the fundamental cause of turbinate hypertrophy

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 06, 2025
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can hypertrophic turbinates be seen with the naked eye?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical manifestation and can usually be seen through visual inspection. Generally, the enlargement is primarily of the inferior turbinates. With the use of an anterior rhinoscope to open the nostrils, one can directly observe the extent of inferior turbinate enlargement. This also helps to clarify its relationship with the nasal cavity and aids in the diagnosis of potential rhinitis or sinusitis. In terms of treatment, if the enlargement is simply physiological without significant clinical symptoms, treatment might not be necessary, but regular follow-ups to monitor the condition are advised. If the enlargement is due to an inflammatory reaction, consideration may be given to oral medications and nasal sprays, along with rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to cure hypertrophic turbinates permanently?

Enlarged turbinates are a relatively common clinical symptom with many causes. It may be due to chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, or allergic rhinitis, and it can also be caused by bone hyperplasia of the turbinates. There are various treatment methods available, but it is still difficult to achieve a complete and permanent cure. Generally, medical treatment is the main approach, commonly involving nasal sprays, oral medications, and saline nasal irrigation. If standard medical treatments are ineffective, surgical options like turbinate ablation or partial resection of the turbinate bone can be considered. However, regular follow-ups to monitor the outcome are necessary. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What can be done to alleviate the difficulty in breathing caused by enlarged turbinates?

Breathing difficulties caused by hypertrophic turbinates can initially be managed with corticosteroids via nebulization. Additionally, massaging the Yingxiang acupoints on the outer sides of both nostrils can constrict the turbinates and quickly alleviate nasal congestion to ease breathing difficulties. Patients also need to undergo detailed examination at the hospital using an endoscopic camera and sinus CT to determine the cause of the turbinate hypertrophy. Turbinate hypertrophy generally results from symptoms caused by chronic rhinitis or chronic allergic rhinitis, leading to persistent bilateral nasal congestion in patients. This is also accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the nose, swelling, and the discharge of mucous nasal fluid. For treatment, symptomatic anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy therapy should initially be administered. If conservative treatments are ineffective, a partial turbinectomy on both sides may be necessary.

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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 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.)