Symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common disease, with significant individual differences in symptoms. Some patients simply have hypertrophy without obvious clinical manifestations, and it is only discovered during physical examinations or nasopharyngoscopy; Some patients may develop corresponding clinical symptoms, the most common being nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, snoring during sleep, and a foreign body sensation in the nasal cavity. In such cases, it is necessary to perform a sinus CT and nasopharyngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment options include oral medications and nasal sprays. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline and regular follow-up observations to assess effectiveness are recommended.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Will turbinate hypertrophy surgery relapse?

After surgery for enlarged nasal turbinates, it generally does not recur. Enlarged nasal turbinates are commonly seen in cases of deviated nasal septum or chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. Patients with a deviated nasal septum may experience compensatory enlargement of the turbinates on both sides, where local surgical removal is needed for treatment. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is due to repeated episodes of simple rhinitis, causing persistent congestion and swelling in the lower turbinates on both sides, with a mulberry-like change on the surface. Treatment for these patients requires partial resection of the lower turbinates on both sides, but the surgery must adhere to principles; removing more than one-third of the lower turbinates should be avoided, as it can easily lead to empty nose syndrome. Postoperatively, patients also need to use antibiotics to prevent local infection. After complete recovery, patients should exercise regularly and avoid colds to prevent recurrent growth of the turbinates. (The use of medication should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Does hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates cause the appearance of the nose to enlarge?

Prolonged stimulation of turbinates hypertrophy can cause patients to experience widening and thickening of the nostrils, also affecting the appearance of the nose. Clinically, this is referred to as "frog nose." Turbinates hypertrophy commonly stems from prolonged chronic inflammation and episodes of allergic rhinitis, leading to bilateral congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and enlargement of the inferior and middle turbinates. Patients will experience persistent nasal congestion bilaterally, accompanied by a foreign body sensation and swelling in the nasal cavity. Changes in the shape and appearance of the nose also occur, necessitating a detailed examination at a hospital. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination and sinus CT scan. In terms of treatment, acute turbinates hypertrophy may be treated with antibiotics, along with nebulized inhalation therapy. If conservative treatment is ineffective, partial resection of the bilateral inferior turbinates may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 15sec home-news-image

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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about turbinate hypertrophy?

Clinically, turbinate hypertrophy is mainly caused by the stimulation of inflammatory factors such as acute and chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to the proliferation of the turbinate, including the mucosal and even bony growth, as well as congenital developmental factors causing turbinate enlargement. Initially, treatment typically involves medication, using nasal sprays such as corticosteroids for nasal treatment. Secondly, surgical treatment can be employed. We can assess the extent of turbinate hypertrophy with a nasal CT scan to determine if there is bony enlargement. If there is bony hypertrophy, partial resection of the submucosal turbinate bone can be performed. If the hypertrophy is only in the mucosal and soft tissue, it can be treated using plasma ablation. In summary, turbinate hypertrophy can be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the specific extent of the pathology.

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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.