polyp/chronic rhinitus/deviated septum

[beatboy]

About 3 years ago my sense of smell starting gradually getting worse and worse for no apparent reason and after living in a very polluted place for some time (Seoul, South Korea), last year my sense of smell finally went all together and I started to get regular pains around the top of my nose, nasal drip and a blocked and dry nose. A few months ago I was diagnosed with having a bad case of nasal inflammation owing to allergic rhinitus. I was given a steroid sprays and antihistamines to control it which work sporadically. I was told to go back for a CT scan and yesterday I was shocked to be told that I have a deviated septum (S shape), either a nasal cyst or polyp, and one turbinate significantly larger than the other.

The ENT specialist has recommended an "all in one" surgery to remove my polyp/cist, reduce my turbinate and straighten my septum. He figures the reason for my total lack of smell is due to my nose being so blocked that nothing can get to my smelling glands/receptors.

From what I've seen on this forum and by looking at the internet, this type of surgery is usually for people who have trouble breathing, which thankfully at the moment, I don't have. Do you think this operation could help get my sense of smell back and reduce the pain of allergic rhinitus or is the specialist just trying to make a fast buck? The whole treatment is set to cost me $2500 so I dont really want to pay for something if the chances are it will not bring my sense of smell back.

Any help would be appreciated  

[friggy]

Both.  Of course, he's also found out he's allergic to about everything in Colorado.

[beatboy]

Thanks Friggy for your response. Did he have the operation to straighten the septum or just taking out the polyps?

[friggy]

My brother had the same deal last summer.  It's not a pleasant experience, but he regained his smell and nasal breathing.