It occurs when the turbinates, small bony structures in the nose that help to moisturize and filter the air we breathe, are removed or significantly reduced in size.
This can happen as a result of certain nasal surgeries, such as turbinectomy or septoplasty. The removal of the turbinates can result in a feeling of “emptiness” or a sense of a wide-open nasal cavity, which can lead to symptoms such as dryness, congestion, difficulty breathing, and a decreased ability to smell. Some people with ENS also experience a range of other symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and anxiety.