Forskningen kring "Empty Nose Syndrome" (ENS): Komplikationer av näskirurgi

Forskningen kring "Empty Nose Syndrome" (ENS) handlar om en komplex och ofta förödande sjukdom som kan uppstå efter att man har opererat bort en betydande del av näsmusslorna, de strukturer som reglerar luftflödet genom näshålan. Begreppet myntades först av Kern och Stenkvist 1994 och beskriver tillståndet där näsan känns tom, vilket leder till en rad symtom som paradoxal obstruktion – en känsla av att inte kunna andas trots att näspassagen är öppen.

**Symptom och problematik:**

Patienter med ENS kan uppleva olika fysiska, kognitiva och emotionella symtom. Fysiska problem inkluderar andningssvårigheter, en känsla av kvävning, torrhet i näsan, kronisk näsblödning, och smärta. Kognitiva symtom kan innebära svårigheter att koncentrera sig, medan emotionella problem ofta handlar om ångest, depression och frustration. Symtomens svårighetsgrad varierar beroende på hur mycket av näsmusselvävnaden som har avlägsnats, samt individuella faktorer som kroppens respons på kirurgi och andra yttre faktorer.

**Patofysiologi och mekanismer:**

ENS orsakas av både strukturella och funktionella skador. Strukturellt leder avlägsnandet av näsmusselvävnad till störningar i näsans aerodynamik, vilket resulterar i ett onormalt luftflöde och minskad nasal motståndskraft. Detta kan förvärra andningssvårigheter och minska förmågan att uppleva luftflödet genom näsan, vilket är centralt för en normal andningsupplevelse.

Funktionellt innefattar ENS nervskador, vilket kan leda till förlust av sensoriska signaler och därmed en bristande upplevelse av luftflöde. Nervskadorna kan orsaka neuropati, där vissa delar av näsan blir överkänsliga för luftflöde, vilket kan leda till smärta och brännande känslor. Dessutom kan ENS innebära en försämrad eller frånvarande återväxt av nervvävnad, vilket ytterligare förvärrar problemen med att känna luftflöde och reglera andningen korrekt.

**Upptäckter och lärdomar:**

Forskningen har visat att ENS är en multifaktoriell sjukdom där både anatomiska förändringar och nervfunktion spelar en avgörande roll. ENS är inte enbart kopplad till den mängd vävnad som avlägsnats, utan också hur detta påverkar nervsystemet och näsans fysiologi. Den huvudsakliga lärdomen är att kirurgi på näsmusslor bör utföras med stor försiktighet, och att man bör undvika överdriven vävnadsborttagning för att minska risken för ENS.

**Slutsats:**

ENS är en allvarlig och komplex sjukdom som kan ha stor inverkan på livskvaliteten. Den huvudsakliga slutsatsen är att kirurgiska ingrepp i näsan måste utföras med försiktighet och att det är viktigt att förstå både de strukturella och funktionella aspekterna av näsans funktion för att undvika att utveckla detta tillstånd. Trots öppen näspassage kan ENS-patienter uppleva en känsla av kvävning och oförmåga att andas ordentligt, vilket är ett paradoxalt men centralt symtom i syndromet.

Rhinitis sicca, dry nose and atrophic rhinitis: a review of the literature

The study titled "Rhinitis sicca, dry nose and atrophic rhinitis: a review of the literature" by Tanja Hildenbrand, Rainer K. Weber, and Detlef Brehmer provides a comprehensive overview of the various conditions associated with the symptom of a dry nose (DN), such as rhinitis sicca, atrophic rhinitis, and Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). The study examines the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for these conditions, highlighting the complexity and variability in clinical presentation.

### Summary of Findings:

**1. Lack of Clear Definitions:**

The term "dry nose" lacks a precise definition and is used to describe a range of symptoms from a subjective sensation of dryness to visible crusting of the nasal mucosa. The term "rhinitis sicca" is commonly used by ENT specialists, though it too lacks a clear and consistent definition. The conditions discussed include rhinitis sicca anterior, primary and secondary atrophic rhinitis, and ENS, each with its own set of symptoms and underlying causes.

**2. Symptoms:**

Symptoms of dry nose can vary widely and may include:

- Sensation of dryness in the nose.

- Itching or a mild burning sensation.

- Nasal obstruction.

- Crusting or scabbing inside the nose, often accompanied by an unpleasant smell.

- Epistaxis (nosebleeds).

- Diminished sense of smell (hyposmia or anosmia).

**3. Causes:**

The causes of dry nose are multifaceted, involving various diseases, environmental factors, and physiological changes. Some common factors include:

- Mechanical irritation or trauma.

- Climatic or environmental factors such as dry air.

- Workplace conditions involving exposure to dust or chemicals.

- Side effects of medications, including those used to treat nasal congestion.

- Aging, which leads to anatomical changes and reduced mucociliary clearance.

- Anatomical changes due to surgery or trauma.

- Infections and systemic diseases like Wegener’s granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, or tuberculosis.

- The wound healing phase following nasal surgery.

**4. Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS):**

ENS is a particularly severe and complex condition resulting from over-resection of the nasal turbinates, which are crucial for proper airflow and humidification of the air we breathe. The study emphasizes that uncritical resection of these turbinates, particularly the inferior and middle turbinates, can lead to ENS, a form of secondary atrophic rhinitis (SAR). ENS is characterized by symptoms such as paradoxical nasal obstruction (a sensation of blocked nasal airflow despite having a physically enlarged nasal cavity), dry nose, pharyngeal dryness, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and a disturbed sense of smell. Psychological symptoms like depression can also occur due to the chronic and distressing nature of the condition.

**5. Diagnosis:**

Diagnosing dry nose and its associated conditions requires a thorough patient history and a detailed examination of the external and internal nose using endoscopy and, if necessary, imaging techniques like CT scans. Allergies and infections should also be ruled out through appropriate tests.

**6. Treatment Approaches:**

The treatment of dry nose and associated conditions is primarily conservative and focuses on symptom management. Key recommendations include:

- **Moisturization:** Using nasal sprays, ointments, or saline solutions to keep the nasal mucosa hydrated.

- **Environmental Control:** Reducing exposure to dry air, dust, and other environmental irritants.

- **Cleansing:** Regular removal of crusts to prevent infection.

- **Avoidance of Irritation:** Patients are advised to avoid unnecessary manipulation of the nasal mucosa to prevent further irritation.

- **Surgical Correction:** In cases where there is an excessively large nasal cavity due to previous surgery, reconstructive procedures may be considered to restore normal airflow and improve symptoms.

**7. Importance of Nasal Turbinates:**

The study underscores the critical role of nasal turbinates in maintaining nasal health. These structures are essential for proper air conditioning (humidifying and warming the air) and should not be removed unless absolutely necessary, as their removal can lead to severe and often irreversible complications such as ENS.

**8. Recommendations for Medical Practice:**

The study advises against radical resection of nasal turbinates and emphasizes the importance of careful surgical planning and execution. It also highlights the need for more research into effective treatments for dry nose and ENS, as current therapeutic options are largely symptomatic and do not address the underlying pathophysiology.

### Conclusion:

The research provides a detailed exploration of the conditions associated with dry nose, particularly ENS, which is identified as a severe consequence of aggressive nasal surgery. The study concludes that preventive measures, particularly in surgical practice, are essential to avoid the development of these debilitating conditions. Moreover, while current treatments offer symptomatic relief, there is a clear need for more effective therapeutic strategies to manage and prevent these disorders. The study serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance required in ENT surgery and the significant impact that nasal structure can have on overall respiratory health.

Summary from Eugene Kern,s book: Empty Nose Syndrome Evidence Based Proposals for Inferior Turbinate Management

Here’s a list of sections and descriptions from the book "Empty Nose Syndrome: Evidence-Based Proposals for Inferior Turbinate Management" where the author mentions and describes how Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) affects quality of life, health, well-being, sleep, and the overall suffering it causes:

1. **Introduction and Overview**:

   - **Emotional and Psychological Impact**: The chapter introduces ENS and highlights the profound psychological and emotional distress it causes. It mentions that some patients have even committed suicide due to the horrific torment caused by the condition.

2. **Fundamental Features of ENS**:

   - **Physical and Emotional Suffering**: The author discusses the fundamental aspects of ENS, emphasizing the debilitating nature of the symptoms, which include severe emotional anguish and physical suffering. Patients experience breathing difficulties and other distressing symptoms.

3. **Pathophysiology of ENS**:

   - **Lack of Objective Testing**: The book mentions that the lack of objective preoperative studies to guide surgery often leads to ENS, which severely impacts the patient's quality of life. The condition arises when subjective patient reports and observational practices replace rigorous functional testing, leading to devastating outcomes.

4. **Treatment Options for ENS**:

   - **No Curative Therapies**: The chapter outlines that there are no curative or restorative therapies for ENS, leaving patients with debilitating symptoms. The only realistic management is providing emotional support and attempting to control the symptoms as much as possible.

   - **Psychological Support**: It is highlighted that over 50% of ENS patients suffer from significant anxiety and depression, necessitating psychiatric referral and compassionate mental health support.

5. **Final Thoughts and Review**:

   - **Profound Suffering**: In the concluding chapter, the author reiterates that ENS, while uncommon, is a critically important condition due to the severe physical suffering it causes, particularly with breathing difficulties. The emotional anguish is so intense that it includes a high incidence of suicidal ideation among patients.

   - **Need for Preventive Measures**: The text stresses the importance of preventing ENS through careful turbinate management, as the consequences of ENS are devastating and significantly impair the quality of life.

These sections describe the severe impact ENS has on an individual's physical and mental health, highlighting the deep suffering, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts that can result from this condition.