The turbinates are structures that project from the lateral wall of the nose into the nasal passage. There are three turbinates in each nasal passage. The largest of these are the inferior turbinates, which are located at the bottom and extend from front to back along the nasal passage. By increasing the surface area of the nasal passage, the turbinates play a role in warming and humidifying the inhaled air, as well as in sound resonance. They can often enlarge due to allergies, sinusitis, and recurrent infections. Enlarged turbinates can cause nasal passage obstruction, impaired nasal breathing, and nasal congestion.
HOW IS TURBINATE HYPERTROPHY TREATED
The underlying condition causing the enlargement of the turbinates must first be identified and treated. If allergies or sinusitis are present, these conditions must be treated. If the turbinates do not shrink despite medication, surgical treatments are considered. In the past, turbinates were reduced by partial resection. However, this method is not widely accepted today. The most commonly used method today is reducing the turbinates using radiofrequency technology.