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 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 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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Does hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates cause the appearance of the nose to enlarge?

Prolonged stimulation of turbinates hypertrophy can cause patients to experience widening and thickening of the nostrils, also affecting the appearance of the nose. Clinically, this is referred to as "frog nose." Turbinates hypertrophy commonly stems from prolonged chronic inflammation and episodes of allergic rhinitis, leading to bilateral congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and enlargement of the inferior and middle turbinates. Patients will experience persistent nasal congestion bilaterally, accompanied by a foreign body sensation and swelling in the nasal cavity. Changes in the shape and appearance of the nose also occur, necessitating a detailed examination at a hospital. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination and sinus CT scan. In terms of treatment, acute turbinates hypertrophy may be treated with antibiotics, along with nebulized inhalation therapy. If conservative treatment is ineffective, partial resection of the bilateral inferior turbinates may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if my nasal turbinates are swollen, painful, and bleeding?

Turbinate hypertrophy accompanied by localized dryness and pain require symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment initially, utilizing antibiotics and nebulized inhalation to alleviate local symptoms. It’s also necessary to visit a hospital for an endoscopic nasal examination to determine the cause. Generally, such conditions arise from an acute rhinitis flare-up, a manifestation of decreased immunity and resistance, leading to viral or bacterial infections affecting the nasal turbinate mucosa. Patients may experience turbinate hypertrophy along with persistent nasal congestion and yellow nasal discharge. In severe cases, fever and headaches may occur. Treatment should first focus on symptomatic anti-inflammatory and antiviral therapies, along with the use of corticosteroids for nebulized inhalation. Drinking warm water and getting plenty of rest can gradually improve the condition.

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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.)