What is Empty Nose Syndrome?

Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) is a severe iatrogenic complication caused by excessive loss of turbinate tissue. Its main symptoms include a burning sensation in the nasal cavity, persistent nasal congestion, recurrent nasal infections, reduced or lost sense of smell, as well as psychological symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. ENS typically occurs due to excessive resection or damage to the turbinates; nasal surgeries such as septoplasty or turbinate resection may alter nasal cavity structure and thereby lead to ENS. Treatment options for ENS include general management, medication, and surgical intervention. However, ENS is a challenging complication to treat, and timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patients' symptoms and quality of life.