Enlarged Turbinates
Introduction
The inferior turbinates are 2 scrolls of tissue that sit on each side of the nose. These 2 structures serve a very important purpose but can be a cause of nasal obstruction.
The inferior turbinates serve several important functions. These include:
- Sensation of nasal airflow.
- Humidification of air.
- Sweeping material / inhaled debris from the front of the nose to the back of the nose.
- Normal nasal cycle.
The nasal cycle refers to the process whereby the inferior turbinates undergo swelling on one side which continues for 6 hours and then decreases in size. This process alternates the side of the nose which you breathe through with one side being the open nostril for 6 hours then swapping to be the other nostril which is more open. This normal nasal cycle is why some people will say that their blocked nose is changing from side to side. It changes from side to side with the normal nasal cycle.
Causes of enlarged inferior turbinates
There are several causes of large inferior turbinates. These include:
- Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever)
- Non-allergic environmental
- Hormonal changes
- Lying down [Turbinates are dependent structures which means the venous drainage of the turbinate is worse whenever you lie down]
Dr Robinson will diagnose large inferior turbinates by looking in your nose with a nasoendoscope. The turbinates are found on either side of the nose and will be large. If you have large inferior turbinates as well as a blocked nose, then this is the cause of your nasal obstruction.
Symptoms
The main symptom of enlarged inferior turbinates is nasal obstruction. The nasal obstruction may be present all the time or alternatively present mainly at night when you lie down. The inferior turbinates undergo swelling when you lie down which causes the turbinates to enlarge in size and then block the nose.
Treatment
There are multiple treatment options for large inferior turbinates. As a rule, these treatment options include:
- Intranasal steroid sprays.
- Performing a turbinoplasty.
Related Information
To discuss fixing your enlarged turbinates, please make an appointment with Dr Dan Robinson.
