What should be noted for turbinate hypertrophy?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 18, 2025
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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.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about turbinate hypertrophy?

Clinically, turbinate hypertrophy is mainly caused by the stimulation of inflammatory factors such as acute and chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to the proliferation of the turbinate, including the mucosal and even bony growth, as well as congenital developmental factors causing turbinate enlargement. Initially, treatment typically involves medication, using nasal sprays such as corticosteroids for nasal treatment. Secondly, surgical treatment can be employed. We can assess the extent of turbinate hypertrophy with a nasal CT scan to determine if there is bony enlargement. If there is bony hypertrophy, partial resection of the submucosal turbinate bone can be performed. If the hypertrophy is only in the mucosal and soft tissue, it can be treated using plasma ablation. In summary, turbinate hypertrophy can be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the specific extent of the pathology.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal turbinates hypertrophy be treated with nasal irrigation?

Enlarged nasal turbinates are a relatively common clinical presentation, often associated with rhinitis and sinusitis, and can also be due to exposure to external irritants. Nasal washing is one option to consider. The most commonly used method is saline nasal irrigation, and physiological seawater can also be used. Typically, washing is recommended two to three times a day. If there is an inflammatory response, medication may also be necessary. Common treatments include oral medications and nasal sprays, with a treatment period usually lasting more than a week. After starting medication, regular follow-ups are needed to monitor recovery, and most patients generally respond well to treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will turbinates that have been removed grow back?

Enlarged turbinates primarily refer to the enlargement of the inferior turbinates, and in rare cases, the middle and superior turbinates may also become enlarged. Clinically, the enlargement of the inferior turbinates is mainly caused by various chronic inflammatory stimuli in the nasal area, leading to nasal congestion, impaired secretion of nasal mucus, and even symptoms such as headaches in patients. Clinically, for turbinates, minimally invasive treatment methods are mainly used, such as plasma volume reduction surgery and submucosal partial resection of the inferior turbinates. Generally speaking, once the turbinates are removed, they cannot regrow; only the surface mucosa can regrow, but the turbinate bone cannot regrow. Therefore, after the removal of the turbinates, there is a significant increase in the spaciousness of the nasal cavity, which is beneficial for improving the patient's symptoms of nasal congestion.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is turbinate reduction ablation a good procedure?

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.)