Turbinates are structures on the side walls of the nose that are made of bone and soft tissue. They warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal passages. Sometimes, the inferior turbinates can become swollen and enlarged, obstructing airflow through the nose.
Treating Swollen Turbinates
The turbinates are crucial for proper breathing. 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 hyperplastic turbinates.
The swelling can sometimes be reduced with medications such as topical nasal steroid sprays or other allergy medications. If they remain enlarged and continue to cause nasal obstruction, a patient may be a candidate to consider a procedure to reduce the size of the inferior turbinates.
Turbinates Reduction Surgical Procedures
Several surgical procedures are effective in reducing the size of the inferior turbinate, clearing the airway and eliminating associated breathing or sinus problems. These include:
- Turbinate Resection. Either total or partial, this procedure involves removing all or part of the inferior turbinate while widening the nasal airway. Submucous resection aims to preserve the turbinate mucosa to reduce side effects.
- Laser Surgery. Lasers focus a beam of light on the inferior turbinate to create lesions that allow for removal. This is a minimally invasive procedure with few complications or side effects. However, the mucosa may regenerate, and additional laser treatments may be needed.
- Cryosurgery. This procedure is similar to laser surgery but relies on extreme cold to freeze and destroy the turbinate. Its long-term effectiveness is not as good as resection surgery.
- Radiofrequency. A probe delivers heat generated from high-frequency alternating current to destroy the turbinate.
- Corticosteroid Injection. A needle is used to inject corticosteroids directly into the inferior turbinate, often with great success.
Call California Sinus Centers for more information or to schedule an appointment.