Empty Nose Syndrome case · Canada
Mélisa Champion (1982–2015): Empty Nose Syndrome After Septorhinoplasty and Inferior Turbinate Reduction
Mélisa Champion’s parents, Marcelle and Jean-Yves Champion, documented how their daughter’s health changed after nasal surgery in 2007 and how severe dryness, respiratory problems, asthma, chronic pain and progressive loss of function came to dominate her life.
Mélisa was described by her parents as sociable, friendly and passionate about travel. She stu%64%69%65%64 tourism and hoped to become a flight attendant. Her family says she sought treatment after persistent ear pain while traveling and was advised to undergo septoplasty for a deviated nasal septum.
According to her parents, Mélisa had been told about septoplasty but was not informed that the operation would include a complete septorhinoplasty and bilateral reduction of the inferior turbinates. They state that she would have refused the additional procedure if she had understood its full extent.
Mélisa Champion’s video testimony
Mélisa’s video was recorded around December 16, 2014, during the period when she was living with severe ENS-related respiratory problems and relying heavily on humidified airflow.
The 2007 surgery: septorhinoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction
Mélisa’s operation took place on November 11, 2007. Her parents state that the operation report later described a “complete septorhinoplasty and bilateral reduction of inferior turbinates.”
The family’s central concern is informed consent. They say Mélisa understood that she was agreeing to correction of a deviated septum and had not been told in advance that her inferior turbinates would also be reduced.
Within months, Mélisa reportedly developed persistent nasal dryness and began requiring repeated treatments to remove secretions. Her parents describe those treatments as increasingly long, painful and exhausting.
Progressive ENS, asthma and widespread pain
Over time, the family reported a widening range of symptoms. Mélisa developed severe allergies, asthma attacks, facial pain, eye pain, ear pain, throat pain and recurrent headaches.
In 2008, she began allergy desensitization treatment. Her health continued to decline, and the family says she ultimately lost her job and moved back home with her parents.
The procedure later became the central focus of the family’s ENS account.
Mélisa received allergy vaccines while respiratory and nasal symptoms continued.
Her health had deteriorated enough that normal working life was no longer sustainable.
The family reports hospitalization for a severe anaphylactic reaction.
Mélisa began relying on heated humidified airflow to reduce respiratory discomfort.
Another ENT reportedly advised against further surgery because of advanced mucosal atrophy.
Living with an AIRVO humidification device
By 2014, Mélisa was using an AIRVO integrated flow humidifier. Her parents describe the device as essential because it warmed and humidified the air entering her respiratory system.
Without it, they said the cold and dry airflow caused intense bronchial and lung irritation, sometimes triggering prolonged asthma attacks and severe pain.
Her life became increasingly confined to the home and organized around respiratory support, symptom management and periods of rest.
May 2015: a difficult ENT assessment
In May 2015, Mélisa consulted another ENT. According to her parents, the physician told her that sinus function had become profoundly impaired and that the nasal tissues were severely damaged and atrophic.
The physician reportedly advised against further surgery because the mucosa was too compromised. Although the prognosis was extremely difficult, Mélisa’s parents wrote that she valued the doctor’s honesty and the time taken to explain her condition.
Her parents described this consultation as one of the few occasions when Mélisa felt that a physician fully understood the seriousness of her condition.
Marcelle and Jean-Yves Champion: remembering their daughter
Mélisa’s parents emphasized that their daughter remained deeply attached to life despite severe illness. She found comfort in small moments with loved ones, reading, listening to music, following the news and trying to create periods of calm.
They also described the financial burden of seeking additional treatment. A possible procedure abroad was said to cost more than $50,000 once travel, hospitalization and related expenses were included.
Marcelle and Jean-Yves have continued sharing Mélisa’s story to advocate for recognition of Empty Nose Syndrome, better informed consent and greater caution before surgery involving the nasal turbinates.
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