Can't Breathe through both the nostrils simultaneously after 3 weeks post Septoplasty. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I have underwent Septoplasty three weeks before due to Deviated septum. Now the pain has reduced and last day, The surgeon took off the remnants of the stitches inside my nostrils and cleaned my nose. Now my nostrils are clean but still I feel difficulty in breathing through both the nostrils at a time. When the left nostril is opened (can breathe very smoothly), I feel burning pressure and block in the right nostril. After some time, the same is happening vice versa. Is it normal?

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the questions. In some patients, dryness in the nose after septoplasty will lead to a continued feeling of nasal obstruction. In others, there is a medical component -- rather than a simple crooked septum that is just "in the way." This can relate to cyclical swelling in the nose (nasal cycle, which is normal) or ongoing allergies. You should see your surgeon and discuss, and perhaps get a referral to an ENT or an allergist. Best of luck moving forward.

Garrett H. Bennett, MD · Answer

Discomfort, crusting, and the feeling of nasal obstruction can all occur during the healing period. Depending on what was done the nose may not feel open until months after surgery. Your surgeon may need to inject steroids into the nose or place you on a steroid rinse to increase the rate of healing. You had huge concha bullosa (the big balloon-like structures inside the nose) so I will assume that your surgeon reduced these at the same time to improve your airway. Time will allow your nose to heal but you can always get a second opinion if you feel things should be better.

Steven M. Daines, MD, FACS · Answer

The symptoms you are describing do not sound abnormal at all. It may take several weeks to several months for the inside of your nose to be fully healed after septorhinoplasty. During that time, a variable degree of irritation, dryness, and discomfort can occur in addition to a blocked sensation. As long as you are using saline spray to keep the inside of your nose moist, the only other thing you need is time to heal.You also mention an interesting phenomenon of alternating blockage from one nostril to the other. This is actually a normal physiologic process controlled by the autonomic nervous system call the Nasal Cycle. In most healthy noses, the internal lining on one side swells while it shrinks on the other side. The net effect is that you usually breathe better on one side of your nose at any given time. Make sure you continue to follow up with your surgeon and share your concerns. He or she will be able to correlate your symptoms to your physical exam to make sure you are healing according to schedule.

Dara Liotta, MD, FACS · Answer

Three weeks after septoplasty you should still expect to have some swelling inside the nose from your surgery.  I tell patients that they may feel significantly congested (even worse than before surgery) for 2-3 weeks after surgery.  The best person to evaluate your complaints is your ENT surgeon.  If you explain that you are uncomfortable, he or she may be able to give you some suggestions, or medication, that may help you "get over the hump" until your healing is complete.

Can't Breathe through both the nostrils simultaneously after 3 weeks post Septoplasty. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: It may take some time to feel the full benefit of Septoplasty

Answer: It may take some time to feel the full benefit of Septoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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Can't Breathe through both the nostrils simultaneously after 3 weeks post Septoplasty. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: It may take some time to feel the full benefit of Septoplasty

Answer: It may take some time to feel the full benefit of Septoplasty

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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.