What are the symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Will the nose become larger if the nasal concha is hypertrophic?

Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common otolaryngological condition. This condition mainly involves the growth and thickening of the tissue in the lower or middle nasal concha inside the nasal cavity. However, it does not affect the overall appearance of the nose; there are no obvious changes or deformities, nor significant enlargement. Symptoms of nasal turbinate hypertrophy may include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. Upon experiencing these symptoms, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist for a nasopharyngoscope examination to assess the extent of the inflammatory response. In terms of treatment, most patients may consider using nasal spray medication and oral medication, while a small portion of patients might need to consider surgical treatment.

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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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Can turbinate hypertrophy be left untreated?

Turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to consider the specific cause and severity of the condition. If it is merely physiological turbinate hypertrophy without significant clinical symptoms, this situation generally can be managed with observation, and regular nasopharyngoscopy check-ups to monitor the recovery process. If the turbinate hypertrophy causes related clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness, then it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist. Nasopharyngoscopy will generally be conducted, and treatment will typically include oral medications and nasal sprays, with regular check-ups to observe the treatment effects. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is hypertrophic turbinates easy to treat?

Enlarged turbinates are very treatable. Generally, turbinate enlargement is due to chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis inflammation. Patients may experience bilateral nasal congestion, alternating changes, turbinate congestion, edema, hyperplasia, and the presence of mucous or yellow secretions in the nasal cavity. In treatment, conservative treatments like microwave or laser therapy can be initially used with good effects. However, if a patient repeatedly suffers from colds and inflammation, this can lead to persistent turbinate growth, at which point localized surgical removal may be necessary. Surgery requires general anesthesia and involves partial removal of turbinates on both sides, but the lower third of the inferior turbinate should not be removed to avoid the risk of empty nose syndrome. Postoperative use of antibiotics is necessary to prevent local infections, and improvement can generally be expected within about a week. (Medication usage should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)