Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Dryness In The Nostril While Breathing?
Question: I had nasal septum surgery and possibly some turbinate reduction. It was 10 years ago.
When breathing with my left nostril symptoms resemble those of empty nose syndrome- dryness, coldness, too much nasal patency, sometimes numbing pain. I breathe much better when air is warm and moist.
The symptoms are heightened when activity of left nostril is dominant.
Right nostril is perfectly fine.
The CT description mentions left middle turbinate adjoins nasal septum.
I was diagnosed with post-surgery nasal adhesion.
Do the CT scans show reduced middle left turbinate or is it only misplaced? Do CT scans explain my symptoms? What can be done about it?
When breathing with my left nostril symptoms resemble those of empty nose syndrome- dryness, coldness, too much nasal patency, sometimes numbing pain. I breathe much better when air is warm and moist.
The symptoms are heightened when activity of left nostril is dominant.
Right nostril is perfectly fine.
The CT description mentions left middle turbinate adjoins nasal septum.
I was diagnosed with post-surgery nasal adhesion.
Do the CT scans show reduced middle left turbinate or is it only misplaced? Do CT scans explain my symptoms? What can be done about it?
Brief Answer:
No features suggestive of empty nose syndrome on CT scan
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
I have gone through the query and understood your problem. Also, I have examined the CT scan films thoroughly. Following are my findings:
1. The tubinates are normal
2. There seems to be a synechiae or adhesion between the septum and the left middle turbinate.
3. There are no features suggestive of empty nose syndrome. Empty nose syndrome is noticed in those nostrils where the turbinates have been heavily reduced which prevent XXXXXXX currents inside the nose.
4. Polyps/retention cysts are noticed in the floor of the both maxillary sinuses.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water. This prevents drying of the nose and keeps the nose moist.
2. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible. This will again keep the nasal mucosa moist, thus preventing the dryness of the nose.
3. Using humidifier at home can reduce the above symptoma.
4. Also, intranasal steroid nasal spray can be used to shrink the polyps.
Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
No features suggestive of empty nose syndrome on CT scan
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
I have gone through the query and understood your problem. Also, I have examined the CT scan films thoroughly. Following are my findings:
1. The tubinates are normal
2. There seems to be a synechiae or adhesion between the septum and the left middle turbinate.
3. There are no features suggestive of empty nose syndrome. Empty nose syndrome is noticed in those nostrils where the turbinates have been heavily reduced which prevent XXXXXXX currents inside the nose.
4. Polyps/retention cysts are noticed in the floor of the both maxillary sinuses.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water. This prevents drying of the nose and keeps the nose moist.
2. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible. This will again keep the nasal mucosa moist, thus preventing the dryness of the nose.
3. Using humidifier at home can reduce the above symptoma.
4. Also, intranasal steroid nasal spray can be used to shrink the polyps.
Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX
My follow up questions:
1. What could be the possible reasons for my symptoms? That left middle turbinate adjoins nasal septum therefore is it in incorrect place?
2. The left middle turbinate looks smaller on the CT scan than the right? Are there any signs that it was possibly shrinked during surgery?
3. Maybe the adhesion between the septum and the left middle turbinate is responsible for the symptoms? Will laser surgery to fix this issue possibly help? The airflow is definitely not proper as spotted in my consultation visit. Also the scar is very long and wide.
Thank You
My follow up questions:
1. What could be the possible reasons for my symptoms? That left middle turbinate adjoins nasal septum therefore is it in incorrect place?
2. The left middle turbinate looks smaller on the CT scan than the right? Are there any signs that it was possibly shrinked during surgery?
3. Maybe the adhesion between the septum and the left middle turbinate is responsible for the symptoms? Will laser surgery to fix this issue possibly help? The airflow is definitely not proper as spotted in my consultation visit. Also the scar is very long and wide.
Thank You
Brief Answer:
Narrowing of the nasal cavity causes nasal obstruction...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
1. When one side of the nasal cavity is roomier than the other, the air flow into the patent nasal cavity will be more giving rise to the symptoms of dryness, crusting and irritation.
2. Usually, the middle turbinate will be left untouched during the nasal surgery, unless, it is pneumatized or very much enlarged causing obstruction of the sinus openings. It is very difficult to comment whether the middle turbinate has been seen, since there is no image of the CT scan prior to the surgery.
3. No, adhesions would be beneficial when the nasal cavity is roomy. But at this juncture, I would not advise you any surgery, as it is definitely going to worsen your present symptoms. Please follow the suggestions mention in my earlier response. You would benefit from that.
As observed by your doctor, if there is narrowing of the nasal cavity, then, your symptoms would be contrary of what you have described.
Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Narrowing of the nasal cavity causes nasal obstruction...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
1. When one side of the nasal cavity is roomier than the other, the air flow into the patent nasal cavity will be more giving rise to the symptoms of dryness, crusting and irritation.
2. Usually, the middle turbinate will be left untouched during the nasal surgery, unless, it is pneumatized or very much enlarged causing obstruction of the sinus openings. It is very difficult to comment whether the middle turbinate has been seen, since there is no image of the CT scan prior to the surgery.
3. No, adhesions would be beneficial when the nasal cavity is roomy. But at this juncture, I would not advise you any surgery, as it is definitely going to worsen your present symptoms. Please follow the suggestions mention in my earlier response. You would benefit from that.
As observed by your doctor, if there is narrowing of the nasal cavity, then, your symptoms would be contrary of what you have described.
Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
