Can hypertrophic turbinates be seen with the naked eye?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical manifestation and can usually be seen through visual inspection. Generally, the enlargement is primarily of the inferior turbinates. With the use of an anterior rhinoscope to open the nostrils, one can directly observe the extent of inferior turbinate enlargement. This also helps to clarify its relationship with the nasal cavity and aids in the diagnosis of potential rhinitis or sinusitis. In terms of treatment, if the enlargement is simply physiological without significant clinical symptoms, treatment might not be necessary, but regular follow-ups to monitor the condition are advised. If the enlargement is due to an inflammatory reaction, consideration may be given to oral medications and nasal sprays, along with rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 12sec home-news-image

Can nasal turbinates hypertrophy be seen with the naked eye?

Turbinate hypertrophy is visible to the naked eye as the turbinates are located on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. When the turbinates are excessively enlarged, a dark red protrusion will appear inside the nasal cavity. Turbinate hypertrophy primarily leads to persistent progressive nasal congestion for the patient, along with feelings of nasal swelling, a foreign body sensation, and mucous nasal discharge. Turbinate hypertrophy is generally caused by acute and chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps. It is necessary to visit a hospital for a detailed examination, where procedures like nasal endoscopy, sinus CT, complete blood count, and skin prick tests can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, during the acute phase, nebulized inhalation therapy using corticosteroids can be the first approach. This helps to reduce turbinate size and alleviate nasal congestion. Additionally, regular physical exercise and treatment of the primary disease are recommended. If conservative treatment is ineffective, partial resection of the bilateral lower turbinates may be needed.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

Can nasal spray reduce the swelling of enlarged turbinates?

Enlarged nasal turbinates are a relatively common clinical presentation, mainly considered to be related to physiological enlargement. It could also be due to chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis. Initially, it is necessary to examine the specific clinical symptoms. If it is just simple enlargement without causing obvious clinical symptoms, this condition generally may not require special treatment; regular follow-ups and observation of the condition's changes are advised. If it causes related clinical manifestations, such as nasal congestion and runny nose, then medication treatment should be considered, commonly using nasal spray medications. Most patients will gradually see a reduction in the enlargement of the nasal turbinates and improvement in clinical symptoms after using the spray. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Dangers of Enlarged Turbinates

The enlargement, mainly including our inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, and superior turbinate, with the enlargement of the inferior turbinate being the most common clinically. Enlargement of the inferior turbinate can lead to obstruction of our nasal cavity, and then affect our ventilation and sense of smell, etc. Generally speaking, turbinate enlargement has a certain impact on the function of our nasal cavity or our respiratory function. However, the harmfulness of this impact is relatively not very severe, but it does cause us a lot of discomfort, or lead to issues like snoring and hypoxia due to nasal congestion. Compared to other serious diseases, its harmfulness is relatively minor, but that does not mean it does not require treatment. If turbinate enlargement causes nasal congestion and affects breathing, active treatment is still needed.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

How to cure hypertrophic turbinates permanently?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical symptom with many causes. It may be due to chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, or allergic rhinitis, and it can also be caused by bone hyperplasia of the turbinates. There are various treatment methods available, but it is still difficult to achieve a complete and permanent cure. Generally, medical treatment is the main approach, commonly involving nasal sprays, oral medications, and saline nasal irrigation. If standard medical treatments are ineffective, surgical options like turbinate ablation or partial resection of the turbinate bone can be considered. However, regular follow-ups to monitor the outcome are necessary. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
55sec home-news-image

Can hypertrophic turbinates be seen with the naked eye?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical manifestation and can usually be seen through visual inspection. Generally, the enlargement is primarily of the inferior turbinates. With the use of an anterior rhinoscope to open the nostrils, one can directly observe the extent of inferior turbinate enlargement. This also helps to clarify its relationship with the nasal cavity and aids in the diagnosis of potential rhinitis or sinusitis. In terms of treatment, if the enlargement is simply physiological without significant clinical symptoms, treatment might not be necessary, but regular follow-ups to monitor the condition are advised. If the enlargement is due to an inflammatory reaction, consideration may be given to oral medications and nasal sprays, along with rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)