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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Post-laser sequelae of turbinate hypertrophy

Using laser treatment for hypertrophic turbinates can potentially lead to complications, the more common ones being nasal dryness and mucosal erosion. It may also cause recurring nasal bleeding. Additionally, some patients might experience a burning sensation or the feeling of a foreign body in the nasal cavity. More serious cases could lead to a nasal septum perforation. Hence, the specific complications vary from individual to individual. After surgery, it is necessary to have regular check-ups at the otolaryngology department, where procedures like nasal endoscopy and routine blood tests can help in assessing the condition. In the event of complications, timely and targeted treatment should be administered to mitigate the severity of these complications and improve the patient's quality of life.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can running cure nasal turbinate hypertrophy?

Enlarged turbinates can be treated by running. Generally, this condition is commonly seen in chronic simple rhinitis. Chronic simple rhinitis is frequently found in adolescents and is caused by repeated episodes of acute rhinitis, resulting in symptoms related to the turbinates. Patients may experience bilateral nasal obstruction, which alternately fluctuates, and white mucoid secretions may also appear in the nasal cavity. Sometimes, patients may also experience facial swelling, pain, and headaches. During examination, significant congestion and edema of the bilateral nasal turbinate mucosa can be observed, along with abnormal secretions in the nasal cavity; vasoconstrictors are effective in this scenario. For treatment, patients can initially use nebulized inhalation therapy during the acute phase to alleviate congestion and edema of the turbinate mucosa. Moreover, exercising by running or swimming can gradually improve the function of the turbinate mucosa over a lengthy period. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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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 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
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How long does it take to recover normally after turbinate hypertrophy surgery?

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.)