Seeking Guidance on Turbinate Reduction Surgery Recovery
Hello, I'm an 18-year-old who recently underwent turbinate reduction surgery just three days ago. I'm noticing a gradual improvement in my nasal congestion each day, which is encouraging. However, I have a concerning sensation: I no longer feel any sensation inside my nose. When I attempt to take deep breaths, it feels as though the nerves in my nasal cavity are completely absent. Additionally, if I inhale forcefully, I experience a strange, icy feeling that seems to radiate towards my eyebrow. Can anyone provide insight into whether this is a normal part of recovery or if it indicates a complication from the procedure? Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 10:01:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you're noticing improvement in your nasal congestion following your turbinate reduction surgery. However, I understand your concern about the lack of sensation in your nose and the strange feelings you're experiencing.
Key Points:
- Reduced Sensation: It can be common to experience changes in sensation following nasal surgery due to inflammation and healing.
- Nerve Recovery: The nerves in the nasal area may need time to recover, and altered sensations can occur during this period.
- Cold Sensation: The icy feeling radiating towards your eyebrow may be related to nerve sensitivity or inflammation.
Explanation:
After surgery, it's not unusual for patients to experience temporary loss of sensation. This can happen due to swelling in the nasal cavity, which may affect the sensory nerves. As the healing process continues, sensation typically returns to normal, but it can take some time. The strange feelings you're describing, especially when inhaling forcefully, may also be connected to this nerve sensitivity or inflammation as your body heals.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms over the next few days. Note any changes, especially improvements or worsening of sensation or discomfort.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and keep your nasal passages moist, which can aid recovery.
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Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of smoke, strong odors, or allergens that could exacerbate nasal irritation and slow healing.
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Gentle Breathing Exercises: Practice gentle, deep breathing at a comfortable pace to help with respiratory function, but avoid forceful inhalation until sensations normalize.
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Follow-up: If the unusual sensations persist or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms like severe pain, fever, or excessive bleeding, consider speaking to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Remember, healing takes time, and while it's normal to have some unusual sensations, staying in touch with your progress is important. You're doing well by monitoring your changes, so keep that up! Let me know if you have further questions or concerns.
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