Nasal turbinates are structures located inside the nasal cavity that play a part in respiratory health. Often described as shelves or ridges, they are involved in breathing, preparing air before it reaches the lungs. Understanding their role clarifies their impact on nasal airflow and overall breathing comfort.
Anatomical Overview
Each side of the nasal cavity typically contains three turbinates: the superior, middle, and inferior. Some individuals may also have a fourth, the supreme turbinate, located above the superior. These curved, shelf-like projections extend from the lateral walls of the nasal cavity.
Each turbinate consists of a bony core covered by soft tissue and a mucous membrane. The inferior turbinate is generally the largest and is a separate bone, while the middle and superior turbinates are projections of the ethmoid bone. These anatomical features direct airflow and increase the surface area for interaction with inhaled air.
Essential Roles
Turbinates perform several important functions that prepare inhaled air for the lungs. A primary role is humidifying the air. The curved shape of the turbinates increases surface area, and the mucous membrane helps add moisture as air passes through, preventing dryness in the respiratory tract.
Another function is filtering the air. The mucous membrane traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, including microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the lungs. Turbinates also warm inhaled air to body temperature before it enters the lower respiratory tract, protecting sensitive lung tissues from cold. Additionally, they help regulate nasal airflow.
When Turbinates Cause Issues
Turbinates can become enlarged, a condition known as turbinate hypertrophy, which can lead to breathing difficulties. This occurs when the mucosa covering the turbinate bone swells. Factors contributing to hypertrophy include allergies, non-allergic rhinitis, infections such as the common cold or sinusitis, and environmental irritants like smoke or pollution. A deviated nasal septum, where the cartilage dividing the nostrils is crooked, can also lead to enlargement. Hormonal changes and overuse of nasal decongestant sprays can further exacerbate swelling.
Symptoms of enlarged turbinates include:
Chronic nasal congestion
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Nasal stuffiness
Increased nasal drainage
Noisy breathing
Mouth breathing during sleep
Altered sense of smell
Facial pressure
Addressing Turbinate Issues
Management of turbinate problems often begins with non-surgical approaches to reduce inflammation and swelling. Nasal steroid sprays are frequently used to shrink swollen turbinates and improve airflow. If allergies are a contributing factor, antihistamine sprays or oral antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms. Saline sprays or rinses are beneficial for clearing mucus and irritants. Oral decongestants provide temporary relief, but prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays should be avoided to prevent rebound congestion.
If medical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered to reduce turbinate size. The goal of turbinate reduction surgery is to improve nasal airflow while preserving turbinate functions. Common surgical techniques include cauterization, which uses heat to shrink tissue, and radiofrequency or laser ablation, which use energy to create scar tissue. Other procedures, such as turbinectomy (partial removal) or turbinoplasty (reshaping), may also be performed. These procedures are often done on an outpatient basis.