I had a turbinate reduction which has left me with dryness and sensitivity in my nose. What can I do?

Question

I broke my nose and needed to have the deviated septum fixed. The surgeon wanted to also do a turbinate reduction. So now, 2 1/2 years later, every time I breath in the air is too cold and dry. It is uncomfortable to say the least and bothers me all day every day. The only good day is when it is very warm and raining. Spraying salt water in my nose makes it worse. Any ideas for how to improve this would be greatly appreciated.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. In generally, most patients undergoing turbinate surgery will experience dryness and crusting and, under normal circumstances, this discomfort lasts a few months. At two and half years after surgery, I'd recommend you get a second opinion. As suggested by one of the other docs, a fellowship trained rhinologist would be a good choice. Troy Woodard MD, ENT surgeon and fellow-trained rhinologist at the Cleveland Clinic, would be a good option since you're from the Cleveland area. I've put his contact information in the link below. Good luck and thanks again for sharing your question.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Turbinates are important for humidifying and filtering air before it goes into your lungs. They can also be important contributors to nasal obstruction. Depending on the technique used to reduce your turbinates, you can have these kind of problems. You should probably see an ENT or even better a dedicated rhinologist (You can usually find these kind of specialists at a university practice) so they can take a look. In the meanwhile, using vaseline or gel-based saline products may give you better relief. One product that comes to mind is called Ayr gel. For more info, check out my blog post on turbinates.

I had a turbinate reduction which has left me with dryness and sensitivity in my nose. What can I do?

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I had a turbinate reduction which has left me with dryness and sensitivity in my nose. What can I do?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.