How long does it take to recover normally after turbinate hypertrophy surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 09, 2025
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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.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What medicine should be taken for hypertrophic turbinates?

Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology, mainly involving enlargement of the middle and inferior turbinates. Patients often develop bony, bubble-like formations in the middle turbinate, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, contact headache, nasal itchiness, and runny nose. For patients with nasal turbinate hypertrophy, who often also suffer from sinusitis or chronic rhinitis, treatment primarily involves local anti-inflammatory measures. Additionally, the use of corticosteroid nasal sprays can help reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa and aid in relieving nasal congestion. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to reduce swollen nasal turbinates?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical symptom, with numerous potential causes. If the enlargement is simply physiological, it generally does not require special treatment. However, if it is due to an inflammatory reaction, such as rhinitis or sinusitis, this can lead to corresponding clinical symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and reduced sense of smell, necessitating consideration of medication. Common treatments include oral medications and corticosteroid nasal sprays, typically over a treatment cycle of about one to two weeks. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can be beneficial. With standardized treatment, most cases will gradually decrease in swelling. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is massage effective for enlarged turbinates?

Turbinate hypertrophy is a common clinical symptom of the turbinates. Generally speaking, the effect of treating turbinate hypertrophy through massage is not good, because it is difficult for massage to directly affect the inside of the nasal cavity, and there is no direct impact and effect on the hypertrophy of the turbinates. The first step in addressing turbinate hypertrophy is to examine the causes and the extent of the enlargement. If the enlargement is mild and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, it is generally advised to regularly review and observe changes. However, if the turbinate hypertrophy is more pronounced and accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and reduced sense of smell, it is necessary to perform a nasopharyngoscope examination to investigate the specific causes of the condition. Treatment typically involves oral medications and nasal sprays, and regular check-ups are also necessary. (Please follow the guidance of a specialist doctor for specific medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat chili peppers with enlarged turbinates?

People with enlarged nasal turbinates should avoid eating spicy peppers, as they are considered irritants. Consumption of spicy peppers can worsen the enlargement of nasal turbinates, leading to persistent nasal congestion. For enlarged nasal turbinates, it is necessary to visit a hospital and undergo examination with an electronic nasoscope to determine the cause. Generally, this condition is caused by chronic rhinitis or chronic allergic rhinitis. Enlargement of the nasal turbinates typically leads to symptoms such as persistent and progressive bilateral nasal congestion, swelling sensation in the nasal cavity, foreign body sensation, facial swelling, pain, headache, and the discharge of abnormal mucous secretions from the nasal cavity. In terms of treatment, initial management of enlarged nasal turbinates can involve the use of nebulized inhalation to shrink the turbinates and relieve nasal congestion. Regular physical exercise can also help restore the function of the nasal mucosa. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal of parts of the lower turbinates on both sides may be required to completely cure the condition.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal turbinate hypertrophy related to allergic rhinitis?

Turbinate hypertrophy is directly related to allergic rhinitis. After an allergic rhinitis attack, the patient may experience bilateral inferior turbinate congestion, edema, and hyperplasia, which leads to continuous bilateral nasal congestion and clear, watery nasal discharge, nasal itching, and in severe cases, eyelid swelling, tearing, and itching. Allergic rhinitis is primarily caused by a decrease in the body's immunity and resistance, following the nasal intake or contact with relevant allergens, which can include dust, pollen, and mites. Firstly, a detailed examination at a hospital is needed, using diagnostic tools such as nasal endoscopy, routine blood tests, allergen antibody tests, and skin prick tests to confirm the diagnosis. For treatment, symptomatic anti-allergy treatment is necessary, including oral antihistamines to shrink the turbinates and alleviate nasal congestion. During remission, regular physical exercise is also needed to enhance the body’s immune capabilities for gradual improvement. If the turbinate enlargement is too severe, local surgical removal might be required.