The Effect of Septorhinoplasty on Allergic Nasal Symptoms in Asymptomatic Patients

Objective: To investigate the impact of nasal plastic surgery on allergic rhinitis symptoms in patients with a personal history of allergic rhinitis. Study Design: A prospective observational study, consecutive sampling of patients indicated for septorhinoplasty with concomitant positive personal history of allergic rhinitis over a 12-month period. Setting: Academic tertiary otolaryngology clinic. Subjects and Methods: Seventy-three patients with positive personal history of allergic rhinitis underwent septorhinoplasty for structural nasal deformities. No turbinate manipulation was performed. Symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis were quiescent in those with personal history. A visualanalogue- scale (VAS), a symptom scoring system (TSS), and also the degree of nasal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy were used to evaluate the patients preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Results: The mean TSS score and the severity of septal deviation were significantly reduced after the surgery (P=0.009 and P<0.0001 respectively); while VAS scores, severity groups of TSS, and also severity of turbinate hypertrophy were not significantly changed (P=0.515, P=0.654 and P=0.146 respectively). Conclusion: Surgical nasal intervention in patients with quiescent allergic rhinitis does not necessarily trigger the disease. Taken in combination with other studies, we suggest a more cautious approach must be taken in candidates for rhinoplasty with active allergic rhinitis.