Empty Nose Syndrome
November 15-December 10, 2007
I scoured the Internet, for information and reassurance. Eventually, I turned up this site: http://www.emptynosesyndrome.org/ and discovered dozens of others suffering painful symptoms, just as I was, as the result of sinus surgeries involving turbinate reductions. Loss of turbinate structure can result in a condition called Empty Nose Syndrome or ENS. The condition is described on this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empty_nose_syndrome. Even as I read about the importance of turbinates—they are nasal structures that filter and humidify the air we breathe, and create the resistance that provides the sensation of breathing–I didn’t realize that turbinates are bony structures.
On December 5, at my last appointment with Dr. S, I picked up my patient records. That evening, I peered through them, with one hand covering my eyes. Among the upsetting things I found was the CT scan report of 10-18: “No significant septal deviation is seen.” I had not had a deviated septum! The surgical pathology report notes a clinical history of deviated nasal septum and chronic sinusitis. I had never been treated for a sinus condition, or complained of one, in my life. I had seen Dr. S. for tinnitus. According to the surgical pathology report, this was removed from my sinuses: multiple pieces of flat bone and cartilage, in aggregate measuring 4.0 x 4.0 x 0.2 cm. (4.0 cm is larger than 1 ½ inch). Also some gray mucoid soft tissue measuring 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.6 cm. Multiple pieces of BONE were removed?!
I felt myself encased in a human cage, falling down into a black abyss. Bone was removed. Turbinates are made of bone. That was why people on the forum kept saying that turbinates could not grow back. My condition was a life sentence.
A few days later, I found the courage to read some more of the patient reports. On three follow-up visits after the surgery, Dr. S. had noted that I had atrophic rhinitis.
Donna, I have been given diverse opinions as to how much of my turbinates were removed. VERY diverse–ranging from 30% to all of the inferior turbinates. What OTC remedies have you been prescribed and how do you rate them?
Funny, my surgeon told me before the operation that he was removing my left inferior turbinate, a “structure”, he said, I “didn’t need”. Sounded like some tiny thing, “inferior”. Not only is it not tiny, I do kind of need it, but, its gone now…so, my other ENT recommends saline spray and also glycerine for inside the nose. No afrin or anything like that. Also he prescribed benzonatate (tessalon pearls) for my chronic cough. I also use neil meds nasal wash daily and sometimes he gives me antibiotic ointment to put in it.
Donna, it is good you have an ENT now who helps you. I had never heard of benzonatate. This information might be useful to other ENS sufferers. Thank you.
Is constant cough, sore throat, dry mouth due to empty nose syndrome because I been experiencing these symptoms since my sinus surgery and the doctor keep telling me everything is fine, but I know something is wrong.
Did your surgeon remove all of some of your nasal turbinates? I cough a lot, it is horrible. My surgeon is clueless or in denial or something, but I have an ENT who does get it and has prescribed and recommended over the counter remedies for my symptoms.
Your symptoms can be a related to Empty Nose Syndrome as nasal dryness can lead to sore throat, cough and dry mouth. There could be another cause. Only time will tell.
What a bastard. They all bluster due it for the money. I am so upset as every where info they think I have HIV death sentence from these doctors.
I had a ct scan as I was having trouble breathing and it said deviated septum with concho bulbous and a bony growth. Also. I have numerous lumps and I dents in my head. Lost 3 inches in height osteoporosis. It is like speed aging.
I saw my surgeon and he totally poo-pooed my complaints as not being related to the surgery! He said that since the inferior turbinate and tumor are gone, and I have a larger opening, I should be breathing easier and not be short of breath. He then referred me to National Jewish Respiratory Clinic. How about that?
I had a turbinate removed because I had a benign tumor on my left sinus and it had grown around the turbinate and the surgeon wanted to get wide margins. He said he had to do that I that I don’t “need the turbinate”. Like no big wow, haha! Well that was in July and I can’t believe how lousy I feel all the time. short of breath, dry nose, constant cough, and when I rinse with saline on that side, the stuff that comes out is disgusting–including things from the environment, like black pieces of soot after sitting near a fire pit, and lint from a sweater. Am I ever going to get better? I see the surgeon tomorrow.
I am much better now yes. I still suffer. In fact, after a period of great improvement, I am suffering extreme dryness again. I consider myself fortunate that my condition has gotten better overall rather than worse. Thank you for your comment.
Hi,
I was wondering if you found healing? Your story is amazing. So sorry