TURBINATE REDUCTION AND CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS

COMPREHENSIVE NASAL MANAGEMENT

Turbinate Reduction

What are Nasal Turbinates?

Nasal turbinates are small structures located in the sidewalls of the nasal passageway that function to filter, warm and moisten the air we breathe. There are three turbinates in the nose referred to as inferior, middle and superior turbinates. If turbinates become enlarged due to chronic sinus issues, it may make it difficult to breathe comfortably through the nose.    

nose

Causes of Turbinate Hypertrophy

Most people have experienced swelling or inflammation of the turbinates during a common cold, and although it is annoying, we know that it is only a temporary feeling. Some people; however, develop turbinate dysfunction, which usually affects the inferior turbinate. Enlarged turbinates can become chronic, known as turbinate hypertrophy, can be caused by numerous reasons:

  • Seasonal or year round allergic rhinitis
  • Changes in temperature
  • Upper respiratory infections, colds, flu
  • Hormones
  • Environmental irritants such as chemicals or dust

Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy

As the inferior turbinates become enlarged or inflamed, they can produce symptoms such as:

  • Chronic nasal congestion
  • Impaired nasal breathing
  • Recurrent sinus infections
  • Sleep apnea
  • Snoring
  • Headaches 
  • Post nasal drip
  • Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
  • Nosebleeds

The symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy may feel like a cold that will not resolve.

Treatment for Enlarged Turbinates

Your doctor may prescribe you some at home remedies to try that can help reduce the swelling of the inferior turbinates. Some ways to relieve the congestion include: removing chemical irritants, reduce allergens within the living environment, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter indoors to reduce allergens and irritants, take over-the-counter allergy medicine and trying a course of nasal steroids or decongestants to reduce swelling. 

If symptoms do not improve with home modifications and remedies, Commonwealth ENT located in the West End and Midlothian, VA can offer a conservative, in-office surgical procedure to help shrink the inferior turbinates. This procedure reduces tissue volume and can be performed during an endoscopic sinus surgery or at the same time as a septoplasty to correct a deviated septum. 

At Commonwealth ENT, we will work together to help improve your breathing and the quality of your life through effective and conservative measures to reduce turbinate hypertrophy. If you suffer with chronic congestion that cause swelling of your nasal passages, call Commonwealth ENT today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinus spaces becomes inflamed for 3 months or longer. This common condition can be uncomfortable causing symptoms of pressure or tenderness around the sinus areas. It also may interfere with the proper drainage of the sinuses, make it difficult to breathe through the nose and leave you feeling constantly stuffy. Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis include:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Post nasal drainage
  • Nasal inflammation
  • Thick, discolored discharge from the nose
  • Pain or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead

Some common causes of chronic rhinosinusitis are:

  • Nasal polyps
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Deviated septum

Commonwealth ENT of Richmond, VA offers accurate diagnoses and treatment options that can help manage your chronic sinusitis. If you would like to learn how Commonwealth ENT can help, give us a call today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.

convenient locations for commonwealth ent

RICHMOND ***WE’VE MOVED – NEW ADDRESS***
1501 Maple Avenue, Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23226

Visit Dr. Brian Fishero, Dr. Julie Kerr
& Audiologists Karasa Wilson-Scott, Lauren Maino at this office.

MIDLOTHIAN
1 Park West Circle, Suite 200
Midlothian, VA 23114
Visit Dr. Matthew Bridges, Dr. Patrick Gibbons,
Audiologist Sheri Stoots & Aesthetician Franki Lambiotte at this office.

phone contact information commonwealth ENT

RICHMOND:
(804) 525-4231

MIDLOTHIAN:
(804) 378-7443

hours of operation commonwealth ent

HOURS

MONDAY – THURSDAY
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FRIDAY
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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