The nasal turbinates
- The nasal turbinates are structures in the side walls of the nose that act to warm and humidify the air inhaled through the nose
- Enlargement of the turbinates may cause a blocked nose or constant sensation of nasal congestion and stuffiness
- Turbinate reduction surgery is also called turbinoplasty surgery and may be performed together with septoplasty, rhinoplasty and sinus surgery
Picture of the inside of the nose showing normal sized turbinates
CT scan in a patient with a blocked nose due to nasal septal deviation and turbinate enlargement
Reasons for turbinate enlargement
- Exposure to substances that trigger allergy including dust, pollens, grasses or mold
- Exposure to irritants including chemicals, smog and smoke
- Long term use of nasal decongestant sprays
- Sinus infection
- Secondary to a blocked nose from nasal septal deviation
Treatment for turbinate enlargement
- A blocked nose due to turbinate enlargement may be treated with medical or surgical options
- Medical options for turbinate enlargement include:
- Avoidance of allergens or irritants
- Long-term nasal steroid sprays to control swelling
- Nasal saline flushes
- Antihistamines to treat allergy
- Antibiotics to treat sinus infection
Inferior turbinate reduction – surgery to open the nasal passages
- The main reason to perform turbinate reduction surgery is to treat a blocked nose that does not improve with medical treatment
- Turbinate reduction surgery does not change the shape of the nose and no incisions are used
- The surgery is performed through the nostrils and the excess tissue is removed to reduce the size of the enlarged turbinates and open the nasal passages
- Turbinate reduction surgery is well tolerated and very effective treatment
- The main complication of concern is nasal bleeding which is seen in around one in one hundred patients
Recovery after turbinate reduction surgery
- Pain after turbinate reductions is usually mild and well controlled with Panadol or Panadeine as directed
- After the surgery, dissolvable nasal packing may be placed to prevent bleeding
- For best results nasal saline flushes are recommended – on each side of the nose 4-5 times a day, starting 24 hours after surgery, for 14 days
Follow up
- Generally follow up after turbinate reductions will include:
- A visit at 2 to 3 weeks to have the nose checked
- A final surgical check up at 3 months
- In addition you will need to be seen by your local doctor one week after surgery
- You will need to ring to make appointments for these visits