Will the nose become larger if the nasal concha is hypertrophic?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 21, 2025
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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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Can you smoke with hypertrophic turbinates?

Patients with enlarged nasal turbinates are advised not to smoke, as cigarettes contain a variety of chemicals that can directly irritate the nasal mucosa and turbinate tissue, potentially exacerbating the condition of turbinate hypertrophy. Smoking may also cause acute rhinitis and acute sinusitis, which could worsen the existing condition. Patients with enlarged nasal turbinates should seek medical attention from an otolaryngologist after the onset of symptoms, and may undergo nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans to assess the severity of their condition. Typically, treatment options include oral medications and nasal spray medications, but surgical treatment may need to be considered for a small number of patients who do not respond well to medication. (Please follow medical advice regarding medications.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Initial symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy

The initial symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy are quite numerous, the most common being nasal congestion and a runny nose. There may also be headaches, dizziness, decreased sense of smell, and snoring during sleep. The specific symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. After the onset of symptoms, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology (ENT) specialist. Tests such as nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans can help assess the severity of the condition. Most patients may consider conservative medical treatment, commonly using nasal spray medications and oral medications. However, a small number of patients may not respond well to conservative drug treatments and might need to consider surgical treatment, which requires regular follow-ups to monitor the effectiveness of the surgery. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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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.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Untreated turbinate hypertrophy can lead to what consequences?

If turbinate hypertrophy is not treated, it can lead to many severe consequences. It can cause persistent bilateral nasal congestion in patients, leading to continuous oxygen deficiency, resulting in memory decline, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and facial swelling and pain. In severe cases, it can cause hyperactivity as well as psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Turbinate hypertrophy is generally caused by long-term chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis. It leads to persistent nasal congestion, and a detailed examination with an electronic nasal endoscope at a hospital will reveal congestion, swelling, and noticeable hyperplasia in the bilateral middle and lower turbinates. In treatment, turbinate hypertrophy can initially be managed with nebulized inhalation therapy, along with regular physical exercise to restore the function of the nasal mucosa. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery to partially remove the bilateral lower turbinates may be necessary.

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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.