Skip to main content

Featured post

Child Has a Lump in the Neck? Swollen Glands Explained | London & Essex ENT

  Why Does My Child Have a Lump in Their Neck? A Parent’s Guide to Swollen Glands Discovering a lump in your child’s neck can be unsettling. You may notice it while washing their hair, fastening a school shirt or cuddling them at bedtime. Sometimes your child finds it first and says there is a small “ball” under the skin. One of the first questions parents understandably ask is: “Should I be worried?” Fortunately, the majority of neck lumps in children have a benign explanation , and swollen lymph nodes associated with infections are particularly common. NICE states that reactive cervical lymphadenopathy is the most likely cause of a neck lump in children. However, not every neck lump is simply a swollen gland. Its position, size, duration, whether it is painful and whether your child has other symptoms all matter. This guide explains common causes, what parents can monitor and when medical or paediatric ENT assessment is appropriate. What are the little glands in my child...

Septorhinoplasty in London and Essex: Functional Nasal Surgery for Breathing Problems

 

Septorhinoplasty for Nasal Breathing Problems: A Patient Guide

Many people live with long-term nasal blockage without realising that structural problems inside the nose may be contributing to their symptoms.

Difficulty breathing through the nose can affect:

  • Sleep quality
  • Exercise tolerance
  • Snoring
  • Daytime concentration
  • General quality of life

In some patients, medical treatment alone is not enough, and surgery may be considered to improve airflow and nasal support.

This guide explains what septorhinoplasty is, when it may help, and what patients should expect during recovery.

What is septorhinoplasty?

Septorhinoplasty is an operation that combines:

  • Septoplasty — surgery to straighten the nasal septum (the wall separating the two sides of the nose)
    with
  • Rhinoplasty techniques — used to improve the structure and support of the nose

When performed for functional reasons, the goal is to improve breathing and airflow through the nose.

Some patients may also wish to discuss cosmetic changes at the same time, although functional improvement remains the priority in medically indicated surgery.

What causes nasal blockage?

Nasal obstruction can occur for many reasons, including:

  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Enlarged turbinates
  • Previous nasal injury
  • Chronic inflammation or allergy
  • Sinus disease
  • Structural weakness of the nose

Some patients have more than one contributing factor.

Symptoms of structural nasal obstruction

Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Blockage worse on one side
  • Mouth breathing
  • Snoring
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Difficulty exercising comfortably
  • Nasal congestion that does not improve with sprays
  • Feeling of “collapse” when breathing in deeply

Symptoms may gradually worsen over time.

What is a deviated septum?

The septum is the cartilage and bone dividing the nasal passages.

If the septum is bent or displaced, airflow may become restricted.

A deviated septum may occur because of:

  • Natural development
  • Previous injury
  • Sports trauma
  • Childhood nasal injury

In some patients, the deviation is severe enough to significantly impair breathing.

What is nasal valve collapse?

The nasal valve area is the narrowest part of the nasal airway.

Weakness or narrowing in this area can cause the sides of the nose to collapse inward during breathing.

Patients often notice:

  • Difficulty breathing in through the nose
  • Symptoms worsening during exercise
  • Improvement when pulling the cheek sideways
  • Persistent blockage despite nasal sprays

Nasal valve problems are a common but sometimes overlooked cause of nasal obstruction.

When should you see an ENT specialist?

You should consider ENT assessment if:

  • Nasal blockage persists for months
  • Breathing difficulty affects sleep or exercise
  • Symptoms continue despite nasal sprays
  • You have a history of nasal trauma
  • Snoring or mouth breathing are worsening
  • One side of the nose feels consistently blocked

Specialist assessment can help determine whether symptoms are due to allergy, sinus disease or structural nasal problems.

What happens during a consultation?

During consultation with Mr Gaurav Kumar, assessment may include:

  • Detailed discussion of symptoms
  • Examination of the external and internal nose
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • Assessment of nasal airflow and valve function
  • Review of previous injury or surgery
  • Discussion of treatment goals

Some patients may also require imaging if sinus disease is suspected.

Are there non-surgical treatments?

Yes. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

  • Nasal steroid sprays
  • Saline rinses
  • Allergy treatment
  • Avoidance of irritants
  • Medical treatment for sinus inflammation

However, structural narrowing or collapse usually does not fully improve with medication alone.

What happens during septorhinoplasty surgery?

Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic.

The operation may involve:

  • Straightening the septum
  • Reshaping cartilage
  • Supporting weak nasal valves
  • Reducing internal obstruction
  • Improving airflow through both sides of the nose

In selected patients, turbinate reduction may also be performed to further improve breathing.

The exact approach depends on individual anatomy and symptoms.

Will septorhinoplasty change the appearance of my nose?

Functional septorhinoplasty primarily focuses on improving breathing.

However, because nasal structure and airflow are closely related, some external changes may occur.

If cosmetic concerns are important to you, these should be discussed carefully during consultation so that surgical goals are clearly understood.

What is recovery like after septorhinoplasty?

Recovery varies between patients, but common short-term symptoms include:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Mild bleeding or blood-stained discharge
  • Tiredness
  • Temporary reduced airflow during early healing

Patients are commonly advised to:

  • Sleep with the head elevated
  • Avoid strenuous exercise initially
  • Use saline sprays regularly
  • Avoid nose blowing during early healing
  • Attend follow-up appointments for review

Most patients return to desk-based work within 1–2 weeks, although swelling can continue improving for several months.

What are the risks of septorhinoplasty?

All surgery carries risks, which will be discussed carefully before treatment.

Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Persistent nasal blockage
  • Cosmetic asymmetry
  • Septal perforation
  • Scar tissue formation
  • Altered sensation around the nose
  • Need for revision surgery

Careful pre-operative planning and realistic expectations are important.

Can septorhinoplasty improve snoring?

Improving nasal airflow may help reduce:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Nasal resistance during sleep
  • Snoring related to nasal blockage

However, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea often have multiple causes, so surgery may not completely resolve all sleep-related symptoms.

Safety-Netting: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

  • Heavy persistent bleeding
  • Sudden worsening swelling around the eyes
  • Visual disturbance
  • Severe fever or infection symptoms
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe worsening pain
  • Clear fluid leaking from the nose

If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, attend the nearest Emergency Department.

Why choose Mr Gaurav Kumar?

Mr Gaurav Kumar is a Consultant ENT Surgeon experienced in the assessment and management of:

  • Nasal obstruction
  • Deviated septum
  • Functional septorhinoplasty
  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Snoring and sleep-related breathing problems
  • Adult and paediatric ENT conditions

Patients seeking private ENT care in London and Essex benefit from consultant-led assessment, evidence-based treatment and personalised surgical planning tailored to both function and appearance where appropriate.

Book a private ENT consultation in London or Essex

If chronic nasal blockage, breathing difficulty or snoring are affecting your quality of life, a specialist ENT assessment may help identify the underlying cause and discuss suitable treatment options.

To arrange a consultation with Mr Gaurav Kumar, please contact the practice team or use the online booking system.

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about severe breathing problems or worsening symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.

Call 07494914140
Book Online




Popular Post

LAX VOX

  LAX VOX  is a vocal therapy technique that can help improve voice quality, relaxation, and overall vocal health. It involves using a unique tube to create  bubbling sounds  while phonating.  Here are the steps for practising LAX VOX: Relax and Focus on Posture and Breathing : Maintain a good posture with a long spine. Relax your face, neck, upper back, and chest muscles, allowing them to release toward gravity. Preparing for Bubbling with Phonation : Place a  silicone tube  (about 35 cm long and 9-12 mm in diameter) between or in front of your incisor teeth and above your tongue. Keep your tongue relaxed (imagine it as a piece of steak) and slightly touch the tube. Hold the water-filled bottle near your body to avoid using shoulder muscles. Inhale through your nose as if you’re yawning with your mouth closed. Prepare for phonation during exhalation, focusing on abdominal and lower back muscles. Finding the Target Voice : Create bubbling sounds with y...
Read more

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar Coblation Tonsillectomy for Children: A Gentler, Less Painful Option in London and Essex When a child suffers from chronically enlarged tonsils that disrupt their breathing at night, or recurrent bouts of tonsillitis that cause high fevers and missed school days, surgical removal is often the most effective long-term solution. However, the prospect of a traditional tonsillectomy can make many parents incredibly anxious, primarily due to concerns over post-operative throat pain and a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, modern surgical advancements have introduced a technique designed specifically to address these concerns: Coblation Tonsillectomy . If you are looking into private treatment options for your child outside of overstretched local NHS waiting lists, understanding how this gentle technology works can help you make an informed choice. This guide breaks down the benefits of coblation and how famil...
Read more

After your Epley manoeuvre — patient information leaflet

  What this leaflet tells you This leaflet explains what to expect after the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior-canal BPPV, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to seek help.   1. Quick summary — what the Epley did The manoeuvre moves tiny particles (otoconia) out of the balance canal of your inner ear and back into a place where they don’t cause spinning (vertigo). Most people feel much better after one or a few treatments. However BPPV can come back (recurrence is common).   2. How you may feel immediately afterwards You may feel dizzy or off-balance for a few minutes to a few hours; nausea is possible.   Some people feel better straightaway; others get gradual improvement over days.   Rarely ,you may have brief recurrences of vertigo — this does not always mean the manoeuvre failed.   3. Activity and posture — what the evidence says Good news: High-quality studies and recent guidelines show that strict he...
Read more

Bleeding After Child Tonsillectomy: Emergency Advice | London & Essex

  Bleeding After Tonsil Surgery: The Safety Red Flags Every Parent Must Know Bringing your child home after a tonsillectomy is a moment of relief, marking the end of chronic infections or disruptive sleep apnoea. As you settle into the two-week home recovery period, your primary focus is usually on managing their throat soreness, keeping them hydrated, and ensuring they rest. However, there is one critical post-operative complication that demands every parent's absolute vigilance: post-tonsillectomy bleeding . While advanced techniques like low-temperature coblation tonsillectomy significantly lower surgical trauma, the throat remains a highly vascular area. Any amount of fresh bleeding after a tonsillectomy must be taken seriously. Parents should know exactly when to seek urgent medical help and never adopt a "wait and see" approach at home. This emergency guide breaks down how to identify a tonsil bleed and the exact rapid care pathways available across East London and...
Read more

Endoscopic Glomus Tympanicum Surgery London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Glomus Tympanicum Surgery: Advanced Solutions for Pulsatile Tinnitus Hearing a rhythmic thumping, swooshing, or heartbeat-like sound in one ear can be deeply unsettling. Known clinically as pulsatile tinnitus , this symptom often leads patients across East London and Essex on a complex diagnostic journey through general practice, cardiology, and neurology before they are referred to a specialist otologist. When an ENT specialist inspects the ear canal, they occasionally spot a distinct red or purple vascular mass glowing behind an intact eardrum. In many cases, this is a Glomus Tympanicum (a tympanic paraganglioma). While hearing the word "tumour" can cause immediate panic, glomus tympanicum tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and highly vascular growths. Historically, removing these tumours required large incisions behind the ear and extensive mastoid bone removal. Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to remove them usi...
Read more

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: Day-by-Day Guide After Tonsil Surgery

  Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: What to Expect Day by Day Adult tonsillectomy can significantly improve quality of life for people struggling with recurrent tonsillitis, chronic sore throats or repeated throat infections. However, recovery after adult tonsil surgery is often more uncomfortable than many patients expect. Understanding the normal stages of recovery can help reduce anxiety and allow patients to prepare properly before surgery. This guide explains what adults commonly experience after tonsillectomy, how to support recovery safely, and when to seek urgent medical advice. Why is adult tonsillectomy recovery difficult? The tonsils sit in an area that moves constantly during swallowing, eating and speaking. After surgery, the throat heals gradually over approximately two weeks. Adults generally experience: Significant throat pain Pain when swallowing Ear pain (referred pain from the throat) Tiredness and reduced energy Disturbed sleep Temporary bad brea...
Read more

Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Causes, Symptoms and When to See an ENT Specialist

  Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Why Does It Feel Like Something Is Stuck in Your Throat? Many people occasionally clear their throat during a cold or allergy flare-up. However, when throat clearing becomes frequent or constant, it can become frustrating, socially embarrassing and uncomfortable. Some patients also describe a persistent feeling of a “lump” or tightness in the throat, even though swallowing food and drinks may still feel normal. This sensation is known as globus sensation . In many cases, these symptoms are linked to irritation or inflammation affecting the throat and voice box. Common causes include laryngopharyngeal reflux (silent reflux), voice strain, postnasal drip or muscle tension . This article explains the common causes of chronic throat clearing and globus sensation, when to seek ENT advice and what treatment may involve. What is globus sensation? Globus sensation refers to the feeling that something is stuck in the throat, despite the...
Read more

Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery | London & Essex

  Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery: Advanced Minimally Invasive Ear Care A persistent feeling of fullness in one ear, fluctuating hearing loss, or a deep, dull earache can easily be mistaken for a standard Eustachian tube dysfunction or stubborn middle ear fluid. However, when these symptoms persist despite routine medical treatment, a closer clinical examination may reveal a dark, bluish discolouration glowing behind the eardrum. In many cases, this distinct visual sign points to a Cholesterol Granuloma —an inflammatory, fluid-filled cystic lesion packed with cholesterol crystals. While hearing the term "granuloma" can cause immediate anxiety, these lesions are non-cancerous, benign formations. Historically, accessing and draining a cholesterol granuloma required large incisions behind the ear and extensive bone removal (a mastoidectomy). Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to access and drain these lesions using minimally invasive...
Read more

Retracted Eardrum in Children & Ear Infections | London Essex ENT

  Retracted Eardrum in Children: Ear Infections, Glue Ear and Hearing Concerns Explained Parents are sometimes told after an ear examination that their child has a retracted eardrum . This can sound worrying, especially if the child has had repeated ear infections, glue ear, blocked ears, hearing problems or speech concerns. A retracted eardrum means the eardrum is being pulled inwards towards the middle ear space. It is not the same as a burst eardrum, and it does not always indicate an active infection. However, it can be a sign that the middle ear is not ventilating normally. In children, this is often linked to the Eustachian tube — the small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. When this tube does not open and equalise pressure well, negative pressure can build up behind the eardrum. Over time, this may pull the eardrum inwards. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon, assesses children with ear infections, glue ear, hearing concerns and paediatric ENT ...
Read more

Child Sensitive to Loud Noises? Causes & ENT Advice | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Why Is My Child So Sensitive to Loud Sounds? A Paediatric ENT Guide for Parents As a parent, watching your child experience physical distress from sounds that others barely notice can be deeply unsettling. You might notice your child covering their ears, crying, or experiencing a flash of panic when the vacuum cleaner starts, when a public hand dryer activates, or when a dog barks nearby. When a child exhibits an intolerance to everyday noises, parents often wonder whether it is a behavioural phase, a sign of sensory processing differences, or a physical issue within the ears. In the medical community, this heightened, excessive sensitivity to everyday environmental sounds is known as hyperacusis . As a Consultant ENT Surgeon practising across London and Essex, I frequently meet families at my Brentwood and Ilford clinics who are seeking clarity on this exact issue. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how a child’s ears process sound, the structural and medi...
Read more