The harmfulness of enlarged turbinates

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 31, 2024
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Enlarged turbinates are generally caused by chronic rhinitis. This enlargement can lead to bilateral nasal obstruction, causing persistent hypoxia in patients, leading to a decline in heart, lung, and brain functions. Over time, this can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, arteriosclerosis, and other related diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to treat enlarged turbinates. Patients need to first undergo an examination with an electronic nasal endoscope to determine the cause of the enlargement. If it is due to chronic rhinitis, the patient may need to undergo a local surgical resection, such as endoscopic bilateral inferior turbinate partial resection. If the enlargement is due to a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps, treatment of the primary condition is also needed, which could involve corrective surgery for the deviated septum and removal of the nasal polyps, after which the enlarged turbinates can gradually return to normal.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does turbinate hypertrophy require surgery?

In clinical practice, hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates must be differentiated by various causes. If the hypertrophy is simple, such as due to nasal mucosal vasoconstrictors like ephedrine nasal drops or phenylephrine nasal drops, which show good shrinkage response, it suggests a simple hypertrophy, often mainly treated with medication. If the surface of the hypertrophied turbinate is uneven and unresponsive to vasoconstrictors, and if there is severe nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell or even loss of it, then medication may not effectively alleviate the condition. Surgical treatment, such as partial resection of the inferior nasal turbinate, would be needed to restore normal nasal airways.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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The difference between nasal polyps and hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates.

Nasal polyps are neoplasms located in the nose, nasal cavity, or sinus cavity, typically appearing as fully developed, translucent, lychee-like growths that are benign. In contrast, hypertrophy of the nasal concha involves swelling and thickening of the mucous membrane of the concha itself, which may partly demonstrate changes resembling nasal polyps, but it is not identical to nasal polyps. Nasal polyps do not have nervous or vascular supply, whereas the nasal concha does. Clinically, there are different treatments for each; nasal polyps usually require surgical removal, while treatment for hypertrophy of the nasal concha depends on the specific cause. If the hypertrophy is simple, it is often treated with medication; if it is hypertrophic, decisions on surgical intervention may depend on results from CT scans or X-rays.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will turbinates that have been removed grow back?

Enlarged turbinates primarily refer to the enlargement of the inferior turbinates, and in rare cases, the middle and superior turbinates may also become enlarged. Clinically, the enlargement of the inferior turbinates is mainly caused by various chronic inflammatory stimuli in the nasal area, leading to nasal congestion, impaired secretion of nasal mucus, and even symptoms such as headaches in patients. Clinically, for turbinates, minimally invasive treatment methods are mainly used, such as plasma volume reduction surgery and submucosal partial resection of the inferior turbinates. Generally speaking, once the turbinates are removed, they cannot regrow; only the surface mucosa can regrow, but the turbinate bone cannot regrow. Therefore, after the removal of the turbinates, there is a significant increase in the spaciousness of the nasal cavity, which is beneficial for improving the patient's symptoms of nasal congestion.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted for turbinate hypertrophy?

Patients with enlarged turbinates should pay attention to the following aspects: First, they need to visit an otolaryngologist regularly to observe changes in their condition. If accompanied by related clinical symptoms, medication should be considered. Second, in daily life, nasal irrigation with saline can be used to reduce the retention of nasal secretions, improve clinical symptoms, and alleviate the severity of enlarged turbinates. Third, it is important to avoid exposure to external irritants in daily life as much as possible and to avoid catching colds, as these factors can exacerbate the existing condition. Overall, enlarged turbinates are a common condition, and with timely treatment, the condition will gradually improve.