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
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