If you have been dealing with chronic sinus issues, like congestion or repeated obstruction, you may be suffering from enlarged nasal turbinates, also known as turbinate hypertrophy. When the small bones and soft tissue that make up the turbinates in the nose are chronically inflamed, the filtering action they perform breakdown. This article will explore the causes and symptoms and what you can do to help alleviate enlarged nasal turbinates.
The Known Causes of Enlarged Nasal Turbinates
While the exact causes that lead to the development of swollen and damaged turbinates vary from case to case, the root causes include any condition typified by chronic nasal inflammation or infection. The list of conditions includes:
• Severe allergic reactions
• The common cold
• Overuse of nasal sprays and decongests
• Growth of nasal polyps
• Deviation of the septum
• Hormonal changes
The Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy
When chronic or severe inflammation or infection causes the turbinates to swell, it can cut off the natural flow of air through the sinuses. The most common symptoms of enlarged sinus turbinates include:
• Severe or painful nasal congestion and swelling
• Persistent and chronic sinus infection
• Increased mucus production and drainage
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nasal passages
• Congestion appears when lying down, especially on the side
• Chronic nosebleeds
• Increased snoring, breathing through the mouth while sleeping
• Sleep apnea
Treatment Options for Swollen Turbinates
Just as the causes and severity of symptoms vary from case to case, so do the treatment options. Antibiotics may be the answer if the root cause is an infection, while polyps and deviated septums will probably require corrective surgery. Milder cases can be treated with homeopathic and over-the-counter products and should clear up within a short amount of time. Many people find relief through the use of nasal sprays, saline rinses, and personal humidifiers. However, if these remedies are not adequate or stop working, it’s a sign that it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor, who can provide better treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nasal turbinates are small bones covered by soft tissue inside the nose that help filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe. When these turbinates become enlarged due to inflammation or infection, their normal function is disrupted, leading to nasal congestion and related symptoms.
Enlarged nasal turbinates are primarily caused by chronic inflammation or infection in the nose. Common causes include severe allergic reactions, the common cold, overuse of nasal sprays, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and hormonal changes.
Symptoms include severe or painful nasal congestion, persistent sinus infections, increased mucus production, difficulty breathing through one or both nasal passages, congestion when lying down, chronic nosebleeds, increased snoring, mouth breathing during sleep, and potential sleep apnea.
If over-the-counter remedies such as nasal sprays, saline rinses, and humidifiers do not relieve your symptoms, or if symptoms worsen, it's important to consult a doctor. Persistent or severe symptoms may require medical intervention or surgery to address underlying causes.
Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity. Mild cases may respond to home remedies and over-the-counter products like nasal sprays and saline rinses. Infections might require antibiotics, while structural issues like nasal polyps or septum deviation may need surgery for correction.
Yes, frequent or excessive use of nasal sprays and decongestants can irritate and inflame the nasal turbinates, leading to rebound swelling and enlargement known as turbinate hypertrophy. It’s important to use such sprays as directed to avoid this complication.
Nasal polyps and a deviated septum can obstruct normal nasal airflow and cause chronic nasal inflammation. This ongoing irritation leads to swelling and enlargement of the turbinates as the nose attempts to compensate for airflow obstruction.