Turbinate Hypertrophy

Turbinates are normal structures that are attached to the sidewalls of the internal nasal cavities. They function to warm and humidfy the air we breathe, as well as filter out airborne irritants such as dust and other allergens. There are three sets of turbinates in each side of the nose – the inferior, middle, and superior – and these are made of a thin layer of bone covered by a spongy mucous membrane.

The inferior turbinates can enlarge in size when blood flow increases to the mucous membrane lining causing swelling and congestion. This can occur during a flare-up of allergies or in response to the inhalation of irritants into the nose. The middle turbinates can become enlarged when they develop an air-filled pocket within the bone called a "concha bullosa". Sometimes, when this air-filled pocket is present, it can lead to blockage of the natural sinus drainage pathways, causing recurrent or chronic sinus infections.

Enlarged turbinates can cause troublesome symptoms such as nasal congestion, nasal drainage, blocked nasal airflow that can be worse when laying down or can alternate from side to side, facial pressure/pain, headaches, and recurrent or chronic sinus infections.

The diagnosis of turbinate hypertrophy is made by your Capitol ENT physician after taking your history and performing a physical exam. The physical exam includes a thorough inspection of the external and internal anatomy of the nose. Often, an instrument called a nasal speculum is used to gently widen the nostril so that the nasal cavity can be inspected. This maneuver is painless and is nothing to worry about. Sometimes,
a nasal endoscopy will be performed to visualize the internal nasal cavity in its entirety, depending on the nature of your symptoms.

Turbinate hypertrophy is usually treated initially with a trial of medical therapy using safe, easy to use, oral and topical nasal medications with the goal of decreasing the swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the turbinates.
Allergy testing may also be recommended depending on the degree of symptom relief from the medication trial.

If the medication trial does not adequately relieve your symptoms, surgical correction of your turbinate hypertrophy may be recommended. The procedure is called
a turbinate reduction and is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. This procedure can also be performed in the office under local anesthesia. Click on the links to learn more.


Back To Sinonasal Services