Is your nose constantly blocked? Let's learn about Turbinate Reduction surgery in simple terms!

Do you sometimes wake up in the morning with a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing? Or do you have a stuffy nose and a runny throat all day long? If this is not just a cold, but a persistent problem, the cause may be something different than you think. It is swelling of the parts inside your nose called 'turbinates'. We will talk about this today, that is, the surgery for this.

What exactly are these turbinates?

Simply put, the turbinates are three small, shelf-like structures made of bone and soft tissue located on the sides of our nose. They perform an amazing function in our body. They act like a natural 'air conditioner' in our nose.

Just imagine, the air we breathe is filled with dust and germs.

• Filtering: These turbinates clean and filter the air before it enters the lungs.
• Heating: Also, cold air taken in from outside is heated to match body temperature.
• Humidifying: Adds moisture to dry air, making it more comfortable for our respiratory system.

So you can see how important these are, right? But sometimes these turbinates start to swell. They can swell and become larger due to things like allergies, frequent colds, and infections. It's normal for this to happen for a few days. But if this swelling continues, that is, if it becomes a chronic condition, we call it ``Hypertrophy.'' That's when problems like nasal congestion and difficulty breathing start to arise.

So what is Turbinate Reduction surgery?

Turbinate reduction is a surgical procedure performed by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists. It involves reducing the size of the chronically swollen and enlarged turbinate tissue, thereby increasing the breathing space inside the nose. In simple terms, it is like clearing the blocked passageway in the nose.

There are times when this surgery is performed alone, or there are times when it is performed together with other nose surgeries.

• Septoplasty: Surgery to straighten a deviated septum in the middle of the nose.
• Rhinoplasty: Surgery to change the shape of the nose or correct other breathing problems.

This surgery is generally very successful . Studies have shown that about 82% of people who have the surgery have excellent results. Although it is rare for the tissue to regrow over time, most people are satisfied with the results of this surgery.

How do I know if I need this surgery too?

This is not something you can decide on your own. If you have a stuffy nose, the first thing to do is see your family doctor and, if necessary, an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

The doctor will first examine you and, if necessary, perform an examination using a small camera-equipped device (nasal endoscopy) to look closely inside your nose.

You may be prescribed steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines. If these treatments do not help, and your nasal congestion causes chronic nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, or sleep apnea , your doctor may consider surgery.

How is the surgery performed and what are the methods?

This surgery is usually done in a hospital and you can go home on the same day (same-day procedure). Most of the time it is done under general anesthesia. However, in some cases, it can be done under local anesthesia.

The surgeon uses various methods to reduce the size of the swollen turbinate tissue. The doctor will decide which method is best for you.

How is it after the surgery? How long does it take to recover?

Many people think that this is a painful surgery, but in fact the pain is very minimal. You may feel a little discomfort for a few days. However, if it is done in conjunction with other surgeries, the discomfort may be a little more. This can be controlled by using the painkillers prescribed by the doctor exactly.

After the surgery, the doctor will give you a set of instructions to follow.

• Crusting: During the healing process, the nasal discharge may cause crusting inside the nose. This may last for about three weeks. This discomfort can be reduced by using a saline nasal spray or by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly around the nose.
• Return to work: If the surgery involves only a rhinoplasty, you can return to normal activities in about a day. If it was done under general anesthesia, you will need to rest for about a week.
• Complete recovery: It may take about six weeks for complete recovery. During this time, the doctor will monitor you and give you the necessary instructions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this surgery?

Like any surgery, there are risks and benefits, so it's important to discuss these with your doctor.

When to call the doctor immediately after surgery

When you go home after surgery, it is important to recognize any complications quickly. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• If you get a fever
• If your nose bleeds continuously
• If you have severe pain that cannot be controlled even with medication
• If you have difficulty breathing

Chronic nasal congestion is a major problem in life. It affects not only your breathing, but also your overall quality of life. If medications do not help, turbinate reduction surgery may be a good solution for you. But remember, before anything else, talk to your doctor about this and choose the treatment that is best for you.