Dr. Ruben Santoyo Ayala, pulmonologist at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Jalisco, spoke about causes and consequences of empty nose syndrome (ENS), which is caused by chronic nasal dryness and mucosal inflammation, resulting in a sensation of nauseating smell and the reduction of smell and taste senses.
The specialist noted that difficulty to breathe deeply, a burning sensation — particularly when breathing cold air — and struggle to blow the nose characterize this syndrome, which is originated by chronic nasal dryness, which in short term may produce atrophy, congestion, shortness of breath, and paradoxical nasal obstruction.
He explained that the nasal dryness occurs when nasal turbinate tissue is lost. Turbinate tissue divides the nasal airway into four groove-like air passages, and its function is to humidify, filter, regulate temperature and receive the nasal airflow.
Paradoxical nasal obstruction, he explained, is generated by changes in the airflow speed when travels through the altered nasal turbinate. This causes a loss of “venturi effect” (the reduction in fluid pressure that results when a fluid flows through a constricted section), since nasal turbinate is responsible for forcing inhaled air to flow steady.
The empty nose syndrome, explained the IMSS’s specialist, can cause lightheadedness and dizziness, plus can incapacitate the patient. Also, it can cause a foul odor inside the nose, loss of smell and even taste, absence in mucus, hyperventilation, chronic facial pain, trouble falling sleep and obstructive apnea, and pulmonary hypersensitivity to fragrances or irritating odors.
The physician also said that without proper treatment, this condition decreases strikingly the patient’s quality of life, since they may experience anxiety and depression caused by breathing improperly.
He added that this condition can be confused with others like atrophic rhinitis, so it is necessary to perform a tomography. He also stressed the importance of early detection since this condition contributes to chronic dryness which in turn contributes to nasal mucosa’s wear.
He said that treatment includes surgical alternatives, which basically seek to narrow the excessive space generated by the loss of turbinate tissue, through increasing the volume of the turbinates using implants, autografts, or synthetic materials.
Among other treatment options, he explained, patient can use a nasal lubricant, moisturizing creams or intranasal gels, he can also practice frequent nasal washes, plus consume a diet rich in vitamin A and drink plenty of fluids which promotes the regeneration of the mucosa.
Similar to apnea cases, he added, the patient may use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which restores the negative lung pressure improving the feeling of nasal airflow.
Source: Notimex
