Post-Surgery Dry Throat and Tongue Issues: What to Know - Otolaryngology

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Post-surgery dry throat and tongue issues can be quite distressing, especially after undergoing a procedure like septoplasty, which is aimed at correcting a deviated septum. It’s important to understand that the symptoms you are experiencing—dryness in the throat, pain, dry eyes, and changes in your tongue—can be attributed to several factors related to the surgery and the healing process.

Firstly, after nasal surgery, it is common for patients to experience dryness in the throat. This can occur due to several reasons:
1. Reduced Nasal Breathing: After surgery, you may be breathing more through your mouth, especially if your nasal passages are still swollen or congested. Mouth breathing can lead to dryness in the throat and discomfort.

2. Post-Nasal Drip: Surgery can sometimes lead to increased mucus production or changes in mucus consistency, which may cause post-nasal drip. This can irritate the throat and lead to a sensation of dryness or pain.

3. Medications: If you were prescribed medications post-surgery, such as pain relievers or antibiotics, some of these can have side effects that include dry mouth and throat.

4. Environmental Factors: Dry air, especially in winter months or in air-conditioned environments, can exacerbate throat dryness. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can help alleviate this symptom.

Regarding your dry eyes, this could be related to several factors as well:
1. Dehydration: If you are not drinking enough fluids, this can lead to dryness in various mucous membranes, including the eyes.

2. Medication Side Effects: Some medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect.

3. Surgical Impact: The surgery itself may have affected the tear production or drainage, leading to dryness.

As for the changes in your tongue, including the reduction of tongue coating and the sensation of roughness, this could be due to:
1. Oral Hygiene Changes: Post-surgery, you may have altered your oral hygiene routine, which can affect the buildup of bacteria and debris on the tongue.

2. Dehydration: Again, insufficient hydration can lead to changes in the oral environment, affecting the tongue's appearance and texture.

3. Nerve Sensitivity: Surgical procedures can sometimes lead to temporary changes in sensation in the oral cavity, which might explain the unusual feelings you are experiencing.

It’s understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, especially with the fear of underlying conditions. However, since you have already consulted with a rheumatologist and ruled out conditions like Sjögren's syndrome (which causes dry mouth and eyes), it may be beneficial to follow up with an ENT specialist or a dentist who specializes in oral medicine. They can provide a thorough examination and may suggest treatments such as saliva substitutes, medications to stimulate saliva production, or other interventions to help manage your symptoms.

In the meantime, here are some strategies you can implement to alleviate your symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your throat and mouth moist.

- Use Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can help with dryness in your throat and eyes.

- Saline Nasal Sprays: These can help keep your nasal passages moist and may reduce the need for mouth breathing.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can exacerbate throat dryness.

- Oral Care: Maintain good oral hygiene and consider using a tongue scraper to help manage any changes in your tongue.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek further medical advice. You deserve to feel comfortable and healthy after your surgery, and there are specialists who can help you navigate these post-operative challenges.