Is turbinate reduction ablation a good procedure?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 27, 2024
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Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common ENT disorder. If standard medical treatment is ineffective, considering turbinate reduction surgery might be an option. Generally, this is a fairly common minor procedure and is minimally invasive, having little significant impact on overall health. After surgery, most patients experience a reduction in the size of the turbinates and a relief in clinical symptoms. However, individual treatment results can vary. While most patients respond well to the surgery, a small number may not achieve ideal results and might need to continue with oral medications and other treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy

Turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common disease, with significant individual differences in symptoms. Some patients simply have hypertrophy without obvious clinical manifestations, and it is only discovered during physical examinations or nasopharyngoscopy; Some patients may develop corresponding clinical symptoms, the most common being nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, snoring during sleep, and a foreign body sensation in the nasal cavity. In such cases, it is necessary to perform a sinus CT and nasopharyngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment options include oral medications and nasal sprays. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline and regular follow-up observations to assess effectiveness are recommended.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What causes turbinate hypertrophy?

Turbinates hypertrophy is most commonly seen in clinical practice, caused by repeated inflammation, leading to congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and prolapse of the turbinate mucosa. The hypertrophy mainly involves the lower turbinates, causing bilateral nasal obstruction in patients, with the condition progressively worsening. Additionally, there may be mucous secretions from the front of the nose, and when accompanied by a bacterial infection, yellow secretions may be present. Patients may also experience facial swelling, headaches, reduced sense of smell, and memory decline as clinical symptoms. Upon examination with an endoscope, significant congestion and swelling of the bilateral lower turbinates can be observed, often covered with abnormal secretions. In terms of treatment, if the turbinate hypertrophy is chronic, conservative treatment is ineffective, and patients may require partial resection of the bilateral lower turbinates for a cure. However, surgery has its principles; it is crucial not to remove more than one-third of the lower turbinate to avoid the risk of empty nose syndrome.

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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.