Turbinate Procedures And Treatments
There are three curled nasal bones in the body called turbinates. The turbinates help regulate the breathing through the nose and warm and humidify the air. The turbinates are located on both sides of the nose and have three classifications: inferior, middle, and superior. Sometimes the turbinates swell up and cause issues with breathing through the nose.
How to treat swollen turbinates
The turbinates are highly susceptible to becoming swollen because they are exposed to allergies, infections, and irritants. When the turbinates are irritated, they can become hypertrophic. Hypertrophic turbinates are when the inferior turbinates swell so much that they cause nasal obstruction.
Symptoms and Treatment
The symptoms of hypertrophic turbinates are all related to congestion. You may feel like it’s difficult to breathe, constantly congested, or congested while lying down. Your symptoms may be mild or severe, and some medications may help. Medications including over-the-counter decongestants, topical steroids, sprays, and antibiotics may provide temporary relief. However, medication shouldn’t be used long-term, and your turbinates may require surgery if your case is severe.
Turbinate Reduction Procedures
If medication isn’t working or your case is too severe, you may need a turbinate reduction surgery or procedure. Our procedures are effective at clearing the airway by reducing the size of your inferior turbinate to improve your breathing and sinus health. Some procedures include:
- Turbinate resection - Part of the inferior turbinate is removed and the airway is widened while the mucosa is kept intact to reduce the number of potential side effects.
- Radiofrequency - The size of the turbinate is reduced using heat that is created from a high-frequency alternating current.