Can Chinese medicine cure hypertrophic turbinates?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Turbinate hypertrophy includes hypertrophy of the inferior and middle turbinates. Turbinate hypertrophy is mainly caused by chronic inflammation, which is rhinitis. The general treatment mainly involves medication, particularly local medications such as nasal corticosteroids and nasal vasoconstrictors that constrict blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. Traditional Chinese medicine can be somewhat effective, primarily involving aromatic herbs or proprietary Chinese medicines to provide some therapeutic effect; however, these are mostly used as supplementary treatments and should not be the primary medication. Moreover, their use should be under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, a CT scan is needed for turbinate hypertrophy to assess if there is any bony enlargement of the turbinates; if there is, surgical treatment may need to be considered.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if my nasal turbinates are swollen, painful, and bleeding?

Turbinate hypertrophy accompanied by localized dryness and pain require symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment initially, utilizing antibiotics and nebulized inhalation to alleviate local symptoms. It’s also necessary to visit a hospital for an endoscopic nasal examination to determine the cause. Generally, such conditions arise from an acute rhinitis flare-up, a manifestation of decreased immunity and resistance, leading to viral or bacterial infections affecting the nasal turbinate mucosa. Patients may experience turbinate hypertrophy along with persistent nasal congestion and yellow nasal discharge. In severe cases, fever and headaches may occur. Treatment should first focus on symptomatic anti-inflammatory and antiviral therapies, along with the use of corticosteroids for nebulized inhalation. Drinking warm water and getting plenty of rest can gradually improve the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Post-laser sequelae of turbinate hypertrophy

Using laser treatment for hypertrophic turbinates can potentially lead to complications, the more common ones being nasal dryness and mucosal erosion. It may also cause recurring nasal bleeding. Additionally, some patients might experience a burning sensation or the feeling of a foreign body in the nasal cavity. More serious cases could lead to a nasal septum perforation. Hence, the specific complications vary from individual to individual. After surgery, it is necessary to have regular check-ups at the otolaryngology department, where procedures like nasal endoscopy and routine blood tests can help in assessing the condition. In the event of complications, timely and targeted treatment should be administered to mitigate the severity of these complications and improve the patient's quality of life.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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the fundamental cause of turbinate hypertrophy

Turbinates hypertrophy is a common disease in otolaryngology. It can occur on its own or concurrently with chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, or chronic nasal inflammation caused by sinusitis. In cases of turbinate hypertrophy, if it is simply an enlargement, it can lead to symptoms such as nasal congestion and headaches. Initially, a paranasal sinus CT scan and electronic nasopharyngoscopy can be completed to establish a clear diagnosis. Following that, functional endoscopic surgery can be performed to partially excise or ablate the turbinates, thus fully improving the patient's nasal airway function and restoring a normal nasal physiological environment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is turbinate reduction ablation a good procedure?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common ENT disorder. If standard medical treatment is ineffective, considering turbinate reduction surgery might be an option. Generally, this is a fairly common minor procedure and is minimally invasive, having little significant impact on overall health. After surgery, most patients experience a reduction in the size of the turbinates and a relief in clinical symptoms. However, individual treatment results can vary. While most patients respond well to the surgery, a small number may not achieve ideal results and might need to continue with oral medications and other treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take to recover normally after turbinate hypertrophy surgery?

Turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common ENT disorder. Most patients can consider conservative medication treatment, usually including oral medications and nasal sprays. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can be utilized. If standardized medication does not lead to satisfactory results, surgical intervention might be necessary. Currently, the main procedures are partial turbinectomy under nasal endoscopy or plasma ablation surgery. Generally, these are minimally invasive surgeries with quite favorable outcomes. The recovery period varies among individuals, typically ranging from two weeks to about a month. Regular follow-ups are required during treatment. After surgery, nasal cleaning is necessary due to the presence of bloody secretions or crust in the nasal cavity, which is generally advised to be cleaned once every week or three days. (Please take medicines under the guidance of a professional physician.)