Hello,
I had an inferior turbinate reduction with radiofrequency for the second time, and I encountered the following problem:
Complaint: nasal dryness and reduced sensation of breathing after radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction (with endoscopy)
Original reason for procedure: nocturnal nasal obstruction related sleep problems
Notable conditions: allergic rhinitis
The procedure was 5 months ago, at first I was fine but 2 months after surgery I started waking up at night due to my throat and pharynx being very dry. Ever since breathing through my nose does not seem to humidify the air properly (I actually used to have a runny nose before).
I also feel like the reduction was excessive, and air resistance in my nose is too weak and it doesn't give me the sensation of "full breath" as before.
The only procedure done on my turbinates was RF treatment, this is the second time I received it due to the first procedure being completely ineffective.
Questions:
Could the RF reduction damage nerves / receptors inside my turbinates? If so, how could that be diagnosed and treated?
Is it possible that the reduction was too excessive? If so, will turbinate tissue grow back?
This was discussed with another ENT doctor here, in person. She took a look at my turbinates with an endoscope and she said that the size is okay. I fear it's the function that was compromised.
Allergy treatment with nasal steroids /antihistamines and moisturizing nasal spray for 4 months did not resolve the issue.
Thanks for the help.