Turbinate Reduction  

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

The human body contains three pairs of turbinates—long, curled nasal bones that warm and humidify inhaled air and help regulate breathing through the nasal passages. The turbinates are classified as inferior, middle, and superior, and they are divided by the septum. When turbinates become swollen and enlarged, they can interfere with normal breathing.



At Allergy & ENT Associates, we evaluate nasal obstruction and determine whether swollen turbinates may be contributing to symptoms and whether medical or surgical treatment is appropriate.

What Turbinates Do

Turbinates play an important role in nasal function, including:


  • Warming and humidifying inhaled air



  • Supporting healthy airflow through the nose


  • Helping regulate breathing through the nasal passages


When inflammation causes the turbinates to enlarge, nasal airflow can become restricted.

Treating Swollen Turbinates

Swollen turbinates can be caused by:


  • Allergies


  • Viral infections


  • Exposure to environmental irritants



  • A deviated septum


Inferior turbinates that swell to the point of creating nasal obstruction are known as hyperplastic turbinates.


Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Mild cases may respond to over-the-counter decongestants, but these provide only temporary relief and should not be used longer than three to four days, as they can worsen symptoms. Topical nasal steroids and sprays may also help. Antibiotics may be useful when congestion is caused by sinusitis.


In many cases, however, medical treatment is not effective, and hyperplastic turbinates may require surgical reduction.

Turbinate Reduction Surgical Procedures

Several surgical procedures can reduce the size of the inferior turbinate, improve airflow, and relieve breathing or sinus problems. These include:


Turbinate Resection


This procedure may be partial or total and involves removing all or part of the inferior turbinate while widening the nasal airway. A submucous resection preserves the mucosa of the turbinate to help reduce side effects.


Laser Surgery


Laser surgery uses a focused beam of light on the inferior turbinate to create lesions that allow tissue removal. It is minimally invasive and typically has few complications. However, mucosa may regenerate and additional laser treatments may be needed.


Cryosurgery


Cryosurgery is similar to laser surgery but uses extreme cold to destroy turbinate tissue through freezing. Long-term effectiveness may not be as strong as resection surgery.


Radiofrequency


Radiofrequency reduction uses a probe that delivers heat generated by high-frequency alternating current to reduce turbinate tissue.


Corticosteroid Injection


Corticosteroids can be injected directly into the inferior turbinate using a needle and may be effective in reducing swelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What causes turbinates to become swollen?

    Swollen turbinates are commonly caused by allergies, viral infections, environmental irritants, and sometimes a deviated septum.

  • When is turbinate reduction surgery recommended?

    Surgery may be recommended when turbinate swelling causes persistent nasal obstruction and symptoms do not improve with medical treatment such as sprays or medications.

  • Are there different types of turbinate reduction procedures?

    Yes. Options may include turbinate resection, laser surgery, cryosurgery, radiofrequency reduction, and corticosteroid injection depending on the severity and individual case.

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 to learn more or schedule an appointment.