
24/07/2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dgo_fzAoWg
Mucus Hypersecretion and Allergic Rhinitis May Be Protective in Patients with ENS (Empty Nose Syndrome)
Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a serious clinical condition that develops after excessive surgical removal or reduction of nasal tissue. It manifests as abnormal expansion of the nasal air passages and symptoms such as paradoxical nasal obstruction, air hunger, burning, and dryness. Patients with ENS often report that their noses are "open," but experience a feeling of breathlessness and insufficient nasal airflow. This condition is associated with the disruption of the complex balance in nasal physiology associated with accelerated and altered nasal airflow resulting from anatomical changes. Changes in the nasal mucosa over time due to the rapid airflow are common in patients with ENS. Furthermore, conditions such as mucus hypersecretion and allergic rhinitis may be protective in patients with ENS. In patients with ENS, nasal secretions become increasingly dry and sticky. In patients with increased nasal secretions, such as those with allergic rhinitis, the nasal mucosa is naturally moist, protecting it from damage associated with rapid air exposure.
The Protective Effect of Mucus Hypersecretion
Mucus is one of the nasal mucosa's most important defensive barriers. It protects the airways from foreign particles, microorganisms, and environmental irritants while also serving a moisturizing function. Because the surface area of the nasal mucosa in ENS is reduced, mucus production generally decreases, creating dryness, irritation, and vulnerability to infection.
However, excessive mucus production, or mucus hypersecretion, has been observed in some ENS patients. This can improve patient comfort by reducing the feeling of dryness. It can also contribute to the regeneration of the mucosal barrier, thereby balancing the intranasal defense system to some extent. This makes mucus hypersecretion a potentially compensatory mechanism.
Positive Aspects of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an immune-related condition that often presents with symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), sneezing, and itching. Because the nasal cavity is abnormally enlarged in patients with ENS, the nasal congestion of allergic rhinitis may not be evident. Increased nasal discharge, itching, and sneezing may be more pronounced. While these symptoms are generally considered negative for patients with ENS, allergic rhinitis may also have protective effects in some ways, such as:
Increases mucus production: Allergic rhinitis keeps the inside of the nose moist by increasing the activity of the mucous glands.
Promotes mucosal regeneration: The immune response can stimulate the regeneration of mucosal cells.
Stimulates nerve endings: Nerve endings activated during allergic processes can stimulate the perception of nasal airflow, which is lost in the ENS, to some extent.
Therefore, in some patients with ENS, mild allergic symptoms may contribute to a more tolerable symptomatic course of the disease. In the patient in the video, despite having both inferior turbinates (inferior conchae) almost completely removed, the nasal mucosa is mostly moist and healthy, pink in color.
In light of these observations, supporting mucus production or managing allergic rhinitis in a controlled manner may be considered a therapeutic approach in the treatment of patients with ENS.
Future studies will more clearly elucidate the effects of these pathophysiological conditions on the ENS, enabling more holistic management of the disease.
While mucus hypersecretion and allergic rhinitis are generally viewed as negative conditions, they can play a protective and compensatory role in complex cases such as empty nose syndrome. These physiological adaptations can provide an important support mechanism in alleviating the destructive symptoms caused by ENS.
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