Will a septorhinoplasty and turbinate reduction get rid of post nasal drip?

Question

I have chronic post nasal drip for years it drips down my throat and tonsils I was just wondering whether this surgery will help eliminate or reduce the amount of post nasal drip that I am producing?

Damien Grinsell, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi
Great question. A septorhinoplasty is very unlikely to help your symptoms unfortunately. However it may be worth investigating a turbinectomy which will reduce the surface area of the internal mucosa. Most people find the airflow is a bit drier after turbinate removal. It may not cure the postnasal drip but it will likely improve. Conversely however I have had 1 or 2 patients who have had a more moist nose after functional rhinoplasty. This is presumably a neural problem. Nonsurgical options include sprays like steroid sprays and vasoconstrictors however they are often ineffective. There are tablets you can take like glycopyrrolate but they also make the mouth and eyes dry. 
Regards
Damien

H. George Brennan, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Septorhinoplasty and turbinate reduction will increase the airflow but will not necessarily improve the post nasal drip.  You should consult with a Rhinoplasty and allergy expert.  Your condition is probably , at least in part an allergy which is compounded by the nasal obstruction.

Will a septorhinoplasty and turbinate reduction get rid of post nasal drip?

Answers (2)