15 Oct Enlarged turbinates and their treatment options

On the lateral wall of each of our nasal cavities, there is a lower, a middle and an upper nasal concha – bony ridges containing highly vascular erectile tissue. We need them to humidify and warm the air we breathe. If the nasal conchae are enlarged or swollen, they can impair breathing. This condition is known as inferior turbinate hypertrophy. We explain below what this precisely means and how it can be treated.

Enlarged turbinates and their treatment options

What is turbinate enlargement?

The bony ridges in the lateral walls of the nose, which are covered with cavernous tissue, serve to warm and humidify the air we breathe. Fluctuations in size within a certain area are completely normal. However, medication, allergies, pollutants in the air we breathe (e.g. at work), infections or recurring/chronic sinusitis as well as long-term use of nasal spray (Nasal spray addiction) can cause the turbinates to become unusually enlarged. Sometimes a Curvature of the nasal septum may be the cause of turbinate enlargement or occur at the same time. In addition, anatomical features such as an air-containing middle turbinate or hormonal fluctuations can be the cause of turbinate hyperplasia.

How do enlarged turbinates present?

Mostly, the inferior nasal turbinates are affected. This is unfavourable inasmuch as the nasal passage is located beneath them. It establishes the nasal connection to the upper respiratory tract. If the turbinates are enlarged, sufferers have the feeling of a constantly blocked nose. They find it harder to breathe – especially in dry conditions. The problem predominantly worsens when lying down. Here, the blood flow to the nasal turbinates increases and they swell further. The patient must then breathe through the mouth, which leads to a drying out of the mucous membranes. Eating, drinking and speaking (nasal speech) can thus be made more difficult and olfactory disturbances frequently occur. Furthermore, patients with enlarged nose turbinates can get nosebleeds significantly more often. As a rule, they are more susceptible to infections of the upper respiratory tract with sore throats and/or tonsillitis. Nasal breathing can also deteriorate even further if a deviated nasal septum is added. Due to the obstructed breathing, sufferers frequently sleep worse and snore.

How is turbinate enlargement diagnosed?

The diagnosis is comparatively quick and easy to make. If you recognise yourself in the above symptoms, make an appointment with us. We will ask you about your medical history, your professional activities, allergies and any medication you may be taking. In the next step, we will examine your nasal cavity endoscopically/microscopically. Depending on the initial situation, we will look through your nostrils with or without a nasal spray to decongest the mucous membranes. We refer to this as an anterior rhinoscopy. In order to assess the posterior turbinates, we insert a small endoscope behind the uvula in the turbinates (posterior rhinoscopy).

If necessary, we measure the air flow in the nose and check whether the two nasal cavities have different air flow rates when breathing in and out or before and after the mucous membranes subside. In some cases, an allergy test or computer tomography (CT) is also carried out. We then summarise all the examination results. If the patient has enlarged turbinates, we have various treatment options at our disposal.

How are enlarged turbinates treated?

Nasal concha hyperplasia can be treated in various ways. If inflammation or an allergy is the trigger, medication can be used, e.g. nasal sprays with cortisone. If the swelling does not go down, surgery can be considered.

This is a short procedure that is performed either under local anaesthetic or a short general anaesthetic. The turbinates are surgically reduced in size. If necessary, an additional Curvature of the nasal septum can be treated. The chances of success of the operation are considered good. Numerous studies have proven the lasting effectiveness of the operation. Many patients are freed from snoring at night and can breathe deeply without having to rely on a nasal spray.

Nose surgery Frankfurt

ENT doctor FrankfurtWhether you have an enlarged turbinate, a deviated septum or another problem with your nasal cavity, we can help. Paranasal sinus - please make an appointment with us. We will find out what is wrong with you and suggest possible therapies and alternatives.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are compiled for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and serve the purpose of general further education. They under no circumstances replace medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you have any health complaints, please always contact your ENT specialists in Frankfurt directly!

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