What causes turbinate hypertrophy?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 29, 2025
00:00
00:00

Enlarged turbinates are generally caused by acute and chronic inflammation. This condition is commonly seen in both acute and chronic rhinitis, as well as acute and chronic sinusitis. It occurs due to repeated inflammatory stimuli, causing the nasal turbinate mucosa to become congested, swollen, and hyperplastic. This leads to persistent worsening bilateral nasal congestion in patients. During an examination with an endoscope, significant congestion and swelling of the bilateral middle and lower turbinates can be observed. In terms of treatment, it is crucial for patients to first identify the cause of their condition. If the cause is acute or chronic rhinitis, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment should be initiated. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can be very effective. If the patient suffers from acute or chronic sinusitis, local surgical treatment may be necessary. As long as the inflammation is eliminated, the enlargement of the turbinates will gradually recover. It is also important to maintain a light diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and engage in regular exercise to restore the function of the nasal turbinate mucosa. (The use of medication should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

The difference between nasal polyps and hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates.

Nasal polyps are neoplasms located in the nose, nasal cavity, or sinus cavity, typically appearing as fully developed, translucent, lychee-like growths that are benign. In contrast, hypertrophy of the nasal concha involves swelling and thickening of the mucous membrane of the concha itself, which may partly demonstrate changes resembling nasal polyps, but it is not identical to nasal polyps. Nasal polyps do not have nervous or vascular supply, whereas the nasal concha does. Clinically, there are different treatments for each; nasal polyps usually require surgical removal, while treatment for hypertrophy of the nasal concha depends on the specific cause. If the hypertrophy is simple, it is often treated with medication; if it is hypertrophic, decisions on surgical intervention may depend on results from CT scans or X-rays.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

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)

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

Can nasal turbinates enlargement cause a fever?

Enlarged nasal turbinates do not cause fever. Enlarged nasal turbinates only lead to persistent nasal congestion in patients, accompanied by sensations of foreign bodies and swelling in the nasal cavity. Mucous nasal discharge can appear in the nasal cavity due to enlarged turbinates. Generally, this is caused by chronic inflammatory stimulation and chronic allergic reactions, commonly seen in clinical cases of chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis. A detailed examination at a hospital using an endoscopic nasal camera can reveal bilateral inferior turbinate diffuse congestion, edema, and hyperplasia, which cause persistent nasal congestion. In terms of treatment, if it is allergic rhinitis, symptomatic antiallergic treatment is needed, such as oral administration of loratadine, and the concurrent use of mometasone furoate nasal spray has good effects in reducing the size of the nasal turbinates. If it is chronic simple rhinitis, nasal nebulization can be used, and physical exercise is also necessary to restore the function of the nasal turbinate mucosa for gradual improvement.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

Can nasal spray reduce the swelling of enlarged turbinates?

Enlarged nasal turbinates are a relatively common clinical presentation, mainly considered to be related to physiological enlargement. It could also be due to chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis. Initially, it is necessary to examine the specific clinical symptoms. If it is just simple enlargement without causing obvious clinical symptoms, this condition generally may not require special treatment; regular follow-ups and observation of the condition's changes are advised. If it causes related clinical manifestations, such as nasal congestion and runny nose, then medication treatment should be considered, commonly using nasal spray medications. Most patients will gradually see a reduction in the enlargement of the nasal turbinates and improvement in clinical symptoms after using the spray. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 5sec home-news-image

If turbinate hypertrophy is not treated surgically, what could be the consequences?

If turbinate hypertrophy is not surgically treated, it can lead to persistent bilateral nasal congestion in patients, accompanied by swelling and a severe foreign body sensation in the nasal cavity, which can lead to diminished sense of smell, memory deterioration, and other related symptoms. Turbinate hypertrophy is primarily caused by prolonged inflammatory stimulation of the nasal mucosa, leading to diffuse congestion, edema, proliferation, and hypertrophy of the bilateral turbinates in patients, resulting in persistent nasal congestion. A detailed examination with an endoscope at a hospital can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, initial approaches include nebulized inhalation therapy to shrink the turbinates and alleviate nasal congestion. Regular physical exercise can also help restore the function of the nasal mucosa. If conservative treatments are ineffective and the turbinates continue to be enlarged, local surgical removal may be required to cure the condition.