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Your nose lets you smell, and it contributes to why you can taste things. Apart from that, the nose is the main gate to the respiratory system, your body’s system for breathing. Your nose can become stuffed up and inflamed, leading to congestion. That is why the ENTs on staff provide a turbinate reduction in Coconut Creek to correct stuffy noses. To receive the best ENT care, partner with the team at the clinic. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book a consultation using their online tools.
Table of Contents
What is chronic nasal obstruction?
Chronic nasal obstruction is also called stuffy nose and is often caused by enlargement of the inferior turbinate. This condition is called hypertrophy and can impair normal breathing. The situation can force you to breathe through the mouth and often affect your daily activities. Hypertrophy and nasal obstruction also cause headaches and sleep disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, as the nasal airway is the regular breathing route as you sleep.
How is inferior turbinate hypertrophy diagnosed?
The specialist at the clinic diagnoses inferior turbinate hypertrophy on your first visit. They will review your medical history and perform an exam using an endoscope, a small telescope with a light on one end, and an eyepiece at the other to examine the inside of your nose. An instant CT scan will show inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
What are the causes of the turbinate swell?
Turbinate hypertrophy can develop in response to various environmental factors and infections. The mucous membrane covering the turbinate has many blood vessels and shrinks or swells quickly in response to multiple factors. These factors include allergies, chemicals or physical irritants, temperature changes, or acute sinus infections. These create congestion as the airflow through the nose becomes blocked. These conditions are temporary, and the turbinate returns to standard size and the person’s congestion clear.
How is turbine reduction treated?
Inferior turbinate hypertrophy symptoms can be treated using several medications that include:
- Nasal steroids sprays
- Oral steroids
- Nasal antihistamine sprays
- Oral decongestants
The medications help reduce swelling or inflammation and improve nasal breathing. If the medicines are not effective, it will be necessary to undergo a simple procedure to reduce your inferior turbinate size.
What are the turbinate, and what do they do?
The turbinate are two spongy curled bones that protrude into the nasal passages. They are found on both sides of the nasal cavity and separated by the nasal septum. The turbinates are covered by respiratory epithelium, hiding a thick layer of vascular tissue. There are three types of turbinate, and they include:
- Inferior turbinate
- Middle turbinate
- Superior turbinate
To sum up, what has been discussed above, turbinate reduction is a safe procedure, and the clinic uses the best minimally invasive methods. There can be some postoperative bleeding and bloody discharge after the procedure, but it will disappear in a while. Take the first step by talking to the clinic by calling or using their online tools.
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