How does nasal turbinate hypertrophy cause nosebleeds?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 17, 2025
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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 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.

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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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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.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat chili peppers with enlarged turbinates?

People with enlarged nasal turbinates should avoid eating spicy peppers, as they are considered irritants. Consumption of spicy peppers can worsen the enlargement of nasal turbinates, leading to persistent nasal congestion. For enlarged nasal turbinates, it is necessary to visit a hospital and undergo examination with an electronic nasoscope to determine the cause. Generally, this condition is caused by chronic rhinitis or chronic allergic rhinitis. Enlargement of the nasal turbinates typically leads to symptoms such as persistent and progressive bilateral nasal congestion, swelling sensation in the nasal cavity, foreign body sensation, facial swelling, pain, headache, and the discharge of abnormal mucous secretions from the nasal cavity. In terms of treatment, initial management of enlarged nasal turbinates can involve the use of nebulized inhalation to shrink the turbinates and relieve nasal congestion. Regular physical exercise can also help restore the function of the nasal mucosa. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal of parts of the lower turbinates on both sides may be required to completely cure the condition.