Volume 29, Issue 156, February 2025

Empty Nose Syndrome: A review of pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic strategies, and patient-centered treatments

Zuzanna Kudas^1♦, Natalia Dąbrowska¹, Paweł Nowocin¹, Nikola Perchel¹, Paulina Kumięga¹, Aleksandra Litwin¹, Piotr Wasiński¹, Karolina Krzywicka², Dawid Wiktor Kulczyński¹, Martyna Koszyk³

¹Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
²PKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital in Warsaw, Józefa Sierakowskiego 13, 03-709 Warszawa, Poland
³Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Kazimierza Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding Author
Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) is a rare but complex condition that can arise after nasal surgeries, like turbinate reduction. Even though the surgery is usually intended to improve nasal function, patients with Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) often continue to have problems such as nasal obstruction, dryness, and a paradoxical feeling of suffocation. This review explores the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ENS, emphasizing the aspects that are most important to patients. We explore the interplay between structural changes in the nose and various sensory and neurological factors contributing to the distressing symptoms of Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). This review explores various treatment options for managing Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). Non-surgical methods, such as nasal moisturizers and psychological support, have been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms occuring with this condition. In contrast, surgical interventions like submucosal turbinoplasty and radiofrequency surgery are used to restore nasal function and improve the overall quality of life for patients. Using a personalized, patient-centered care approach is essential for effectively managing treatments for conditions such as Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). Successfully addressing both the physical symptoms and emotional problems in ENS patients requires coordinated collaboration among different medical specialties. Additionally, it is essential to establish standardized diagnostic criteria and develop innovative treatments that meet the diverse needs of individuals affected by ENS.

Keywords: Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS), Pathogenic Mechanisms, Nasal Physiology, Diagnostic Strategies, Patient-Centered Treatments, ENS Symptoms Turbinate Dysfunction, Surgical Interventions, Quality of Life, Management of ENS

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e26ms3504

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i156.e26ms3504

Published: 07 February 2025