Can nasal turbinates hypertrophy be seen with the naked eye?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

Turbinate hypertrophy is visible to the naked eye as the turbinates are located on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. When the turbinates are excessively enlarged, a dark red protrusion will appear inside the nasal cavity. Turbinate hypertrophy primarily leads to persistent progressive nasal congestion for the patient, along with feelings of nasal swelling, a foreign body sensation, and mucous nasal discharge.

Turbinate hypertrophy is generally caused by acute and chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps. It is necessary to visit a hospital for a detailed examination, where procedures like nasal endoscopy, sinus CT, complete blood count, and skin prick tests can confirm the diagnosis.

In terms of treatment, during the acute phase, nebulized inhalation therapy using corticosteroids can be the first approach. This helps to reduce turbinate size and alleviate nasal congestion. Additionally, regular physical exercise and treatment of the primary disease are recommended. If conservative treatment is ineffective, partial resection of the bilateral lower turbinates may be needed.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
50sec home-news-image

Is surgery recommended for enlarged turbinates?

Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a relatively common clinical presentation, with many possible causes. The most common causes include chronic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, and sinusitis, and it can also be due to osteogenic proliferation of the nasal conchae. After this condition occurs, it is first necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a nasopharyngoscopy. Some patients may also need a CT scan to assess the severity of the condition. In terms of treatment, surgery is generally not considered first. Most patients can consider conservative treatment with medications, commonly using nasal spray drugs. The treatment period is generally about 1 to 2 weeks. If standardized medication treatment is ineffective, then surgery may be considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Does nasal turbinate hypertrophy cause nosebleeds?

Symptoms of hypertrophic turbinates are numerous, but generally do not cause nosebleeds. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. It is necessary to seek treatment from an otolaryngologist after onset of these symptoms. Nasal endoscopy, sinus CT scans, and routine blood tests can help clarify the extent of the condition. In terms of medication, oral medications and nasal sprays are commonly used, and irrigating the nasal cavity with saline solution can also be beneficial. However, some patients with severe conditions may not respond well to conservative treatment and might need to consider surgery. After surgery, regular follow-ups are needed to monitor recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 5sec home-news-image

If turbinate hypertrophy is not treated surgically, what could be the consequences?

If turbinate hypertrophy is not surgically treated, it can lead to persistent bilateral nasal congestion in patients, accompanied by swelling and a severe foreign body sensation in the nasal cavity, which can lead to diminished sense of smell, memory deterioration, and other related symptoms. Turbinate hypertrophy is primarily caused by prolonged inflammatory stimulation of the nasal mucosa, leading to diffuse congestion, edema, proliferation, and hypertrophy of the bilateral turbinates in patients, resulting in persistent nasal congestion. A detailed examination with an endoscope at a hospital can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, initial approaches include nebulized inhalation therapy to shrink the turbinates and alleviate nasal congestion. Regular physical exercise can also help restore the function of the nasal mucosa. If conservative treatments are ineffective and the turbinates continue to be enlarged, local surgical removal may be required to cure the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Untreated turbinate hypertrophy can lead to what consequences?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

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.)