How should nasal turbinate hypertrophy be treated?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 06, 2025
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Enlarged turbinates are just a clinical manifestation, not a disease in itself. In clinical practice, many diseases can cause enlarged turbinates, such as chronic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps. These conditions can lead to compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinates, which results in symptoms of nasal congestion. Initially, it is necessary to visit a hospital for a detailed examination with an electronic nasal endoscope to make a clear diagnosis. If the condition is due to a deviated nasal septum, septoplasty may be required. If nasal inflammation is causing the enlarged turbinates, conservative treatment should be attempted first. If conservative treatment is ineffective, bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy may be necessary. After the surgery, the patient should continue with a light diet and regular exercise to restore the function of the nasal mucosa, strengthen the body, and avoid colds to prevent recurrent hypertrophy of the turbinates.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does nasal turbinate hypertrophy easily cause nosebleeds?

If we are only talking about simple hypertrophy of the turbinates, it generally does not easily lead to nosebleeds. Enlarged turbinates might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, and could also lead to a decreased sense of smell, headaches, or dizziness, but some patients may not have obvious clinical symptoms and are only discovered during a physical examination. Therefore, patients with turbinate hypertrophy need to seek consultation at an otolaryngology department after experiencing relevant clinical symptoms. Examinations such as nasal endoscopy, routine blood tests, and sinus CT scans can be helpful in assessing the specific severity of the condition and the cause of the disease. Once diagnosed, targeted treatment can be administered and regular follow-ups are required to monitor the treatment effects.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Will nasal turbinate hypertrophy heal on its own?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, if the enlargement is mild with no significant clinical symptoms, observation is often considered sufficient. Regular follow-up examinations are necessary to monitor any changes, and some patients may recover on their own. If the turbinate enlargement is severe and accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness, further examinations should be considered. These may include nasopharyngoscopy or sinus CT scans. In terms of treatment, oral medications and nasal sprays are generally considered. Regular follow-up is needed during treatment to observe the effectiveness. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.

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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.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal turbinates hypertrophy be completely cured?

Enlargement of the nasal turbinates can be completely cured. Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a clinical manifestation, not a disease itself. There are many causes of turbinate hypertrophy in clinical practice, with the most common being chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is characterized by repetitive attacks of simple rhinitis causing bilateral inferior turbinate diffuse congestion, edema, and hyperplasia. Patients experience persistent bilateral nasal congestion that progressively worsens. Additionally, mucous-like secretions may appear in the nasal cavity; patients may also feel a foreign body sensation in the nose, facial distension, pain, headaches, reduced sense of smell, and memory decline. Examination with an electronic nasal endoscope reveals significant congestion and edema of the bilateral inferior turbinates, sometimes showing mulberry-like changes. Treatment involves partial resection of the bilateral inferior turbinates, which can completely cure the condition.