Initial symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 05, 2025
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The initial symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy are quite numerous, the most common being nasal congestion and a runny nose. There may also be headaches, dizziness, decreased sense of smell, and snoring during sleep. The specific symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. After the onset of symptoms, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology (ENT) specialist. Tests such as nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans can help assess the severity of the condition. Most patients may consider conservative medical treatment, commonly using nasal spray medications and oral medications. However, a small number of patients may not respond well to conservative drug treatments and might need to consider surgical treatment, which requires regular follow-ups to monitor the effectiveness of the surgery. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Can you eat eggs if you have enlarged nasal turbinates?

Patients with hypertrophic turbinates can eat eggs; there is no issue with that. Eggs are rich in protein, which can enhance the body's immunity and resistance, offering significant benefits to patients with hypertrophic turbinates. Hypertrophic turbinates are simply a clinical manifestation, commonly caused by chronic rhinitis or chronic allergic rhinitis. Following hypertrophy of the turbinates, patients typically experience persistent bilateral nasal congestion, accompanied by a sensation of a foreign body in the nose, swelling, and mucous nasal discharge. A detailed examination with an endoscope at the hospital can confirm the diagnosis. During the examination, diffuse congestion and edema of the bilateral inferior turbinates can be observed. For treatment, initial steps can include nebulized inhalation therapy to shrink the turbinates and alleviate nasal congestion, along with regular physical exercise to restore the function of the nasal mucosa. If conservative treatment is ineffective, local surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is hypertrophic turbinates easy to treat?

Enlarged turbinates are very treatable. Generally, turbinate enlargement is due to chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis inflammation. Patients may experience bilateral nasal congestion, alternating changes, turbinate congestion, edema, hyperplasia, and the presence of mucous or yellow secretions in the nasal cavity. In treatment, conservative treatments like microwave or laser therapy can be initially used with good effects. However, if a patient repeatedly suffers from colds and inflammation, this can lead to persistent turbinate growth, at which point localized surgical removal may be necessary. Surgery requires general anesthesia and involves partial removal of turbinates on both sides, but the lower third of the inferior turbinate should not be removed to avoid the risk of empty nose syndrome. Postoperative use of antibiotics is necessary to prevent local infections, and improvement can generally be expected within about a week. (Medication usage should be under the guidance of a professional 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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to reduce swollen nasal turbinates?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical symptom, with numerous potential causes. If the enlargement is simply physiological, it generally does not require special treatment. However, if it is due to an inflammatory reaction, such as rhinitis or sinusitis, this can lead to corresponding clinical symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and reduced sense of smell, necessitating consideration of medication. Common treatments include oral medications and corticosteroid nasal sprays, typically over a treatment cycle of about one to two weeks. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can be beneficial. With standardized treatment, most cases will gradually decrease in swelling. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Does hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates cause the appearance of the nose to enlarge?

Prolonged stimulation of turbinates hypertrophy can cause patients to experience widening and thickening of the nostrils, also affecting the appearance of the nose. Clinically, this is referred to as "frog nose." Turbinates hypertrophy commonly stems from prolonged chronic inflammation and episodes of allergic rhinitis, leading to bilateral congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and enlargement of the inferior and middle turbinates. Patients will experience persistent nasal congestion bilaterally, accompanied by a foreign body sensation and swelling in the nasal cavity. Changes in the shape and appearance of the nose also occur, necessitating a detailed examination at a hospital. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination and sinus CT scan. In terms of treatment, acute turbinates hypertrophy may be treated with antibiotics, along with nebulized inhalation therapy. If conservative treatment is ineffective, partial resection of the bilateral inferior turbinates may be necessary.