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Dry nose and reduced sensation of breathing after RF turbinate reduction

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.
1 Responses
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207091 tn?1337709493
I had the turbinate reduction a year and a half ago. I haven't had the issues you've had, but for dryness, have you tried saline nasal gel? It's like a spray, but in gel form.

It could also be that the steroids and antihistamines dry you out too much.

There are good allergy nasal sprays that can really help. Have you seen an allergist?

What about a humidifier for your bedroom? Get a cool mist one.

Also, how old is your pillow? Maybe it's time for a new one.
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
Thanks for the help.

I do not take antihistamines, only steroid nasal sprays but I stopped using them because they really make things worse.
Even then, I wake up every night that my throat is too dry.
I have no humidifier in the room because my computer is here too, I might have to check out a CPAP machine that has a built-in humidifier on it own.
The pillow is 1 year old, washed regularly. It's filling is made of memory foam, it's a good one.

Did you feel as if your breathing changed? I mean, I can breath fine for sure. But the air resistance is way too weak and it doesn't feel like I'm taking a deep breath.
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