Thought It Was Sinusitis, But It Was A Deviated Nasal Septum: FESS & Septoturbinoplasty Surgery Brought Relief to the Symptom

Putra Medical Centre – A woman aged 28 years old, working in Kuala Lumpur never expected that her persistent nasal congestion and constant sneezing, which had troubled her for years, were not caused by sinusitis but rather by a deviated nasal septum.

Nadia (not her real name) experienced severe symptoms such as complete nasal blockage, uncontrollable sneezing every morning, and continuous runny nose. This condition significantly affected her quality of life, causing discomfort and frustration in her daily routine.

“Every day, I would sneeze at least 10 times in a row, my nose was constantly blocked, and I always had a runny nose. I had tried various treatments for sinusitis, but none of them worked,” Nadia shared.

After years of struggling with ineffective treatments, Nadia finally decided to undergo a thorough examination when she returned to her hometown in Alor Setar. She consulted Dr. Ahmad Hafiz Ali, an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist at Putra Medical Centre, Alor Setar.

SCOPE Examination Revealed the Real Cause

Based on her symptoms, Dr. Hafiz performed a scope (nasal endoscopy), a diagnostic procedure using a small camera to examine the inside of the nasal and sinus cavities.

“The examination revealed that the patient not only had allergies but also a deviated nasal septum. This condition caused a narrow airway, making breathing difficult and increasing the risk of recurrent sinus infections,” explained Dr. Hafiz.

He further stated that many patients assume they have sinusitis, when in reality, their symptoms may be due to structural abnormalities in the nose, such as a deviated nasal septum or enlarged nasal tissues that obstruct airflow.

Treatment: FESS & Septoturbinoplasty

To resolve this issue, Dr. Hafiz recommended that Nadia undergo Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and Septoturbinoplasty.

• • FESS is a minimally invasive procedure that clears blocked sinus passages, improve breathing and reducing the risk of recurring sinus infections.
  • Septoturbinoplasty is a surgical procedure that combines septoplasty (correction of a deviated nasal septum) and turbinate reduction (reducing the size of enlarged turbinates). This surgery helps improve airflow through the nose, making breathing easier and enhancing overall nasal function. It’s commonly performed for people with chronic nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, or persistent nasal congestion that doesn’t respond to medications.

The surgery was successfully performed the next day at Putra Medical Centre, Alor Setar.

Significant Improvement In Just Two Months

Two months after the surgery, Nadia reported remarkable improvements in her condition:

The runny nose, sneezing, and nasal blockage scale prior to the operation was at its maximum, which was 10/10. However, two months after surgery, the nasal blockage scale decreased to 0/10, while the runny nose and sneezing scale significantly reduced to 2/10.

“I feel like a new person! I used to sneeze badly every morning and struggled with nasal congestion. Now, I can breathe freely without any issues,” she said gratefully.

Comfortable Experience at Putra Medical Centre

In addition to the successful surgery, Nadia also praised her experience at Putra Medical Centre’s Ward Admission.

“The nurses were very friendly, and the entire process was smooth. The hospital bed and facilities at the ward were extremely comfortable, making my recovery much easier. The overall process at Putra Medical Centre was very convenient,” she shared.

Expert Advice: Identify The Root Cause Before Seeking Treatment

Dr. Hafiz advises the public not to ignore prolonged symptoms and to seek a proper diagnosis to identify the actual cause of their nasal and sinus issues.

“Patients may have similar symptoms, but the underlying causes can be different. That is why a thorough examination is essential to ensure the most effective treatment,” he emphasized.

For those experiencing chronic nasal congestion, excessive sneezing, or persistent runny nose, Dr. Hafiz encourages seeking an ENT specialist’s consultation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

📍 For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the Putra Medical Centre website or contact the ENT clinic at PMC, Alor Setar.

Website: www.pmck.com.my

General line: +604-730 2888

Dr Hafiz ENT clinic: +6016-350 7211

Pr and Marketing: +6010-455 1125

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