Turbinates are the bony structures inside your nasal cavity which clean, heat and humidify the air as it moves from your nose to your lungs. What is a turbinate reduction and when is it needed?
When turbinates become problematic
When the turbinates inside your nasal cavity act as they should, they help us breathe normally. However, sometimes they can become inflamed and swollen from irritations, allergies, or an infection. When this occurs, your airflow can become blocked.
The surgery to correct this issue is also known as turbinectomy or turbinoplasty. An ear, nose, and throat specialist can perform this surgery to reduce the size of the turbinates to allow for better breathing.
Factors that can require turbinate reduction surgery
Someone who has chronic nasal congestion may need the surgery, especially if they do not respond to initial treatments like nasal sprays and antihistimines.
Other factors include the following:
- Post nasal drip
- Chronic snoring and sleep disruptions
- Recurring sinus infections
- Nasal polyps
- Reduced sense of smell
- Frequent nosebleeds
What is turbinate reduction surgery?
If your ENT specialist recommends that you need the procedure to improve your breathing issues and other problems, there are several techniques available.
- Tubinectomy removes the lower turbinates by shaving off excess tissue. It can be done by using a lighted endoscope inside the nose. The patient can be given local anesthesia or general anesthesia so there is no pain.
- With Turbinoplasty, the surgeon moves a turbinate into a different position using a tool which is called the outfracture technique. Some of the tissue can be shaved off and the patient is given local or general anesthesia.
- Radiofrequency or laser ablation utilizes a laser light that shrinks the turbinate. An ENT specialist can perform this type of procedure in the office setting with local anesthesia.
Turbinate reduction surgery has an 82% success rate.
What to expect after turbinate reduction surgery
You will be released on the day of surgery with your physician and nurse providing information about how to care for your nose as you heal. Some individuals may feel congested for several weeks and have pain for just a few days. You may return to work, school, and regular activities in one week. Full recovery may take several months.
You can expect improved breathing, reduced nasal discharge and post nasal drip, better sleep, enhanced sense of smell, reduced risk of sinus infections, and an overall improved quality of life.
Finding relief
If you are not breathing normally and suffer from several of the symptoms of turbinate issues, find an ENT specialist in your area to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
Considering Turbinate Surgery? Here’s How to Know if It’s Right for You
