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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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 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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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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How is turbinate hypertrophy caused?

The most common cause of turbinates hypertrophy in clinical practice is chronic rhinitis. Chronic rhinitis is nasal symptoms caused by unresolved acute rhinitis. Patients will experience bilateral turbinates hypertrophy and poor contractile effects of the constrictor muscle. Patients will also experience alternating bilateral nasal congestion, which is lighter during physical activities in the day and more severe at night when it's quiet. In terms of treatment, patients need to initially take some proprietary Chinese medicines orally. Additionally, the nasal cavity needs to be treated with nebulized inhalation to alleviate local congestion and edema. Patients also need to exercise to restore the function of the turbinates mucous membrane to enhance immunity and resistance, and only then can allergic rhinitis be gradually cured. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate blindly.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal turbinates hypertrophy be treated with nasal irrigation?

Enlarged nasal turbinates are a relatively common clinical presentation, often associated with rhinitis and sinusitis, and can also be due to exposure to external irritants. Nasal washing is one option to consider. The most commonly used method is saline nasal irrigation, and physiological seawater can also be used. Typically, washing is recommended two to three times a day. If there is an inflammatory response, medication may also be necessary. Common treatments include oral medications and nasal sprays, with a treatment period usually lasting more than a week. After starting medication, regular follow-ups are needed to monitor recovery, and most patients generally respond well to treatment.