Post-Surgery Nasal Issues: Allergies and Treatment - Otolaryngology

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Post-surgery nasal issues, particularly in the context of allergies and treatment, can be quite complex and multifaceted. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of nasal congestion, allergic reactions, and possibly some post-operative complications. Let's break down the issues and explore potential solutions.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Nasal Congestion and Allergies: After nasal surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience ongoing nasal congestion. This can be exacerbated by allergies, which may have been present before the surgery but became more pronounced afterward. Allergies can lead to inflammation of the nasal passages, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, nasal itching, and increased mucus production.

2. Post-Surgical Changes: The removal of nasal polyps and other surgical interventions can alter the normal anatomy of the nasal passages. This can lead to changes in airflow and mucus drainage, potentially causing a feeling of congestion even if there is no significant swelling.
3. Eye Symptoms: The tearing and eye irritation you are experiencing could be related to allergic conjunctivitis, which is common in individuals with nasal allergies. The connection between nasal and eye symptoms is due to the shared pathways of the nasal and ocular systems, particularly through the nasolacrimal duct.


Treatment Options
1. Allergy Management: Since your symptoms are likely related to allergies, it is crucial to manage these effectively. This can include:
- Antihistamines: Medications like loratadine or cetirizine can help reduce allergic symptoms.

- Nasal Corticosteroids: These can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Fluticasone or mometasone nasal sprays are commonly prescribed.

- Avoidance of Triggers: Identifying and avoiding allergens (such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander) can significantly improve your symptoms.

2. Nasal Irrigation: Regularly using saline nasal sprays or performing nasal irrigation (e.g., with a neti pot) can help clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion.

3. Eye Drops: For your eye symptoms, the prescribed eye drops (like "克滴康" and "能克淚明") are appropriate for managing allergic conjunctivitis. If you continue to experience excessive tearing or discomfort, follow up with your ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

4. Communication with Your Healthcare Providers: It’s essential to maintain open communication with both your ENT and ophthalmologist. If you feel that your symptoms are not improving or if new symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to reach out for further evaluation. Keeping a symptom diary can help your doctors understand the patterns and triggers of your symptoms.

5. Consideration of Psychological Factors: Given your history of anxiety and the use of psychiatric medications, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider whether your mental health could be impacting your physical symptoms. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate allergic reactions and contribute to a feeling of malaise.


Conclusion
In summary, your ongoing nasal issues post-surgery are likely multifactorial, involving both allergic reactions and potential anatomical changes from your surgery. A comprehensive approach that includes allergy management, nasal irrigation, and effective communication with your healthcare providers will be key to improving your symptoms. If your symptoms persist despite these measures, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out any underlying issues or complications from your surgery. Remember, managing allergies is often a long-term process, and it may take time to find the right combination of treatments that work for you.