The human body contains three pairs of turbinates \u2013 long, curled nasal bones that warm and humidify inhaled air and regulate breathing through the nasal passages. The turbinates are classified as inferior, middle and superior and all are divided by the septum. When they become swollen and enlarged, they can interfere with breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The turbinates are crucial in\nallowing us to breathe properly. Allergies, viral infections, exposure to\nenvironmental irritants and a deviated septum can cause them to swell. Inferior\nturbinates that swell to the point where they cause a nasal obstruction are\nknown as hyperplastic turbinates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms may be mild to\nsevere. Minor cases may respond successfully to over-the-counter decongestants,\nbut these bring temporary relief and should not be continued for more than\nthree or four days or they can cause symptoms to worsen. Topical nasal steroids\nand sprays may also be effective, and antibiotics are occasionally useful in\ntreating congestion caused by sinusitis. But in many cases, medical treatment\nis ineffective; hyperplastic turbinates often require surgery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A number of surgical\nprocedures are effective in reducing the size of the inferior turbinate, clearing\nup the airway to eliminate any associated breathing or sinus problems. These\ninclude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n