How to reduce swollen nasal turbinates?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical symptom, with numerous potential causes. If the enlargement is simply physiological, it generally does not require special treatment. However, if it is due to an inflammatory reaction, such as rhinitis or sinusitis, this can lead to corresponding clinical symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and reduced sense of smell, necessitating consideration of medication. Common treatments include oral medications and corticosteroid nasal sprays, typically over a treatment cycle of about one to two weeks. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can be beneficial. With standardized treatment, most cases will gradually decrease in swelling. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates be reduced by taking anti-inflammatory drugs?

Whether taking anti-inflammatory drugs is needed for enlarged turbinates depends first on identifying the cause of the enlargement. If the enlargement of the turbinates is caused by bacterial infection, it is appropriate to take anti-inflammatory medication such as antibiotics. However, if it is caused by allergies, antibiotics will be ineffective. Generally, there are two reasons for enlarged turbinates. The first is due to symptoms caused by acute inflammatory infections, commonly seen in clinical cases of acute rhinitis or acute sinusitis. Clinically, these are most often caused by infections from hemolytic streptococci or Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in congested, swollen, and hypertrophic mucous membranes of the turbinates. Antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin can be effective in treatment. However, antibiotics are ineffective for allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune and resistance levels are low, and the nasal cavity comes into contact with related allergens. Patients will also experience enlarged turbinates, along with symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. Treatment should focus on symptomatic allergy treatment to shrink the turbinates and alleviate nasal congestion.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do enlarged turbinates cause fear of heat?

Turbinates hypertrophy tends to be heat-sensitive since excessive heat can lead to congestion and swelling of the nasal conchae's mucous membrane, thereby worsening nasal congestion in patients. Turbinates hypertrophy is a symptom caused by inflammation of the turbinates, commonly seen in chronic rhinitis in clinical settings. Patients experience persistent nasal congestion in both nasal cavities, along with sensations of a foreign body and swelling in the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity may discharge viscous abnormal secretions, accompanied by facial swelling, pain, headaches, and other related symptoms. A detailed examination at the hospital using electronic rhinoscopy, routine blood tests, and sinus CT can confirm the diagnosis. During the examination, diffuse congestion and swelling of the bilateral inferior turbinates can be observed, along with abnormal secretions inside the nasal cavity. In terms of treatment, nebular inhalation therapy can be used to shrink the turbinates and relieve symptoms of nasal congestion. Additionally, a light diet and regular exercise can gradually improve the condition.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with nasal polyps and enlarged turbinates?

Nasal polyps and hypertrophic turbinates require surgical treatment because both are manifestations of chronic inflammation in rhinitis. Medical treatment alone is not very effective in these cases. Nasal polyps and hypertrophic turbinates mainly cause poor nasal ventilation, and over time, can also affect the drainage of the sinuses. Therefore, in patients with significantly enlarged nasal polyps, who often also suffer from chronic sinusitis, treatment involves the endoscopic removal of nasal polyps and partial resection of the inferior turbinate, along with the opening of the sinus passages. This is a systematic and comprehensive treatment approach. After surgery, it is crucial to follow a prescribed medication regimen, as this ensures the effectiveness of the surgery. If surgery is performed without subsequent medication, the results may not be very good. Additionally, regular postoperative check-ups and cleanings are essential to maintain the effectiveness of the surgery and to prevent long-term recurrence. Many patients who cease medication and do not return for follow-up cleanings after surgery are likely to experience a quick recurrence.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Will turbinate hypertrophy surgery relapse?

After surgery for enlarged nasal turbinates, it generally does not recur. Enlarged nasal turbinates are commonly seen in cases of deviated nasal septum or chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. Patients with a deviated nasal septum may experience compensatory enlargement of the turbinates on both sides, where local surgical removal is needed for treatment. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is due to repeated episodes of simple rhinitis, causing persistent congestion and swelling in the lower turbinates on both sides, with a mulberry-like change on the surface. Treatment for these patients requires partial resection of the lower turbinates on both sides, but the surgery must adhere to principles; removing more than one-third of the lower turbinates should be avoided, as it can easily lead to empty nose syndrome. Postoperatively, patients also need to use antibiotics to prevent local infection. After complete recovery, patients should exercise regularly and avoid colds to prevent recurrent growth of the turbinates. (The use of medication should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)