Can nasal endoscopy surgery treat chronic nasal congestion?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 63-year-old man experiencing nasal congestion and difficulty in nasal breathing for more than ten years. Initially, medications and nasal sprays like Otrivin provided temporary relief, but my symptoms worsened this year. Three months ago, I visited an ENT specialist who prescribed antibiotics such as Swich CV 325 mg and Swich CV 200 mg for a 20-day course, along with other medications and nasal wash. Unfortunately, I did not experience significant relief and have been having sleepless nights due to difficulty breathing. The doctor has recommended a nasal endoscopy to investigate possible nasal deformities, as no polyps were visible during the examination. Based on the doctor's suspicion, I have decided to proceed with the endoscopy. At this moment, I have a couple of inquiries: 1. If surgery is necessary, I would like to know the expected duration of hospital stay and the estimated time for complete recovery. 2. Otrivin nasal spray has provided me with magical relief in the past. Can I continue using it once before bedtime? I greatly appreciate your professional suggestions and value your expertise. Thank you sincerely.

Answer 1

Hello

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. It is recommended that you undergo a nasal endoscopy, which is a straightforward procedure performed in the doctor's office. This procedure provides detailed information about the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, allowing for a comprehensive assessment. It enables visualization of various angles inside the nose, helping to rule out sinusitis infections, polyps, and other abnormal growths. Regarding your use of Otrivin (Oxymetazoline hydrochloride) nasal spray, it is suggested to discontinue its use. Prolonged and continuous use of Otrivin can lead to rebound nasal congestion with each application. In terms of surgery, most nasal surgeries typically require one-day hospital admission. While full recovery time varies, you can normally resume your regular daily activities within four to five days, but it does not necessarily mean you need complete bed rest. Depending on the specific nasal surgery performed, it usually takes four to six weeks to improve breathing and overall recovery. It would be beneficial if you could share your nasal endoscopy report with us to provide you with more accurate guidance. Hope this helps. Regards.