Enlarged Turbinates

Enlarged turbinates, or turbinate hypertrophy, occur when turbinates inside your nose become swollen and obstruct your nasal passages. 

Turbinates are bony structures inside the nose, lined with moist tissue (mucosa). They help filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe. However, when enlarged, they can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

At Kimball Health Services, our team, led by board-certified ENT surgeon Dr. William O. Dickey, provides a range of treatment options for enlarged turbinates.

We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to the severity of your symptoms. In more severe cases, we provide surgery to reduce the size of the turbinates and improve nasal airflow.

Turbinates, also known as nasal conchae, are shell-shaped structures within the nasal passages made of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue. The nasal cavity houses three pairs of turbinates: the inferior, middle, and superior turbinates. 

• Inferior turbinates are the largest and are located at the bottom of the nasal passage. 
• Middle turbinates are located above the inferior turbinates. 
• Superior turbinates are the smallest and are situated at the top of the nasal cavity. 

These turbinates are covered with a mucosal lining that naturally swells in response to the nasal cycle, lying down, allergens, or irritants. 

Most of the airflow in the nose passes between the middle and inferior turbinates. When these turbinates become enlarged due to inflammation or other causes, they can obstruct nasal airflow and lead to breathing difficulties.

Your turbinates can become enlarged when the mucous lining covering them becomes inflamed and irritated. This can be acute or chronic and can result from various conditions. Common causes include:

• Allergies: Reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens
• Infections: Nasal infections, such as the common cold or chronic sinus infections
• Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, pollution, strong odors, and other irritants
• Chronic rhinitis: Persistent nasal inflammation due to non-allergic triggers or hormonal changes
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or due to certain medications
• Chronic sinusitis: Long-term inflammation of the sinuses
• Medication overuse: Excessive use of nasal decongestant sprays

Each of these factors can cause the bone or soft tissue of the turbinates to enlarge and swell. Other related factors or conditions that can lead to nasal blockage include a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, external nasal deformity, or other sinus diseases.

The primary symptom of enlarged turbinates is nasal obstruction, which can block airflow in one or both nostrils, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. 

Additional symptoms that you may experience include:

• Runny Nose
• Nasal stuffiness 
• Increased snoring
• Reduced sense of smell
• Loud or noisy breathing, especially during sleep
• Nasal congestion while lying down
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Pain or pressure around the nose, forehead, and cheeks

The symptoms of enlarged turbinate can feel similar to those of a persistent cold that won't go away. This condition is often associated with a deviated septum, where the cartilage between the nostrils is not straight, further obstructing airflow. 

Diagnosing enlarged turbinates involves a thorough assessment aimed at understanding the cause of nasal obstruction and related symptoms. At Kimball Health Services, our diagnostic approach includes:

• Reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and any previous nasal conditions in detail
• Conducting a thorough examination of the nasal passages and septum to assess the size, shape, and condition of the turbinates
• Performing nasal endoscopy to closely examine the turbinates and other nasal structures
• Utilizing imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans to precisely identify the extent of turbinate enlargement and to rule out any other underlying conditions

The treatment for enlarged turbinates focuses on reducing nasal obstruction and improving airflow. At Kimball Health Services, we offer several effective treatments tailored to your specific needs. 

Medications are usually the initial approach to alleviate symptoms associated with enlarged turbinates. They work by reducing inflammation and improving nasal airflow. Medications can include:

• Allergy medications for allergic rhinitis
• Nasal antihistamine sprays
• Saline nasal sprays or washes
• Steroid sprays
• Decongestants

If medications do not help improve your symptoms, surgical interventions may be recommended to reduce the size of enlarged turbinates. The primary aim of surgery is to improve nasal airflow by reducing turbinate size while preserving their function. 

Various surgical approaches may be employed based on your diagnosis and the severity of the condition. Often, these procedures are combined with septoplasty to address any underlying septal deviation contributing to nasal obstruction. 

At Kimball Health Services, we understand how enlarged turbinates can disrupt your breathing comfort. Our team will thoroughly assess your symptoms and the severity of the condition to develop a personalized treatment plan. 

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. 

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.