Is this procedure likely to improve my breathing capabilities? (Photos)

Question

I have had a very difficult time with cardio based activities for years now. When doing cardio, I resort to mouth breathing as it is extremely rare I can breathe through my nose when I’m exercising. I always feel like one of my nostrils is completely obstructed. I have a hard time getting quality sleep. I can be asleep for 7,8 or 10 hours and I will still wake up feeling as if I barely rested. I saw an ENT last weekend and after receiving the CT scan they said I have a slightly deviated septum, enlarged turbinates and an air pocket in one of my turbinates. They recommended a Septoplasty + Turbinate Reduction. My question is, how likely is this to improve my breathing during cardio based activities? How likely is it to help the other symptoms I described? If it is not highly likely, I’d rather not do the procedure. Thank you in advance.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

As you can see in the scan, one nostril appears to be completely blocked. You have large turbinates as well as the septum deviating to that side. You would definitely benefit from turbinate reduction and septoplasty. You should have remarkable improvement.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Erin Smith, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on review of the imaging you have provided, you do have a somewhat deviated septum with likely inferior turbinate hypertrophy. You may benefit from septoplasty with turbinate reduction in terms of obstructive symptom improvement. However, this procedure may not completely relieve your symptoms.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Depending on your specific dynamic anatomy, this strategy may help improve your breathing. Additional maneuvers may include spreader grafts to support the internal nasal valve.. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

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