HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)turbinatesWhy do I get nose block on the right side even after turbinoplasty?

My right nostril still blocks during sleep, even after turbinoplasty. Do I need a resurgery?

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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.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At December 25, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 24, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a septoplasty and turbinoplasty under general anesthesia six months ago. I had them because when I lay down to sleep, whichever side I was sleeping on would swell up completely. The amount of pressure was so extreme that it was impossible to get more than 3.5 to 4 hours of sleep, and then I would have to wake up, sit upright, and wait for the pressure to subside and then attempt to get some more sleep. Before surgery, we spent a year testing allergies (I have none) and various medical treatments without success. After the surgery, my left side is now wonderful. I can sleep on my left side, and it feels like it did before this whole ordeal began. My right unfortunately, is still giving me many problems. It still swells too much and closes off when I lay on that side. I want to have a second procedure done on my right side, but I am terrified of getting empty nose syndrome. I am still getting very poor sleep because the right side is still very bad. Does having a previous surgery put me at higher risk of developing ENS? Because my problem is primarily when I lay down to sleep, and my turbinate deflates when I am upright. Does that put me at higher risk of developing ENS? I read all over the web that repeat procedures are not rare, but I do not know what to do. In my first surgery, I believe he cut a tiny piece out using scissors. If I had a repeat procedure, it would probably be coblation. Is that the correct course to take? Is there a particular method of turbinate reduction that carries less risk for those who already had surgery? Any advice at all would be much appreciated.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the details sent by you. It would be better if you can send me the pre-operative and post-operative CT scan pictures. A repeat nasal surgery is not so commonly required unless the patient develops sinusitis or nasal polyps. As per your details, it seems to be a leftover nasal deviation that is troubling you because it is only on one side. What procedure should be done or is a surgery required or not will depend on your reports? Suppose the blockage is only due to turbinates. In that case, other less invasive options with fewer chances of the empty nose are available like cryosurgery, turbinoplasty rather than turbinectomy. Please send me your reports so that I can suggest you better.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Unfortunately, I do not have any CT scans because my ENT never sent me any. I repeatedly asked why I was not sent for CT scans, and I was told they were not needed because he could see the turbinate was swollen when he put that thin camera into my nose. I know it is still the turbinate because the blockage still feels the same, and decongestants like Afrin still work very strongly. Afrin keeps my nose open all night and allows me to sleep without any problems. Unfortunately, I cannot use Afrin regularly as I have been told I will develop rhinitis medicamentosa. My biggest fear is that I would be denied surgery because my problem does not affect me at all times of the day. My nose, while bothersome during the day, is manageable when I am upright or walking around. The real problem happens when I lay down, and it has affected my sleep. Another problem I have is that I live abroad. And here, it takes months upon months to see a specialist. That is why I am trying to get some general information on what my options are from this site. Right now, I am in the process of waiting at least four months until I can see another ENT.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The decision of surgery will depend upon the reports only because if it is a septal deviation, it has to be corrected. On the other hand, if it is only an enlarged turbinate, as you are saying, then also turbinectomy is not required. Nowadays, this is obsolete as newer and better options like turbinoplasty or cytoreduction are available. If possible, please get one CT scan done, and you can send me the reports anytime. I hope this helps.

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

Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal
Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

Audiology

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