How to determine if the nasal turbinates are enlarged

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 07, 2025
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The diagnosis of turbinate hypertrophy first requires a visit to an otolaryngologist, where the doctor can examine the specific condition of the nasal conchae, along with considering clinical symptoms. Generally, turbinate hypertrophy might be accompanied by nasal congestion, a runny nose, and can also lead to headaches, dizziness, and a reduced sense of smell. Moreover, the more severe the enlargement of the turbinates, the heavier the clinical symptoms might be. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for conservative medication; common treatments include oral medications and nasal sprays, and rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution. During the treatment process, regular follow-up checks are necessary to observe the effects. A small number of patients who do not respond well to medication may need to consider surgery. (Please follow medical advice regarding medications.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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the fundamental cause of turbinate hypertrophy

Turbinates hypertrophy is a common disease in otolaryngology. It can occur on its own or concurrently with chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, or chronic nasal inflammation caused by sinusitis. In cases of turbinate hypertrophy, if it is simply an enlargement, it can lead to symptoms such as nasal congestion and headaches. Initially, a paranasal sinus CT scan and electronic nasopharyngoscopy can be completed to establish a clear diagnosis. Following that, functional endoscopic surgery can be performed to partially excise or ablate the turbinates, thus fully improving the patient's nasal airway function and restoring a normal nasal physiological environment.

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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.

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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 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
Otolaryngology
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Does nasal turbinate hypertrophy easily cause nosebleeds?

If we are only talking about simple hypertrophy of the turbinates, it generally does not easily lead to nosebleeds. Enlarged turbinates might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, and could also lead to a decreased sense of smell, headaches, or dizziness, but some patients may not have obvious clinical symptoms and are only discovered during a physical examination. Therefore, patients with turbinate hypertrophy need to seek consultation at an otolaryngology department after experiencing relevant clinical symptoms. Examinations such as nasal endoscopy, routine blood tests, and sinus CT scans can be helpful in assessing the specific severity of the condition and the cause of the disease. Once diagnosed, targeted treatment can be administered and regular follow-ups are required to monitor the treatment effects.