Can you drink alcohol with enlarged turbinates?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 09, 2024
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It is best not to drink alcohol if you have enlarged turbinates, as alcohol can stimulate the dilation of blood vessels, leading to congestion and swelling of the turbinates, which in turn exacerbates nasal congestion symptoms. Enlarged turbinates are just a clinical presentation, not a disease. The most common cause of enlarged turbinates in clinical settings is chronic rhinitis. Chronic rhinitis results from repeated acute inflammatory stimuli, causing congestion, swelling, and hyperplasia of the turbinate mucosa. Patients may experience bilateral nasal congestion that progressively worsens and may also have abnormal secretions in the nasal cavity. During an examination with an electronic rhinoscope, pronounced congestion and swelling in both middle and lower turbinates can be observed, sometimes showing mulberry-like changes on the surface. For treatment, patients may need to undergo a partial inferior turbinectomy, which requires hospitalization, and recovery is typically about one week before discharge.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What causes turbinate hypertrophy?

Turbinates hypertrophy is most commonly seen in clinical practice, caused by repeated inflammation, leading to congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and prolapse of the turbinate mucosa. The hypertrophy mainly involves the lower turbinates, causing bilateral nasal obstruction in patients, with the condition progressively worsening. Additionally, there may be mucous secretions from the front of the nose, and when accompanied by a bacterial infection, yellow secretions may be present. Patients may also experience facial swelling, headaches, reduced sense of smell, and memory decline as clinical symptoms. Upon examination with an endoscope, significant congestion and swelling of the bilateral lower turbinates can be observed, often covered with abnormal secretions. In terms of treatment, if the turbinate hypertrophy is chronic, conservative treatment is ineffective, and patients may require partial resection of the bilateral lower turbinates for a cure. However, surgery has its principles; it is crucial not to remove more than one-third of the lower turbinate to avoid the risk of empty nose syndrome.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the causes of nasal turbinate hypertrophy?

Turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common otorhinolaryngological disease, and there are many causes for turbinate hypertrophy. Some of it is physiological hypertrophy, which is simply thickening of the turbinate tissue without causing noticeable clinical symptoms. In general, this situation does not require special treatment, but regular follow-ups are necessary. It may also result from acute rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, or sinusitis, which can lead to turbinate hypertrophy with associated clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. In such cases, pharmacological treatment should be considered, commonly involving oral medications and nasal sprays, with regular follow-ups to monitor recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is surgery recommended for enlarged turbinates?

Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common clinical presentation, with many possible causes. The most common causes include chronic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, and sinusitis, and it can also be due to osteogenic proliferation of the nasal conchae. After this condition occurs, it is first necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a nasopharyngoscopy. Some patients may also need a CT scan to assess the severity of the condition. In terms of treatment, surgery is generally not considered first. Most patients can consider conservative treatment with medications, commonly using nasal spray drugs. The treatment period is generally about 1 to 2 weeks. If standardized medication treatment is ineffective, then surgery may be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy?

The symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy vary among individuals. Some patients just have simple turbinate hypertrophy with no obvious clinical symptoms, while others may experience nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, dizziness, and memory decline. However, generally speaking, most cases are not very severe. It is necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a nasopharyngoscopy to ascertain the specific extent of the hypertrophy, and to check for any nasal inflammation, sinusitis, or nasal neoplasms. In terms of treatment, most patients primarily receive oral medications and nasal spray treatments. A small number of patients may need to consider surgical treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)