1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Nasal blockage with dry nose and no mucus.

Posted by lhess57 @lhess57, Nov 11, 2023

My nose is constantly blocked. I have brief periods where some air gets though and it's a relief because I start feeling like I'm suffocating. I pull my face to the side at times and scrunch up my face to get clear breathing for a short time if possible. I've even try bandaids on my face to open up my nose. I recently started taking sudafed and take mucinex dm. I also use saline nasal rinse.
I have tried different prescription nasal sprays and now my nose is dry as well. So I stay away from nasal sprays other than saline.

My ENT suggested the Vivaer procedure. I'm concerned about the feelings of suffocation due to the swelling when I'm already experiencing that.
I heard of empty nose, nasal crippling issues. I don't know how to get relief. I would really like to breathe out of my nose and not think about every breath.

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nancy26 | @nancy26 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @lhess57 "I am currently using a nasal dilator to improve my nasal breathing. It does help but..." + (show)
@lhess57

I am currently using a nasal dilator to improve my nasal breathing. It does help but not a permanent solution.

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from what i researched you have to keep your nose hydrated constantly with saline & warm mist humidifier , not sure what a nasal dilator is but worth a try , please send me the info , it’s so difficult to breathe, thanks

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nancy26 | @nancy26 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @lhess57 "How are you doing with this? From what I've read, this is a very real and..." + (show)
@lhess57

How are you doing with this? From what I've read, this is a very real and horrible condition.
Empty nose syndrome is why I cancelled the sinus procedure an ENT suggested (ViVaer).

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had I known that there were such a thing as empty nose syndrome back in the 90s I never would’ve done my first surgery let alone my second 2018 when the doctor told me he could help me breathe better and I ended up with nasal collapse on both sides

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nancy26 | @nancy26 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @lhess57 "I am currently using a nasal dilator to improve my nasal breathing. It does help but..." + (show)
@lhess57

I am currently using a nasal dilator to improve my nasal breathing. It does help but not a permanent solution.

Jump to this post

well, the problem once the doctor takes out too many turbinates, there’s no help because you’re basically screwed. They can’t replace what they take too much out of. That’s where I’m at now I can’t breathe at all through my nose, it’s awful.

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1 reply
nancy26 | @nancy26 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @lhess57 "The ENT went directly to the Vivaer procedure. I was given the pamphlet as soon as..." + (show)
@lhess57

The ENT went directly to the Vivaer procedure. I was given the pamphlet as soon as I got in the examination room. I am scheduling a follow up appointment with him to discuss other options.

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i’m not familiar with the Vivaer procedure, what does that do?

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nancy26 | @nancy26 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @jm1 "Alot of ENTs only seemed interested in doing $$$ surgeries., others go directly to $$$ allergy..." + (show)
@jm1

Alot of ENTs only seemed interested in doing $$$ surgeries., others go directly to $$$ allergy shots . What is his diagnosis? Get a second opinion. The vicks sinus inhaler steamer helps alot. AYR nasal gel and Ponaris ointment help me also. Hope you feel better soon

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i’m using the AYR nasal gel , helps a little but have to use it constantly

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lhess57 | @lhess57 | Dec 14, 2023

The Vivaer procedure apparently uses radio waves to shrink and reshape the nasal valve area. I was told that the tool used burns areas inside your nose.
The marketing for this procedure makes it look simple, quick and effective. I looked up reviews on this procedure and I'm still not sold on having it done.

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1 reply
lhess57 | @lhess57 | Dec 14, 2023
In reply to @nancy26 "well, the problem once the doctor takes out too many turbinates, there’s no help because you’re..." + (show)
@nancy26

well, the problem once the doctor takes out too many turbinates, there’s no help because you’re basically screwed. They can’t replace what they take too much out of. That’s where I’m at now I can’t breathe at all through my nose, it’s awful.

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I'm so sorry to hear that. It does totally consume my thoughts when I can't breathe through my nose.
I am praying for a break though. I will pray for you as well.

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1 reply
nancy26 | @nancy26 | Dec 14, 2023
In reply to @lhess57 "I'm so sorry to hear that. It does totally consume my thoughts when I can't breathe..." + (show)
@lhess57

I'm so sorry to hear that. It does totally consume my thoughts when I can't breathe through my nose.
I am praying for a break though. I will pray for you as well.

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thank you ! This is a daily struggle, I will pray for you as well🙏

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nancy26 | @nancy26 | Dec 16, 2023
In reply to @lhess57 "The Vivaer procedure apparently uses radio waves to shrink and reshape the nasal valve area. I..." + (show)
@lhess57

The Vivaer procedure apparently uses radio waves to shrink and reshape the nasal valve area. I was told that the tool used burns areas inside your nose.
The marketing for this procedure makes it look simple, quick and effective. I looked up reviews on this procedure and I'm still not sold on having it done.

Jump to this post

I found an ENT that does that procedure, so I’m thinking about going in for a consultation but since I have internal and external nasal collapse besides the empty nose syndrome, which that’s not gonna help I figured I’d give it a shot. What do I have to lose?

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jfn | @jfn | Dec 17, 2023

Try listening to 'Breath' by James Nestor. The breathing techniques at the end helped me immensely. I also use a spray saline solution.

JFN

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