u/PairDry0205sai

[April 2, 2026] Email from the Patient to the Hospital

Dear Hospital,

I visited your hospital on February 10, 2026, because of discomfort in my right ear.

I had no nasal symptoms whatsoever that day. However, during the consultation, a nasal endoscopy was performed.

I do not feel that I received an adequate explanation of the procedure or gave informed consent beforehand. During the examination, I experienced severe pain and discomfort in my right nostril, and I felt that the procedure was not performed with sufficient care.

Three days later, on February 13, I suddenly developed severe right-sided nasal obstruction.

I also felt that the physician did not adequately address my concerns or answer my questions, which caused me to lose confidence in him.

Because my nasal obstruction did not improve, I later changed physicians. The new doctor listened carefully to my concerns and treated me sincerely, and I am very grateful for that.

However, my right-sided nasal obstruction, which began around February 13, had still not improved as of April 2. It has significantly affected my daily life and continues to worsen. My allergy tests were negative, and the medications I was prescribed were ineffective.

Although I cannot definitively prove that my symptoms were caused by the examination, based on the timing and clinical course, I have serious concerns and questions about whether the nasal endoscopy performed on February 10 may have been related.

Therefore, I respectfully request a satisfactory explanation regarding the medical necessity of the examination, the appropriateness of the informed consent process, and the details of the care I received that day.

I also request a sincere response regarding the overall handling of this matter.

I am documenting this issue by email to preserve an accurate record of the events.

If I am unable to receive a satisfactory explanation or response, I am considering consulting an independent medical safety organization.

Thank you for your time and attention.

[April 13, 2026] Hospital’s Response

The hospital director and the physician reviewed my medical records.

According to the hospital, the nurse’s intake questionnaire stated that I had:

•	A blocked sensation in my right ear

•	Crackling sounds in my right ear

•	Right-sided nasal blockage

For that reason, the physician performed a nasal endoscopy not only to examine the nasal cavity but also to evaluate possible Eustachian tube dysfunction, nasal tumors, or nasopharyngeal cancer.

The examination revealed a deviated nasal septum.

The hospital concluded that performing the nasal endoscopy was medically appropriate.

The hospital also stated that the examination was performed after providing an explanation, obtaining my consent, and administering topical anesthesia.

Although the physician regretted that I experienced pain during the examination, the hospital stated that the examination itself had been appropriate and therefore declined to apologize.

[April 13, 2026] Additional Response from the Hospital

The hospital informed me that the physician used an Olympus ENF-V3 flexible nasopharyngoscope.

Specifications:

•	Field of view: 90°

•	Observation depth: 3.5–50 mm

•	Distal tip diameter: 2.6 mm

•	Insertion tube diameter: 2.9 mm

•	Working length: 300 mm

•	Upward/downward angulation: 130°/130°

In addition to these emails, I had several telephone conversations with the hospital’s administrative representative.

During those conversations, I repeatedly explained that my severe nasal obstruction began suddenly three days after the endoscopy. I also emphasized that my allergy tests were completely negative and that, from my perspective, I could not think of any other possible cause besides the endoscopic examination.

However, the hospital repeatedly replied that they could not establish or prove a causal relationship between the examination and my symptoms. They also stated that although my allergy tests had been negative at that time, they could not say whether that was still true now.

I repeatedly asked to speak directly with the physician who performed the examination because I wanted to hear his explanation. However, I was told that the physician refused to see me, and that the hospital could not arrange a meeting because it would create a confrontation between us.

The overall attitude I received was essentially, “If you want to hire a lawyer or file a lawsuit, go ahead.”

I was extremely angry and frustrated by the way I was treated.

After reviewing all of these interactions, I would appreciate your opinion.

Do you think the physician may have committed medical negligence?

What do you think of the hospital’s overall response to this situation

Can a nasal endoscopy cause long-term nasal congestion? I really need help.

On February 10 of this year, I had my very first nasal endoscopy. The doctor used an Olympus V3 fiberoptic endoscope.

When the scope was inserted into my right nostril, I felt a very strong pushing and scraping sensation, as if it was being forced against something inside. It was painful enough that I immediately thought, “That really hurt. Did it make me bleed? Was that okay?”

The doctor then advanced the scope farther back to examine my throat and vocal cords, but after that I didn’t feel any more pain.

After the examination, I blew my nose because I thought there might be some bleeding, but there was no blood. I also didn’t have any persistent pain afterward.

On the day of the procedure and the following day, I had no symptoms at all.

However, on the evening of the second day after the examination, I started to notice congestion only in my right nostril. There was no runny nose—just congestion. By the third day, I developed severe right-sided nasal congestion unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

Since then, both sides of my nose have become much more likely to become congested, especially when I lie down to sleep, eat a meal, or take a hot bath.

It has now been more than four months and twenty days, and it still hasn’t gone away.

Is something like this actually possible? I’ve asked many doctors, and they all tell me it’s impossible. However, I had never experienced nasal congestion before in my life, and my allergy tests were all negative, so I can’t think of anything else that could have caused it.

I went back to the doctor and hospital where the endoscopy was performed, but they simply told me that a causal relationship could not be proven and dismissed my concerns.

What should I do in a situation like this?

If the endoscopy really caused this, what could have happened inside my nose to produce these symptoms? I’d really appreciate hearing anyone’s opinion.

I’ve also had nasal endoscopy at other hospitals. They told me they couldn’t see any scars, injuries, inflammation, or other abnormalities, and that my nasal passages looked open. I understand that this is different from ENS, but the reality is that my right nostril still becomes congested very easily, and it often feels significantly blocked

I would appreciate any advice from people who have experienced something similar or have undergone nasal surgery.

For more than 35 years of my life, I never had any significant nasal congestion except when I had a cold. I have never had allergies; all of my allergy tests were negative, and my total IgE level was only 37. I never had to think about my nose or breathing because both sides were normally open. Even when lying down, drinking alcohol, eating, taking a bath, or sleeping, I never experienced one side of my nose becoming blocked.

On February 10, I visited an ENT clinic because of ear fullness and discomfort. During that visit, I underwent a nasal endoscopy for the first time in my life. When the scope was inserted into my right nostril, I felt a fairly strong pushing or twisting sensation, as if it was being forced through a narrow area. However, there was no severe pain and no bleeding. On the day of the procedure and the following day, I did not notice any major symptoms.

Three days later, on February 13, my right nostril suddenly became severely congested. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Soon afterward, I began noticing that one side of my nose would become extremely blocked when lying down, eating, taking a bath, or sleeping. Before this event, I had never experienced anything like that.

At first, I suspected the endoscopy might have irritated something, so I waited to see if it would improve. However, after more than two weeks, it had not improved. I then visited a local ENT clinic and received nebulizer treatment. The following day, my symptoms became significantly worse. Breathing through my nose felt extremely difficult, and even breathing through my mouth caused irritation and discomfort. I honestly felt bad enough that I considered calling an ambulance or going to the emergency department.

On March 10, I returned to the hospital where the original endoscopy had been performed and saw a different doctor. They performed another nasal endoscopy and a CT scan. The doctor said there was inflammation in my right nasal cavity and also inflammation in the nasopharyngeal area. The CT scan showed enlargement of both inferior turbinates, which was diagnosed as hypertrophic or chronic rhinitis.

At that appointment, I was also told for the first time that I have a deviated septum. The explanation was that my septum has an S-shaped deviation. On the left side, the entrance is relatively wide but the deeper portion is narrower. On the right side, the septum deviates toward the right near the front, making the entrance narrower while the deeper portion is wider. The doctor stated that the deviation was present but not extremely severe.

I was initially treated with medication, but my symptoms did not improve. I later visited a large hospital in Tokyo, where another specialist reviewed my case and told me that my septum is significantly deviated to the right in the front portion, making the right nasal passage narrow and therefore more prone to blockage. I also visited a day-surgery clinic and received a similar opinion.

However, other doctors have disagreed. Some have reviewed the CT scan and performed endoscopy themselves and told me that, although the septum is indeed deviated, it is not severely deviated and the airway actually appears reasonably open. Their opinion is that because I lived more than 35 years with the same anatomy and had no symptoms, the structural deviation may not be the primary problem. They believe the mucosal swelling and inflammation may be more important than the septal deviation itself.

This leaves me with several questions:

•	Has anyone had a deviated septum for many years without symptoms and then suddenly developed severe nasal obstruction after some triggering event?

•	Did anyone eventually undergo septoplasty or turbinate surgery in a similar situation?

•	If you were in my position, would you proceed with surgery, or would you continue trying to identify the underlying cause first?

•	Has anyone experienced long-lasting nasal swelling or congestion after a nasal endoscopy, even without severe pain or bleeding during the procedure?

Many doctors tell me that a routine nasal endoscopy should not cause this degree of long-term congestion, especially when there was no major pain or bleeding. However, from a timeline perspective, the onset of symptoms occurred only a few days after the procedure, making it difficult for me to ignore the possibility.

At the moment, I am hesitant to proceed with surgery because the exact cause of my symptoms is still unclear, and different doctors have given me conflicting opinions. I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar or who has undergone surgery under comparable circumstances.

Thank you for reading.

I would appreciate any advice from people who have experienced something similar or have undergone nasal surgery.

For more than 35 years of my life, I never had any significant nasal congestion except when I had a cold. I have never had allergies; all of my allergy tests were negative, and my total IgE level was only 37. I never had to think about my nose or breathing because both sides were normally open. Even when lying down, drinking alcohol, eating, taking a bath, or sleeping, I never experienced one side of my nose becoming blocked.

On February 10, I visited an ENT clinic because of ear fullness and discomfort. During that visit, I underwent a nasal endoscopy for the first time in my life. When the scope was inserted into my right nostril, I felt a fairly strong pushing or twisting sensation, as if it was being forced through a narrow area. However, there was no severe pain and no bleeding. On the day of the procedure and the following day, I did not notice any major symptoms.

Three days later, on February 13, my right nostril suddenly became severely congested. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Soon afterward, I began noticing that one side of my nose would become extremely blocked when lying down, eating, taking a bath, or sleeping. Before this event, I had never experienced anything like that.

At first, I suspected the endoscopy might have irritated something, so I waited to see if it would improve. However, after more than two weeks, it had not improved. I then visited a local ENT clinic and received nebulizer treatment. The following day, my symptoms became significantly worse. Breathing through my nose felt extremely difficult, and even breathing through my mouth caused irritation and discomfort. I honestly felt bad enough that I considered calling an ambulance or going to the emergency department.

On March 10, I returned to the hospital where the original endoscopy had been performed and saw a different doctor. They performed another nasal endoscopy and a CT scan. The doctor said there was inflammation in my right nasal cavity and also inflammation in the nasopharyngeal area. The CT scan showed enlargement of both inferior turbinates, which was diagnosed as hypertrophic or chronic rhinitis.

At that appointment, I was also told for the first time that I have a deviated septum. The explanation was that my septum has an S-shaped deviation. On the left side, the entrance is relatively wide but the deeper portion is narrower. On the right side, the septum deviates toward the right near the front, making the entrance narrower while the deeper portion is wider. The doctor stated that the deviation was present but not extremely severe.

I was initially treated with medication, but my symptoms did not improve. I later visited a large hospital in Tokyo, where another specialist reviewed my case and told me that my septum is significantly deviated to the right in the front portion, making the right nasal passage narrow and therefore more prone to blockage. I also visited a day-surgery clinic and received a similar opinion.

However, other doctors have disagreed. Some have reviewed the CT scan and performed endoscopy themselves and told me that, although the septum is indeed deviated, it is not severely deviated and the airway actually appears reasonably open. Their opinion is that because I lived more than 35 years with the same anatomy and had no symptoms, the structural deviation may not be the primary problem. They believe the mucosal swelling and inflammation may be more important than the septal deviation itself.

This leaves me with several questions:

•	Has anyone had a deviated septum for many years without symptoms and then suddenly developed severe nasal obstruction after some triggering event?

•	Did anyone eventually undergo septoplasty or turbinate surgery in a similar situation?

•	If you were in my position, would you proceed with surgery, or would you continue trying to identify the underlying cause first?

•	Has anyone experienced long-lasting nasal swelling or congestion after a nasal endoscopy, even without severe pain or bleeding during the procedure?

Many doctors tell me that a routine nasal endoscopy should not cause this degree of long-term congestion, especially when there was no major pain or bleeding. However, from a timeline perspective, the onset of symptoms occurred only a few days after the procedure, making it difficult for me to ignore the possibility.

At the moment, I am hesitant to proceed with surgery because the exact cause of my symptoms is still unclear, and different doctors have given me conflicting opinions. I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar or who has undergone surgery under comparable circumstances.

Thank you for reading.

In Japan, ENS is often said to occur in about 1% of cases, but based on what I see on X (Twitter) and other social media, it seems much more common than that. I suspect this is because many patients are not diagnosed or are not recognized as ENS by doctors, so they are not included in official statistics.

Also, some people seem to develop symptoms years after surgery. I wonder what the actual mechanism behind ENS is.

It also feels like medical knowledge about ENS in Japan is still quite behind compared to other countries. I’ve heard that there are only about three surgeons in Japan who actively perform ENS-related procedures.

There doesn’t seem to be a well-established patient community in Japan either, but in the US and other countries, there are active communities and much higher awareness of ENS. However, ENS also appears to be much more commonly discussed overseas. I’m not sure if that is simply due to population size or reporting bias.

I would like to hear from someone knowledgeable about this.

Actually, laser treatment has also been suggested to me for my turbinate enlargement. If the laser is applied to the turbinate, is the risk of developing Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) very low?

I’m also wondering whether it can reduce or impair the normal function of the turbinates, or cause any other side effects or long-term complications.

If anyone here has expertise on this topic or has personally undergone the procedure, I would really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Could LPR cause nasal congestion?

I had never experienced nasal congestion in the first 35 years of my life. However, on February 10, an endoscope was inserted into my right nasal passage. During the examination, I felt a strong sensation as if the scope was being pushed further inward. There was no severe pain and no bleeding, but about three days later my nose suddenly became congested.

At first, I assumed it would resolve quickly, but it did not. It has now been about four months. My right nostril still tends to become blocked easily, and both sides of my nose are more prone to congestion than before.

When my right nasal passage is open, I often feel as though the airflow is hitting my throat directly. In addition, I experience a cooling, stinging, or irritating sensation in both my nose and throat.

I did not experience severe pain or bleeding during the nasal endoscopy. However, when the scope was inserted into my right nostril, I felt a very strong pushing sensation and significant discomfort. At the time, it felt forceful enough that I remember thinking, “Is this really okay?”

Do you think it is possible that the procedure could have injured the nasal tissues or affected the function of the turbinates, potentially leading to symptoms similar to Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS)?

I used fluticasone nasal spray every night before bed for about two weeks. During that time, I developed a strange sensation that feels cool, airy, and slightly stinging or burning, starting from the back of my nose and extending down into my throat.

Since then, I have been wondering whether this could be related to Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS), or whether it is more likely to be irritation of the nasal or throat tissues.

Has anyone experienced a similar sensation after using a steroid nasal spray?

I would appreciate any advice from people who have experienced something similar or have undergone nasal surgery.

For more than 35 years of my life, I never had any significant nasal congestion except when I had a cold. I have never had allergies; all of my allergy tests were negative, and my total IgE level was only 37. I never had to think about my nose or breathing because both sides were normally open. Even when lying down, drinking alcohol, eating, taking a bath, or sleeping, I never experienced one side of my nose becoming blocked.

On February 10, I visited an ENT clinic because of ear fullness and discomfort. During that visit, I underwent a nasal endoscopy for the first time in my life. When the scope was inserted into my right nostril, I felt a fairly strong pushing or twisting sensation, as if it was being forced through a narrow area. However, there was no severe pain and no bleeding. On the day of the procedure and the following day, I did not notice any major symptoms.

Three days later, on February 13, my right nostril suddenly became severely congested. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Soon afterward, I began noticing that one side of my nose would become extremely blocked when lying down, eating, taking a bath, or sleeping. Before this event, I had never experienced anything like that.

At first, I suspected the endoscopy might have irritated something, so I waited to see if it would improve. However, after more than two weeks, it had not improved. I then visited a local ENT clinic and received nebulizer treatment. The following day, my symptoms became significantly worse. Breathing through my nose felt extremely difficult, and even breathing through my mouth caused irritation and discomfort. I honestly felt bad enough that I considered calling an ambulance or going to the emergency department.

On March 10, I returned to the hospital where the original endoscopy had been performed and saw a different doctor. They performed another nasal endoscopy and a CT scan. The doctor said there was inflammation in my right nasal cavity and also inflammation in the nasopharyngeal area. The CT scan showed enlargement of both inferior turbinates, which was diagnosed as hypertrophic or chronic rhinitis.

At that appointment, I was also told for the first time that I have a deviated septum. The explanation was that my septum has an S-shaped deviation. On the left side, the entrance is relatively wide but the deeper portion is narrower. On the right side, the septum deviates toward the right near the front, making the entrance narrower while the deeper portion is wider. The doctor stated that the deviation was present but not extremely severe.

I was initially treated with medication, but my symptoms did not improve. I later visited a large hospital in Tokyo, where another specialist reviewed my case and told me that my septum is significantly deviated to the right in the front portion, making the right nasal passage narrow and therefore more prone to blockage. I also visited a day-surgery clinic and received a similar opinion.

However, other doctors have disagreed. Some have reviewed the CT scan and performed endoscopy themselves and told me that, although the septum is indeed deviated, it is not severely deviated and the airway actually appears reasonably open. Their opinion is that because I lived more than 35 years with the same anatomy and had no symptoms, the structural deviation may not be the primary problem. They believe the mucosal swelling and inflammation may be more important than the septal deviation itself.

This leaves me with several questions:

•	Has anyone had a deviated septum for many years without symptoms and then suddenly developed severe nasal obstruction after some triggering event?

•	Did anyone eventually undergo septoplasty or turbinate surgery in a similar situation?

•	If you were in my position, would you proceed with surgery, or would you continue trying to identify the underlying cause first?

•	Has anyone experienced long-lasting nasal swelling or congestion after a nasal endoscopy, even without severe pain or bleeding during the procedure?

Many doctors tell me that a routine nasal endoscopy should not cause this degree of long-term congestion, especially when there was no major pain or bleeding. However, from a timeline perspective, the onset of symptoms occurred only a few days after the procedure, making it difficult for me to ignore the possibility.

At the moment, I am hesitant to proceed with surgery because the exact cause of my symptoms is still unclear, and different doctors have given me conflicting opinions. I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar or who has undergone surgery under comparable circumstances.

Thank you for reading