facial fullness, or decreased sense of smell? Also, an endoscopy is crucial to find if there is any physical block to the tube that is causing the ear infection. We also need the findings of an otoscopy regarding the condition of your ear drum. I hope the information will help you. Thanks.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Experience: 11 + Yrs

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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