The difference between hypertrophic turbinates and nasal polyps

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on July 01, 2025
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The difference between hypertrophic nasal turbinates and nasal polyps mainly lies in that nasal polyps are overgrowths and hyperplastic tissues appearing externally to the normal nasal mucosa, whereas the primary cause of hypertrophic nasal turbinates is due to smaller air ventilation in the nasal cavity of the patient, thus triggering compensatory hyperplastic thickening of the normal turbinate tissue. For patients with hypertrophic nasal turbinates and nasal polyps, the main symptoms are usually nasal congestion. The primary treatment method for patients with nasal polyps is by removing the nasal polyps through functional endoscopic sinus surgery to improve the nasal air ventilation. On the other hand, patients with hypertrophic nasal turbinates can use corticosteroid nasal sprays to alleviate symptoms of nasal congestion or undergo plasma ablation surgery to remove part of the turbinate tissue, thereby improving the patient’s nasal air ventilation. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor)

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

Do enlarged turbinates cause fear of heat?

Turbinates hypertrophy tends to be heat-sensitive since excessive heat can lead to congestion and swelling of the nasal conchae's mucous membrane, thereby worsening nasal congestion in patients. Turbinates hypertrophy is a symptom caused by inflammation of the turbinates, commonly seen in chronic rhinitis in clinical settings. Patients experience persistent nasal congestion in both nasal cavities, along with sensations of a foreign body and swelling in the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity may discharge viscous abnormal secretions, accompanied by facial swelling, pain, headaches, and other related symptoms. A detailed examination at the hospital using electronic rhinoscopy, routine blood tests, and sinus CT can confirm the diagnosis. During the examination, diffuse congestion and swelling of the bilateral inferior turbinates can be observed, along with abnormal secretions inside the nasal cavity. In terms of treatment, nebular inhalation therapy can be used to shrink the turbinates and relieve symptoms of nasal congestion. Additionally, a light diet and regular exercise can gradually improve the condition.

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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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Can you drink alcohol with enlarged turbinates?

It is best not to drink alcohol if you have enlarged turbinates, as alcohol can stimulate the dilation of blood vessels, leading to congestion and swelling of the turbinates, which in turn exacerbates nasal congestion symptoms. Enlarged turbinates are just a clinical presentation, not a disease. The most common cause of enlarged turbinates in clinical settings is chronic rhinitis. Chronic rhinitis results from repeated acute inflammatory stimuli, causing congestion, swelling, and hyperplasia of the turbinate mucosa. Patients may experience bilateral nasal congestion that progressively worsens and may also have abnormal secretions in the nasal cavity. During an examination with an electronic rhinoscope, pronounced congestion and swelling in both middle and lower turbinates can be observed, sometimes showing mulberry-like changes on the surface. For treatment, patients may need to undergo a partial inferior turbinectomy, which requires hospitalization, and recovery is typically about one week before discharge.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Turbinate Hypertrophy

Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common clinical presentation and can be caused by many factors. The more common causes include physiological hypertrophy, chronic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, as well as sinusitis or long-term exposure to irritants. When these symptoms occur, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist to determine the specific cause. If it is simply physiological hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates, regular follow-up is generally sufficient, and no special treatment is needed. However, if the hypertrophy is due to an inflammatory response causing clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose, medical treatment should be considered. Most patients see good results after standardized medical treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

What should be noted for turbinate hypertrophy?

Patients with enlarged turbinates should pay attention to the following aspects: First, they need to visit an otolaryngologist regularly to observe changes in their condition. If accompanied by related clinical symptoms, medication should be considered. Second, in daily life, nasal irrigation with saline can be used to reduce the retention of nasal secretions, improve clinical symptoms, and alleviate the severity of enlarged turbinates. Third, it is important to avoid exposure to external irritants in daily life as much as possible and to avoid catching colds, as these factors can exacerbate the existing condition. Overall, enlarged turbinates are a common condition, and with timely treatment, the condition will gradually improve.