15 Oct Enlarged turbinates and their treatment options

Unsere Nasenhöhle beherbergt an der seitlichen Wand jeweils eine untere, eine mittlere sowie eine obere Nasenmuschel – knöcherne Leisten mit gefäßreichem Schwellkörpergewebe. Wir benötigen sie zur Befeuchtung und Erwärmung unserer Atemluft. Sind die Nasenmuscheln vergrößert oder geschwollen, können sie das Atmen beeinträchtigen. Man spricht hier von einer Nasenmuschelhyperplasie. Was das genau bedeutet und wie sie behandelt werden kann, erklären wir Ihnen im Folgenden.

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.

Wie äußern sich vergrößerte Nasenmuscheln?

Meistens sind die unteren Nasenmuscheln betroffen. Dies ist insofern ungünstig, da sich unter ihnen der Nasengang befindet. Er stellt die nasale Verbindung zu den oberen Atemwegen her. Sind die Muscheln nun vergrößert, haben Betroffene das Gefühl einer ständig verstopften Nase. Sie können schwerer atmen – besonders bei trockener Luft. Die Problematik verstärkt sich vorwiegend im Liegen. Hier werden die Nasenmuscheln stärker durchblutet und schwellen weiter an. Der Patient muss dann durch den Mund atmen, was zu einer Austrocknung der Schleimhäute führt. Das Essen, Trinken und Sprechen (näselnde Sprache) kann dadurch erschwert werden und häufig entstehen Riechstörungen. Weiterhin können Patienten mit vergrößerten Nasenmuscheln deutlich öfter Nasenbluten bekommen. In der Regel sind sie anfälliger für Infekte der oberen Atemwege mit Halsschmerzen und/oder Mandelentzündungen. Die Nasenatmung kann sich auch noch stärker verschlechtern, wenn eine verkrümmte Nasenscheidewand dazukommt. Durch die behinderte Atmung schlafen Betroffene häufig schlechter und 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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