Untreated turbinate hypertrophy can lead to what consequences?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 12, 2025
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If turbinate hypertrophy is not treated, it can lead to many severe consequences. It can cause persistent bilateral nasal congestion in patients, leading to continuous oxygen deficiency, resulting in memory decline, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and facial swelling and pain. In severe cases, it can cause hyperactivity as well as psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Turbinate hypertrophy is generally caused by long-term chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis. It leads to persistent nasal congestion, and a detailed examination with an electronic nasal endoscope at a hospital will reveal congestion, swelling, and noticeable hyperplasia in the bilateral middle and lower turbinates. In treatment, turbinate hypertrophy can initially be managed with nebulized inhalation therapy, along with regular physical exercise to restore the function of the nasal mucosa. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery to partially remove the bilateral lower turbinates may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 13sec home-news-image

How does nasal turbinate hypertrophy cause nosebleeds?

Enlarged turbinates causing nosebleeds occur when the turbinates are congested, leading to frequent nose blowing by the patient. This can cause local mucosal rupture, resulting in the discharge of bloody secretions from the nasal cavity, generally seen in episodes of chronic rhinitis. Chronic rhinitis is caused by repeated inflammatory infections, leading to diffuse congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the turbinate mucosa. Patients may experience persistent nasal congestion, accompanied by mucous nasal discharge and sensations of foreign bodies and swelling in the nasal cavity. Forceful nose blowing can then cause local mucosal rupture and the discharge of fresh bloody secretions. A detailed examination with an electronic nasoscope and a sinus CT scan at a hospital can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, the first step is to shrink the turbinates to relieve nasal congestion. Nebulized inhalation therapy can be used and is effective. Additionally, topical application of vitamin AD in the nasal cavity can repair the local mucosa and gradually improve the condition. (Use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can massage help with enlarged turbinates?

Local massage is not effective for hypertrophic turbinates, which are generally caused by prolonged chronic inflammation stimulation, as well as episodes of allergic rhinitis leading to bilateral turbinate diffuse congestion, edema, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy. After the enlargement of the turbinates, patients mainly experience persistent, gradual nasal congestion on both sides, accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the nasal cavity and swelling. Patients may also experience a decrease in sense of smell, memory decline, facial swelling, and headaches, and should visit a hospital for a detailed examination with an endoscope and sinus CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, if the condition is due to inflammation or infection, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is required, and if it is due to a localized allergic reaction, symptomatic anti-allergy treatment should be administered. Regular physical exercise to restore the function of the nasal mucosa is recommended. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery to partially remove the inferior turbinates on both sides may be necessary.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Post-laser sequelae of turbinate hypertrophy

Using laser treatment for hypertrophic turbinates can potentially lead to complications, the more common ones being nasal dryness and mucosal erosion. It may also cause recurring nasal bleeding. Additionally, some patients might experience a burning sensation or the feeling of a foreign body in the nasal cavity. More serious cases could lead to a nasal septum perforation. Hence, the specific complications vary from individual to individual. After surgery, it is necessary to have regular check-ups at the otolaryngology department, where procedures like nasal endoscopy and routine blood tests can help in assessing the condition. In the event of complications, timely and targeted treatment should be administered to mitigate the severity of these complications and improve the patient's quality of life.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with nasal polyps and enlarged turbinates?

Nasal polyps and hypertrophic turbinates require surgical treatment because both are manifestations of chronic inflammation in rhinitis. Medical treatment alone is not very effective in these cases. Nasal polyps and hypertrophic turbinates mainly cause poor nasal ventilation, and over time, can also affect the drainage of the sinuses. Therefore, in patients with significantly enlarged nasal polyps, who often also suffer from chronic sinusitis, treatment involves the endoscopic removal of nasal polyps and partial resection of the inferior turbinate, along with the opening of the sinus passages. This is a systematic and comprehensive treatment approach. After surgery, it is crucial to follow a prescribed medication regimen, as this ensures the effectiveness of the surgery. If surgery is performed without subsequent medication, the results may not be very good. Additionally, regular postoperative check-ups and cleanings are essential to maintain the effectiveness of the surgery and to prevent long-term recurrence. Many patients who cease medication and do not return for follow-up cleanings after surgery are likely to experience a quick recurrence.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does turbinate hypertrophy require surgery?

In clinical practice, hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates must be differentiated by various causes. If the hypertrophy is simple, such as due to nasal mucosal vasoconstrictors like ephedrine nasal drops or phenylephrine nasal drops, which show good shrinkage response, it suggests a simple hypertrophy, often mainly treated with medication. If the surface of the hypertrophied turbinate is uneven and unresponsive to vasoconstrictors, and if there is severe nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell or even loss of it, then medication may not effectively alleviate the condition. Surgical treatment, such as partial resection of the inferior nasal turbinate, would be needed to restore normal nasal airways.