Chronic Nasal Issues Persist
16F. Despite seeking treatment at an esteemed private hospital, I still find myself struggling... Since around the age of 11, I have dealt with a persistent nasal condition. My nose continuously emits mucus, which fluctuates between being watery or thick and yellow. The mucus often becomes lodged in my throat, leading to uncomfortable moments where I either gag to expel it or swallow it down. Breathing has become a challenge, and I routinely awaken to find myself gagging and expelling mucus that had settled in my throat overnight. Recently, I consulted with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. He informed me that my adenoids were enlarged. In October, I underwent an adenoidectomy. Post-surgery, my doctor revealed that he had also corrected what he deemed a severely damaged section of my nose, situated deep inside. However, I am uncertain of the exact location. To my dismay, without my or my parents' consent, he effectively broke my nose to ‘repair’ what he perceived as faulty cartilage, presumably without requiring approval since the procedure was offered at no cost in a prestigious hospital we’ve frequented for over a decade. Now, as of February, my septum has developed a significant deviation. I've never encountered such a pronounced septal deviation; it resembles a tumor within my left nostril. The cause of this drastic change remains unclear to me. Upon returning to the ENT in January, I was told that everything was functioning well. However, after a follow-up with my family physician two weeks later, they identified my septum's positioning as problematic. I am left wondering if the ENT is ignoring a clear issue, as my difficulty in breathing has worsened since the surgery, and I now find myself in urgent need of assistance. To add to my distress, I still experience a constant runny nose and continue to expel large quantities of mucus day and night. All I desire is relief. I long for the ability to breathe comfortably like anyone else. Update: Prior to the surgery, my septum had never exhibited any deviation.
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 8:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with your nasal issues. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after undergoing surgery with the expectation of improvement. You’ve been through a lot, and it’s understandable that you desire relief from your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Ongoing nasal congestion and mucus production may be linked to complications post-surgery and possibly inflammatory conditions.
- Septal deviation and breathing difficulties raise concerns that may need further evaluation.
- Relief strategies and understanding your condition are crucial for managing symptoms effectively.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including continuous mucus production and worsening breathing difficulties post-surgery, suggest that your nasal passages may still be inflamed or affected by structural changes resulting from the surgery, including the post-operative deviation of your septum. Conditions like allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or even an infection could be contributing to your mucus symptoms and nasal obstruction.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms—note when they worsen, any triggers (like allergens or infections), and whether specific treatments help alleviate them. This information can be critical for understanding your condition and for future discussions with healthcare providers.
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Saline Nasal Rinse: Consider using a saline nasal rinse or spray regularly. This can help keep your nasal passages moist, reduce mucus buildup, and may help improve your breathing.
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Consider Allergy Testing: If you haven't already, ask your physician about allergy testing, as allergies could be exacerbating your nasal symptoms. Knowing specific allergens can lead to better management strategies.
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Follow-Up with Healthcare Providers: Schedule a follow-up with your ENT or a different specialist if you feel your concerns are being overlooked. Bring your symptom diary to discuss the continuing issues regarding your septum deviation and breathing difficulties. It may be helpful to advocate for imaging studies, like a CT scan, to visualize structural issues more clearly.
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Explore Additional Treatment Options: Depending on the findings of future appointments, consider discussing medication options such as nasal corticosteroids for inflammation or antihistamines for allergy relief. If structural issues persist, surgical options may need re-evaluation.
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Stay Hydrated and Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Keeping well-hydrated can thin mucus. Additionally, sleeping with your head elevated may reduce nighttime mucus accumulation and improve airflow while you sleep.
It's important to remain proactive and expressive about your needs and concerns with any healthcare provider. You deserve relief, and continuing to seek help is a powerful step towards that goal.
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