Breathe Easier Again | Understanding Turbinate Hypertrophy in Prospect, CT

What Are Turbinates?

Inside your nose are small, bony structures called turbinates, covered by a soft lining known as the mucosa. These structures help filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe—keeping your lungs healthy and your breathing efficient.

Each side of your nose has three sets of turbinates: the superior, middle, and inferior turbinates. Most airflow passes between the middle and inferior turbinates. When these become enlarged or swollen, airflow can be blocked, leading to that frustrating feeling of “always being stuffed up.”

Common Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy

If your turbinates are enlarged, you may experience:

• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Nasal congestion that switches sides
• A feeling of constant stuffiness or blockage
• Noisy breathing or mouth breathing during sleep
• Increased nasal drainage
• Congestion that worsens when lying down

Causes

Turbinate hypertrophy, or swelling of the turbinates inside the nose, can occur temporarily or become a chronic condition. It often develops as a result of allergic or non-allergic rhinitis, sinus or upper respiratory infections, and hormonal changes. Overuse of certain medications, particularly nasal decongestant sprays, can also contribute to turbinate enlargement. Environmental irritants and chronic sinusitis are additional common triggers. In some cases, structural issues such as a deviated septum can exacerbate turbinate swelling and nasal obstruction.

Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on what’s causing the swelling. Your ENT specialist will evaluate your nasal passages and may recommend allergy testing or imaging to determine the best course of action.

Non-surgical options often include:

• Nasal saline rinses or sprays to moisturize and clear irritants
• Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation
• Antihistamine sprays or allergy treatments to control allergic triggers
• Allergy immunotherapy for long-term relief

Important note: Nasal decongestant sprays (such as oxymetazoline) can exacerbate symptoms if used for more than three consecutive days. Long-term use can cause rebound swelling and dependence.

If medical treatment isn’t enough, your ENT may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure to reduce the size of the turbinates. These procedures are typically performed through the nostrils, without visible incisions or bruising, and can often be done in the office under local anesthesia.

The goal of surgery is to restore comfortable airflow while preserving the turbinates’ important role in filtering and humidifying the air. In some cases, surgery may be combined with a septoplasty to correct a deviated septum.

Because turbinate hypertrophy can mimic or overlap with other nasal issues, such as sinus infections, nasal valve collapse, or structural deformities, an evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist is the best way to achieve lasting relief.

At Naugatuck Valley ENT, our specialists diagnose and treat a full range of nasal and sinus conditions, including deviated septum, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinus headaches, and nasal obstruction.

If you’re struggling with chronic congestion or nasal blockage, don’t ignore it; help is available. Contact Naugatuck Valley ENT at (203) 578-4630 to schedule an appointment today.