What Are Turbinates?
The nose contains three paired structures called turbinates—the inferior, middle and superior turbinates. These curved, bony structures are covered by soft tissue and play a vital role in warming, humidifying and filtering the air you breathe.
When these structures become chronically swollen or enlarged, a condition known as turbinate hypertrophy, they can significantly narrow the nasal airway and interfere with normal breathing. At the practice of Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky, we specialize in advanced diagnostics to determine whether swollen turbinates are causing your breathing difficulty. We serve patients across our Atlanta, Decatur and Snellville locations.
What Causes Swollen Turbinates?
Turbinate swelling, or hypertrophy, occurs when the soft tissue lining becomes persistently inflamed. Common causes include:
- Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Chronic irritation of the nasal lining
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to smoke, pollution or chemical irritants
- Structural Compensations: A deviated septum often leads to compensatory enlargement of the turbinate on the opposite side.
Common Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy
If you experience the following symptoms persistently, a specialized ENT evaluation is recommended:
- Chronic nasal congestion or blockage
- Reduced or altered sense of smell
- Dry mouth and throat due to forced mouth breathing
- Snoring or disturbed sleep patterns
Treatment Options for Enlarged Turbinates
Dr. Stolovitzky focuses on a stepwise approach, starting with the least invasive options to restore your breathing.
Medical Management
Mild to moderate swelling may respond to conservative therapy, such as:
- Saline Irrigations: To clear irritants and moisturize the tissue.
- Topical Steroid Sprays: To reduce internal inflammation.
Decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 3 days. Prolonged use can lead to “rebound rhinitis,” which worsens your congestion.
Advanced Turbinate Reduction Procedures
When medical therapy fails, Dr. Stolovitzky offers several minimally invasive procedures to widen the airway while preserving essential nasal function.
- Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction: A popular in-office technique that uses controlled energy to shrink tissue from within, preserving the protective surface lining.
- Submucosal Resection: A procedure that reduces the size of the turbinate while carefully maintaining the mucosal lining to prevent dryness or crusting.
Why Choose Dr. Stolovitzky for Nasal Airway Care?
Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky is a nationally recognized rhinology specialist with decades of experience. He is uniquely qualified to treat complex airway obstruction, often performing turbinate reduction in conjunction with other advanced procedures, such as septoplasty or balloon sinuplasty, to ensure the best long-term outcomes for his patients in Georgia.
Call Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky for more information or to schedule an appointment.