Is a Turbinate Reduction the Solution to Your Constant Nasal Congestion?

Most people are familiar with nasal congestion. It’s a blocked, stuffy feeling in your nose that makes breathing uncomfortable. For many, it’s brought on by a cold, a sinus infection, or seasonal allergies. In those situations, while annoying, the congestion is temporary. With some rest or medication, it usually clears up.

Constant nasal congestion, on the other hand, may last for months or even years. You wake up congested every morning, struggle to breathe through your nose during the day, and feel like one or both sides of your nose are always blocked. Over-the-counter sprays and allergy medications may only help a little or not at all. Living like this takes a toll, causing poor sleep, mouth breathing, reduced sense of smell, and constant pressure or discomfort. All of which affect your energy, focus, and overall quality of life. 

There are several possible causes of constant nasal congestion. One of the more common and often overlooked causes is chronically swollen nasal turbinates. When that’s the case, a procedure called turbinate reduction may help. 

However, before getting a turbomate reduction, you need to determine whether swollen turbinates are actually the source of the problem, which requires evaluation by an experienced ENT specialist. That’s where Mani Zadeh, MD, can help. 

Here, he explains what turbinates are, how they contribute to constant congestion, and when turbinate reduction may be worth considering.

How swollen turbinates cause constant congestion

Turbinates warm the air you breathe, add moisture, and filter out dust and allergens. They naturally swell and shrink throughout the day in response to temperature, allergens, and other factors. When they’re chronically inflamed, they take up more space in your nasal passages, reducing airflow and causing a constant feeling of congestion.

Swollen turbinates are often linked to allergies. Constant exposure to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander prevents them from shrinking back down. Environmental irritants like smoke or pollution do the same. Some people have non-allergic rhinitis, where turbinates react to temperature changes or strong smells. Overusing decongestant sprays can also backfire. When the spray wears off, your turbinates often swell even more than before.

Signs that swollen turbinates are your problem

People with enlarged turbinates often feel they can never fully breathe through their nose. Congestion may alternate from one side to the other or may occur on both sides at once. You may also rely heavily on nasal sprays, only to find they stop working over time. 

Sleeping can be difficult, especially when you lie flat, and you’ll find yourself breathing through your mouth most of the time, especially at night. You may snore heavily or wake up frequently. Constant postnasal drip, headaches, and facial pressure are also common.

Turbinate problems often happen alongside other issues like a deviated septum or chronic sinus infections. Dr. Zadeh can examine your nasal passages and determine exactly what’s causing your symptoms.

What is turbinate reduction?

Turbinate reduction is a procedure that reduces the size of enlarged turbinates, allowing air to flow through your nose. The procedure doesn’t remove them completely because you need them to function properly. It shrinks them enough to stop the blockage while preserving their ability to warm, moisten, and filter the air you breathe.

Different techniques are used depending on the severity of your swelling. Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to shrink the soft tissue and can often be done in the office with local anesthesia. Submucous resection trims the bone inside the turbinate while keeping the outer membrane intact. Partial turbinectomy removes a small portion of the turbinate. 

Dr. Zadeh’s expertise ensures the right technique is used for your specific situation, giving you the best results with minimal risk.

The procedure and recovery

Turbinate reduction is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means you go home the same day. The procedure usually takes between thirty minutes and an hour, and most people return to normal activities within a few days to a week.

You’ll feel congested immediately after the procedure due to post-surgical swelling. Some discomfort, crusting inside your nose, and light bleeding are also normal for a short time. Dr. Zadeh provides specific aftercare instructions, which typically include saline rinses to keep the area clean, avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period, and possibly using a humidifier. 

The full benefits become apparent once the initial swelling subsides, usually within a few weeks. Your breathing improves, your sleep quality improves, and your energy levels increase.

Chronic nasal congestion can affect your sleep, comfort, and quality of life. When swollen turbinates are the cause, turbinate reduction may offer relief, but only after a proper evaluation.

If you’re dealing with constant nasal congestion, Mani Zadeh, MD, is the best person to see for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Schedule a consultation with him today.