Question: Is it normal for an increased amount of nasal mucus and drainage into the back of my throat 2 months after turbinid reduction surgery? I also have no sense of smell in the morning with my ability to smell increasing during the day. Even at it’s best, my ability to smell is greatly diminished.
Thank You
Answer : Thanks for your question.
Turbinates are tubes on the side of the inside of the nose that help the nose serve its role as a humidifier and filter. At times these structures can become quite swollen and interfere with breathing. There are different procedures to shrink them, if other treatment fails, but today one almost never would remove them as their role is essential to the nose doing its job.
Anything that causes congestion in the nose can temporarily limit your ability to smell.
Typically turbinate surgery causes swelling and crusting and dried mucus in the nose- for a short term.
Usually, this lasts a month or two, but can last longer.
We tend to recommend nasal saline rinses, a humidifier in the bedroom at night- (if you are able to clean religiously)- and sometimes a nasal steroid spray (such as flonase/fluticason) for 2-3 months after the procedure to help bring down any swelling.
If your problems persist, please check with your surgeon.
I hope this clears things up.
Robert Pincus MD
Co-director NY Sinus Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, increased nasal mucus and drainage into the throat is common after turbinate reduction surgery due to swelling and healing. This usually lasts for one to two months but can sometimes persist longer as the nose recovers from the procedure.
Post-surgical swelling, congestion, and crusting in the nose can temporarily impair your sense of smell. This effect is often more noticeable in the morning and tends to improve throughout the day as nasal passages clear and swelling decreases.
Recovery often involves about one to two months of swelling, crusting, and nasal drainage. However, some symptoms might last longer depending on the individual’s healing process and post-operative care.
Doctors often recommend nasal saline rinses, using a humidifier at night, and sometimes nasal steroid sprays like Flonase (fluticasone) for 2-3 months post-surgery. These treatments help decrease swelling and maintain nasal moisture to promote healing.
Typically, the sense of smell is temporarily affected due to post-surgical inflammation and congestion and gradually improves over time. If diminished smell persists long-term, it is important to consult your surgeon for evaluation.
If nasal mucus, drainage, swelling, or reduced sense of smell persist beyond a few months or significantly impact your quality of life, you should contact your surgeon for further assessment to rule out complications or need for additional treatment.
