Is my nasal CT scan "normal"? (photo)

Question

It gets very difficult for me to breathe out of the right side of my nose. The left side is almost always clear. I can also put an entire q-tip inside of my right nasal cavity. The right side bleeds often and gets gunk stuck in it. I had a CT scan done on my sinuses, but the ENT doctor I am seeing hasn't answered any questions or explain anything in detail. She claims my CT scan is normal. In the CT scan, I can CLEARLY see that one side is slightly stuffed up. Is this CT photo "normal"?

Levente S. Deak, MD, PhD · Answer

The ENT surgeon should treat the symptoms and not the CT image. 
Since you have a nasal blockage sensation and the nasal steroid trial has not given you any relief ,turbinoplasty is indicated. On the CT scan ,we can see clearly the lower turbinate markedly blocking the airway and also in the third anterior the turbinate bony framework should also be adjusted, therefore a minimal invasive OPD radiofrequency turbinate size reduction ,isn`t an option in your case.

Frank Scaccia, MD, FACS · Answer

To give you a more accurate answer I would need to see more cuts of the films including the frontal and sphenoid sinuses.   From these two view your max and ethmoid sinuses look clear but your septum is mildly deviated to the right  and your inferior turbinates are enlarged. If medication doesn't help you you may benefit by at least a septoplasty and inferior partial turbinectomy.   I have done 1000s of these. And keep the q tips out of your nose please  :)

Jeffrey Marvel, MD · Answer

I see that your inferior turbinates are hypertrophic.  You do have clear sinuses.  There is no deviation of the septum.  You should have allergy testing and be treated with topical nasal steroids.  If this fails to alleviate symptoms, then a partial reduction of the turbinates should help.

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

CT poorly demonstrates a deviated septum. The turbinates are full. If it improves with Afrin that's a good clue the congestion is from the turbinate. If there isn't much improvement with Afrin but is much better when the nostril is pulled to the side then the nasal valve is too narrow. There are ways to correct a narrow valve or reduce the turbinate. Hope this answer helps

Is my nasal CT scan "normal"? (photo)

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