Acupuncture treatment of empty nose syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Background: Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is an iatrogenic disorder that most commonly presents with paradoxical nasal obstruction. Diagnosis of ENS is based mainly on symptomatology and surgical history. Symptomatic or surgical treatment is typically offered to patients. Case presentation: A 17-year-old Chinese male presented with ENS following inferior turbinate resection. His main symptoms were dizziness and nasal congestion. He was diagnosed with a traditional Chinese medicine syndrome pattern of liver yang ascending. Acupuncture treatment involved needling ST 36 (Zusanli) GB 20 (Fengchi), PC 6 (Neiguan), LI 4 (Hegu), LR 3 (Taichong), LR 2 (Xingjian), GB 43 (Xiaxi), DU 20 (Baihui), EX-HN3 (Yintang), ST 2 (Sibai), and LI 20 (Yingxiang). Near complete resolution of dizziness and nasal congestion were achieved after 2 treatments. Conclusion: Acupuncture may be used to resolve symptoms of ENS. Acupoint selection and needle manipulation should be based on TCM pattern diagnosis.

Keywords

• Empty nose syndrome
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Acupuncture
• TCM syndrome pattern diagnoses