Treating empty nose syndrome as a somatic symptom disorder

Abstract

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a rare complication of inferior turbinate resection, characterized by a paradoxical nasal obstruction sensation despite decreased nasal resistance. Here we report the case of a 37-year-old patient with ENS and severe functional impairment, who was diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder and treated accordingly. Cognitive behavior therapy targeting dysfunctional beliefs and avoidance behaviors together with a treatment by venlafaxine resulted in dramatic functional improvement between month 2 and month 4. At month 6, the patient was displaying back-to-normal levels of functioning and was no longer seeking care for ENS. Treating ENS as a somatic symptom disorder might constitute a first-line, safe alternative to surgical treatment.

Keywords: Empty nose syndrome; Functional somatic syndromes; Somatic symptom disorders; Somatoform disorders; Treatment.