People who rarely experience nasal breathing issues may take the ability to breathe through the nose for granted. However, those who have nasal breathing problems can experience severe health disorders such as snoring or sleep apnoea, which can disrupt normal sleeping patterns.
For patients who have unsuccessful medical management, a combined septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgical procedure may be effective at restoring normal breathing and eliminating health issues.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a common surgery that can help to improve the structure of the nasal septum and straighten any structural deformities. The nasal septum is a barrier that divides one half of the nose from the other, creating two separate breathing passages. A deviated septum may cause excessive snoring, sleep apnoea, or other breathing problems.
What is a Turbinectomy?
The inside walls of the nose have 3 pairs of long thin bones covered with thin tissue. These bones are called nasal turbinates. Allergies or other nasal problems can cause the turbinates to swell and block airflow. Surgery can be done to fix blocked airways and improve your breathing. A turbinectomy or turbinate reduction procedure is a routine surgical procedure performed for allergic rhinitis and nasal blockage. During this surgery, the turbinates on either side of the nose are partially reduced.
What is the recovery like after septoplasty and turbinate reductions?
There are two common symptoms associated with the recovery process post-surgery. The first is nasal swelling. The large amount of vessels and capillaries within the nasal passages makes swelling an issue for post-surgical patients. Lowering the head or face below the level of the heart, blowing one’s nose or sneezing excessively, and even wearing glasses can worsen the symptoms of swelling during the first few days after surgery.
Bleeding is another common symptom associated with septoplasty and turbinectomy recovery. Individuals who are susceptible to nosebleeds will likely experience some bleeding.
While the post-surgical recovery period for these surgeries can last several weeks, the dramatically improved results achieved through these procedures is usually worth the discomfort. The ability to breathe while awake, and especially during sleep, can dramatically improve one’s quality of life.
If you have questions or concerns about your nose, are interested in having septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery, make an appointment to see our ear nose and throat specialist.
