The human body contains three pairs of turbinates in the nasal/sinus cavity – long, curled structures that warm and humidify inhaled air and regulate breathing through the nasal passages. The inferior (lower) turbinates can become swollen and enlarged and interfere with breathing.
Treating Swollen Turbinates
The turbinates are crucial in allowing us to breathe properly. Allergies, viral infections, exposure to environmental irritants and a deviated septum can cause them to swell. Inferior turbinates that swell to the point where they cause a nasal obstruction are known as hypertrophic turbinates.
Topical nasal steroid sprays may be effective, but in some cases, medical treatment is ineffective. Over-the-counter decongestants bring temporary relief and should not be continued for more than three or four days or they can cause symptoms to worsen. Hypertrophic turbinates often require surgery.
Allergy therapy treatment often can help reduce the inflammation that is causing the turbinates to grow and can prevent re-growth in patients who end up having them surgically reduced.
Turbinate Reduction Surgery
The turbinates can be reduced surgically reduced to improve the amount of air that flows through both sides of the nose. Unlike in older days, we do not remove turbinates because they are important in humidifying air and helping to sense airflow through the nose. Removing turbinates can cause a condition called empty nose syndrome, which is difficult to treat. Reducing the size will improve the nasal breathing and is often done along with correcting a deviated septum.
Call Aspen Facial Plastic Surgery at (801) 567-0516 for more information or to schedule an appointment.