Why Can't I Stop Sneezing After Septoplasty and Turbinectomy?

Question

Hi, I recently had a septoplasty, turbinectomy and rhinoplasty one month ago. This was because I couldn't breath at night. I'm doing the nasal irrigation flushes everyday as recommended. After the surgery until now which is 3 weeks post op, I find that I sneeze a few times a day which never used to happen. I have moderate eye bags though my eyes do not water. My nose feels sensitive at times. Apparently the whole two turbinates were resected. I'm not allergic to anything. What's going on?

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

Considering you are about three weeks into your recovery, light to moderate sneezing should not pose a great risk to your healing process. What you are experiencing is in fact unusual- still, as long as you are not excessively sneezing, there shouldn’t be
 a problem. Try to control the severity of your sneezes as much as possible, and try not to overthink the situation as there may be a psychological trigger to the sneezing. Also, it is important that you concentrate the sneeze through the mouth to the greatest
 of your ability. In this way, the recovery of your nose will remain largely uninterrupted. My best advice would be to schedule a follow up visit with your surgeon, and to get your condition evaluated in person.

Bradford S. Patt, MD · Answer

After Rhinoplasty or other intranasal surgery it is not uncommon to have a sensitivity inside your nose which may cause one to sneeze. Once full healing occurs which could take a couple of months that sensitivity should resolve.If the sensitivity continues you might want to discuss that with your surgeon

Why Can't I Stop Sneezing After Septoplasty and Turbinectomy?

Answers (2)