Turbinate Hypertrophy
Turbinates are located alongside the nasal cavities. They are made of small bones surrounded by soft tissues. Their primary function is to regulate airflow and warm the air as we breathe. Turbinate hypertrophy refers to the swelling of turbinates in a specific part of the nose.
Turbinates occasionally swell up on one side, switching to the other every few hours (a process called the nasal cycle). Hypertrophy occurs when the turbinates located in the lowest section of the nose swell up too large, causing nasal obstruction, restricting airflow.
Causes:
- Deviated septum
- Chronic Rhinitis
- Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
- Facial pain and pressure
