Having undergone turbinate ablation surgery, you breathe freely for a few months, only for the sensation of nasal congestion to return. Have you also found yourself caught in the cycle of "treatment – relief – recurrence"?
Regarding this phenomenon, Professor Zuo Kejun, a specially appointed expert at Renshu Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital and a professor in the Rhinology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, points out that such situations may stem from patients achieving only a "pseudo-balance" in breathing, without addressing deeper structural issues within the nasal cavity.
"Pseudo-Balance" Masks the Real Problem; Structural Imbalance is the Root Cause
Professor Zuo Kejun explains that true balanced nasal breathing relies on symmetrical and stable structures. The nasal septum acts as the "load-bearing wall" of the nasal cavity. If there is significant deviation, even if the airway is temporarily widened by surgically reducing the turbinates, it still cannot fundamentally solve the problem of airflow obstruction. This approach, which only addresses soft tissue swelling while ignoring bony structural abnormalities, can only provide short-term improvement and is prone to lead to recurrent nasal congestion in the long run.
Deviated Nasal Septum: The Overlooked "Invisible Barrier"
According to Professor Zuo Kejun, deviated nasal septum is very common in the population. However, severe deviation or cases accompanied by spurs, especially when the deviation is located in the nasal valve area, can significantly impair ventilation function. He notes: "The nasal valve area is the narrowest part of the nasal cavity. Even minor structural abnormalities can lead to a noticeable sensation of congestion. For many patients with postoperative recurrence, this is precisely the underlying cause."
Rebuilding "True Balance": Emphasizing Both Structural Correction and Functional Restoration
For patients with recurrent nasal congestion, Professor Zuo Kejun emphasizes the need for a comprehensive assessment of nasal cavity structure. He proposes that lasting, unobstructed breathing requires a core focus on nasal septal correction to restore its midline position, followed by synchronized adjustment of the morphology of both turbinates to achieve a dual balance in airway structure and function.
In the clinical practice at Renshu Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Professor Zuo Kejun leads the rhinology and surgical center team in adopting personalized surgical plans. Utilizing a "bone-preserving, non-packing technique," they achieve precise correction of the nasal septum while significantly reducing postoperative swelling, pain, and the feeling of nasal obstruction. Most patients can be discharged and recover smoothly within one to two days after surgery.
Expert Appeal: Prioritize Holistic Nasal Assessment to Avoid "Treating Symptoms, Not the Root Cause"
Professor Zuo Kejun, a specially appointed expert at Renshu Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat, reminds patients that if they suffer from long-term nasal congestion or experience postoperative recurrence, they should proactively seek professional evaluation to clarify whether there are bony structural abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum. He emphasizes: "Smooth breathing depends not only on the width of the airway but more so on its symmetry and the steadiness of airflow. Merely pursuing 'spaciousness' while neglecting 'midline alignment' often makes it difficult to achieve long-lasting patency."
Renshu Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat is consistently committed to the clinical work and research of nasal ventilation dysfunction and structural diseases. The expert team has accumulated extensive experience in the fields of precise rhinological surgery and rapid recovery. If you or a family member suffers from long-term recurrent nasal congestion, it may be time to examine whether you are merely staying at the stage of "pseudo-balance" relief. True respiratory freedom stems from deep structural symmetry.
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