Eustachian tube dysfunction/breathing disorders after rhino/septoplasty/inferior turb reduction? (photo)

Question

I had an extremely deviated septum before. After the surgery, my breathing was much improved and I was breathing thru my nose very well. I did this maneuver like a week later where I pushed my tongue against my soft palate and my ear closed up. I was diagnosed with ETD. A month or so later there was some crackling and everything was back to normal. Unfortunately the crackling persisted.it went away a few times after a hot shower, but my ear closed up again, lots of pressure/muffled hearing. cont

Daniel J. Givens, MD · Answer

In regards to your inferior turbinate surgery, likely your surgeon noted that they were enlarged and performed a submucous resection to increase the diameter of your nasal airway, helping you to breathe better.  This is very commonly performed, and without it your long term result may not have been as good.  Eustachian tube dysfunction is a frustrating condition

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

It is likely only incidental that you are experiencing Eustachian tube issues after a septoplasty and rhinoplasty.  It is best to be seen by an ENT physician who can examine your nose with an endoscopy and your ear pressure.  You will likely benefit from a hearing test as well to help with your diagnosis.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

In my opinion there is no connection between a septo-rhinoplasty and a newly developed ET dysfunction. Most probably you had an underlying problem that now coincidentally started to show symptoms. The maneuvers to open the ET are correct and should help with the fluid build up. You can also try to chew sugar free gum as it constantly will open the ET due to the chewing action.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Pedram Imani, FRACS, MS, MBBS (Hons) · Answer

Your symptoms are unrelated to your nose surgery. You need an audiogram and assessment by an ENT surgeon. It may be that you have fluid in your middle ear associated with your ET dysfunction. Hope this helps.

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Pushing the tongue back to elevate the palate will force air up through the ET. What you did is a helpful maneuver during scuba diving to equalize middle ear pressure. However you may have developed a patulous ET where it is too open. It would not come from the surgery and was either already there or has coincidently developed. If your surgeon is an ENT he/she is familiar with this condition and should be able to help

Eustachian tube dysfunction/breathing disorders after rhino/septoplasty/inferior turb reduction? (photo)

Answers (5)

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