Empty Nose Syndrome After Turbinate Surgery – The Story of WWII Pilot Jack Ackland

Jack Ackland was a young pilot who wanted to continue flying. During the Second World War, he underwent extensive nasal surgery after suffering from severe sinus problems at altitude.

The surgery included resection of turbinate tissue. Instead of restoring his ability to fly, it was followed by years of pain, illness, disability and profound physical and psychological suffering.

Decades later, after reviewing Jack’s medical history, ENT professor Dr. Robert M. Meyers told Jack’s son, journalist Len Ackland, that his father’s postoperative condition would today be described as Empty Nose Syndrome.

This episode tells Jack’s story and examines why the turbinates are far more than structures that simply warm and humidify air. They help regulate nasal resistance, airflow, breathing sensation and ventilation. When these functions are permanently damaged, a nose may appear open while breathing can become profoundly abnormal.

More than eighty years after Jack’s operations, turbinate reduction and resection are still performed. His story remains relevant to patients living with Empty Nose Syndrome today.

Learn more about Empty Nose Syndrome, research, physiology and patient experiences:

https://empty-nose-syndrome-info.blogspot.com/

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