Is correction of nasal turbinate hypertrophy a surgical procedure?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 28, 2025
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Enlarged turbinates are a common clinical sign, primarily caused by chronic inflammation in the nose and deviations in the nasal septum. Clinically, surgeries targeted at correcting enlarged turbinates are primarily conducted. Main approaches include:

One method is the fracturing and outward movement of the turbinate bone; another is the excision of the submucosal part of the enlarged turbinate. Other treatments, such as plasma ablation therapy for the turbinates, are also viable. The specific treatment method should be chosen based on a facial examination, observations of the specific condition of the enlarged turbinates, as well as assessments from sinus CT scans and conditions of the turbinate bones.

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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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Is massage effective for enlarged turbinates?

Turbinate hypertrophy is a common clinical symptom of the turbinates. Generally speaking, the effect of treating turbinate hypertrophy through massage is not good, because it is difficult for massage to directly affect the inside of the nasal cavity, and there is no direct impact and effect on the hypertrophy of the turbinates. The first step in addressing turbinate hypertrophy is to examine the causes and the extent of the enlargement. If the enlargement is mild and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, it is generally advised to regularly review and observe changes. However, if the turbinate hypertrophy is more pronounced and accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and reduced sense of smell, it is necessary to perform a nasopharyngoscope examination to investigate the specific causes of the condition. Treatment typically involves oral medications and nasal sprays, and regular check-ups are also necessary. (Please follow the guidance of a specialist doctor for specific medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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The difference between nasal polyps and hypertrophy of the turbinates.

Nasal polyps and hypertrophic turbinates have fundamental differences. Firstly, these are two different types of diseases. Nasal polyps are neoplasms that grow within the nasal cavity, whereas hypertrophic turbinates are primarily caused by hyperplasia or thickening of the mucous membrane of the existing turbinates, which is not considered a neoplasm within the nasal cavity. The causes of nasal polyps are not particularly clear. Treatment primarily involves medication, but surgery may be considered if there are numerous polyps. Hypertrophic turbinates are mainly caused by proliferative inflammatory responses in the mucous membranes, and medication is generally considered for this condition. Overall, the effectiveness of medication is relatively certain, with only a small portion of patients requiring surgical intervention.

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can Chinese medicine cure hypertrophic turbinates?

Turbinate hypertrophy includes hypertrophy of the inferior and middle turbinates. Turbinate hypertrophy is mainly caused by chronic inflammation, which is rhinitis. The general treatment mainly involves medication, particularly local medications such as nasal corticosteroids and nasal vasoconstrictors that constrict blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. Traditional Chinese medicine can be somewhat effective, primarily involving aromatic herbs or proprietary Chinese medicines to provide some therapeutic effect; however, these are mostly used as supplementary treatments and should not be the primary medication. Moreover, their use should be under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, a CT scan is needed for turbinate hypertrophy to assess if there is any bony enlargement of the turbinates; if there is, surgical treatment may need to be considered.