It can be easy to take the ability to breathe through your nose for granted, yet when the passages within the nasal cavity swell, this predicament becomes apparent. Swollen turbinates can create a sensation of congestion, forcing individuals to breathe through the mouth and causing discomfort. If left untreated, this condition may also lead to sleep disorders and headaches. This article will explore the causes of congestion related to swollen turbinates and discuss potential management strategies.
Treating Swollen Turbinates
The Facts About Turbinates
Turbinates are anatomical structures composed of bone and soft tissue located along the nasal walls, opposite the septum, which divides the nostrils. Each nostril contains three pairs: inferior, middle, and superior turbinates. In a healthy nasal passage, the space between the septum and the turbinates allows unobstructed airflow, facilitating comfortable breathing. Turbinates play crucial roles in humidifying, filtering, and warming the air as it enters the respiratory system. Without turbinates, breathing would be considerably less comfortable, allowing cold air to enter the nasal passages directly.
Swollen Turbinates
The nasal cavity undergoes a natural cycle in which one side of the nose becomes more congested than the other, typically shifting every few hours. Problems occur when the turbinates, located within the nasal passages, swell excessively and obstruct airflow, thereby impairing normal breathing.
Factors that can contribute to turbinate swelling include:
- Allergies (environmental or food)
- Respiratory tract infections
- Sinus infections
- The flu or symptoms of a cold
- Hormonal changes
- Aging
- Prolonged decongestant usage
Non-Surgical Treatments
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists typically manage swollen turbinates on a case-by-case basis. They assess the patient’s symptoms and the effectiveness of prior treatments to formulate a tailored treatment plan. The initial approach most commonly involves treating allergies with medications, such as oral antihistamines, topical decongestants, or topical antihistamines.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines inhibit the effects of histamines, chemicals produced by the immune system that cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchiness, watery eyes, and a runny nose. These symptoms occur as the body attempts to expel allergens, such as pollen and pet dander.
Decongestants
Decongestants operate by constricting blood vessels, thereby reducing the swelling of nasal tissue. This process facilitates easier airflow through the nasal passages.
Allergies
If allergic reactions are contributing to your turbinates’ swelling, it is advisable to minimize your exposure to potential allergens. Consider the following recommendations:
- Remove dust and pet dander from your home.
- Avoid indoor smoke
- Utilize specialized cleaning agents to effectively remove mold and mildew from bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter inside your home.
Over-the-counter treatments and environmental adjustments can effectively reduce the size of your swollen turbinates, allowing you to breathe normally through your nose and eliminating the need for surgical intervention.
Surgery for Swollen Turbinates
Occasionally, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may prove ineffective in alleviating nasal congestion. If individuals continue to experience this issue, it may be prudent to consider turbinate reduction surgery. The surgical interventions outlined below are minimally invasive, safe, and specifically designed to target enlarged inferior turbinates:
Submucosal turbinate reduction
This is the most commonly performed turbinate surgery, typically conducted on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, though some advanced practices may offer it with local anesthesia. An otolaryngologist uses an endoscope, a small instrument equipped with a light and a camera, to visualize the nasal passages. The physician then makes a small incision in the mucosal lining of each inferior turbinate and removes the tissue that is causing the swelling.
Turbinectomy
This procedure involves an otolaryngologist removing the lower half of each inferior turbinate using a specialized device. Although turbinectomies were once the standard treatment for enlarged turbinates, they have become less common due to potential discomfort from excessive tissue removal. However, they may still be necessary for severely swollen turbinates.
Thermal probe
An otolaryngologist may use heat to reduce the size of swollen turbinates. This technique is particularly utilized in pediatric cases, as children’s nasal cavities are relatively small, limiting the space available for the insertion of surgical instruments. Instead of traditional surgical approaches, the physician can insert a probe into the turbinate to apply heat, thereby facilitating its shrinkage.
Recovery from turbinate surgery generally takes five to seven days. Patients may experience normal nasal congestion during this time. Nasal irrigation can help alleviate congestion and promote healing. Some nasal discharge may occur; however, if it is yellow or green, or if a cough or fever develops, it is important to consult the ENT physician, as these may indicate an infection.
If you often experience nasal congestion, swollen turbinates may be the cause. A qualified otolaryngologist can assess your condition and discuss effective treatment options. Relieving this issue may be more manageable than anticipated.