Hi Septo 1

Nose1 brings up an important point, that there is no ENS without a turbinate reduction. However, there is a world of post nasal surgery dysfunction that is sort of a catch all for those who apparently did not have their turbinates touched and have problems. There have been many such people who have posted here over the years, and so it is not too unusal - although it may be a small percentage of the population post nasal surgery.

Nose1 is also correct, in that the turbs on the deviated side might have been smaller and moving the septum may have opened the space, and these turbs have not compensated.

This brings up an interesting point, however, that merely opening up the space even without a turbinate procedure can cause dryness.

At any rate, one can never be sure if the turbs have not been touched. It is a little worrying the ENT suggested they might have been touched. I assume you have a pre surgery CT? So you would likely be able to know if they are the same.


I have some questions - on your Operative report did it say anything about what part of the septum on which the septoplasty was performed? What sorts of procedures were done on your sinuses? Esp. an antrostomy? Lastly, just to make sure, is it correct that your left (dry) nostril has no obstruction? That is, you can breathe through it? Just double checking we are on the same page.


Well, just thinking about some of the issues I have considered about my own situation, some things that may contribute to dryness, are structural collapse, which can happen following a septoplasty and disturb normal airflow; over opening of the airway, just from a septoplasty (a Dr said to me in response to my question why is my nose dry? "They did a septoplasty on you and now it is like a windtunnel" He then said it is common - I know he was covering for the turb reduction, but there was an element of truth in there!); aggressive removal of nasal structures and opening of sinuses (A nurse at my surgeon's office - I told her my nose is dry. She said it is common "We opened your sinuses and now you are more open, and so you are drier". I said are there others like this? and she nodded saying they use saline and humidifiers).

I was at a teaching hospital, so I suspect the resident did my turb reduction - he has a nice practice now of his own. You really have to comb over your report - I didn't notice that point at first. Also, did you get the pathology report? It will describe the contents of your nose (septal cartilage, sinus stuff) that was removed, although it probably won't remark on the turbs. THey are considered beneath any real part of the nose. But, it may shed some light on how much cartilage was removed. My surgeon took a lot considering I had less than normal, due to a prior rhinoplasty.