Is your nose constantly blocked? You may also need this surgery (Turbinate Reduction)

Do you also have a stuffy nose? Do you wake up at night, unable to breathe properly? Sometimes the cause of this can be a cold or an allergy. But if this condition persists, the cause may be swelling of the parts inside your nose called 'turbinates'. This may sound like a bit of a medical term, but it's very simple. Today we're talking about a surgery that is performed as a solution to this problem and brings relief to many people.

Simply put, what are these turbinates?

Imagine, inside our noses, there are three (in some cases, four) small parts that act like an air conditioning system. That's what we call the turbinates. Their main function is to clean, warm, and humidify the air we breathe before sending it into our lungs.

But sometimes, due to allergies , frequent colds , or other infections, the tissues around these turbinates start to swell. Usually, this swelling goes down after a few days. But for some people, this swelling persists. In medical terms, we call this ``hypertrophy.'' This is when the nose becomes blocked and breathing becomes very difficult.

How do I know if I need this surgery too?

This is not something you can decide on your own. If you have persistent nasal congestion, the first thing to do is see a qualified doctor . The doctor will examine you. He or she may use a small camera-equipped device (nasal endoscopy) to look inside your nose to determine if your turbinates are swollen.

Usually, the doctor does not recommend surgery at first.

• First, you will be prescribed medications such as steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines.
• If these treatments do not help, and your nasal congestion is interfering with your daily life (for example, if you wake up at night with difficulty breathing (sleep apnea), if you snore excessively, or if you have problems with post-nasal drip), your doctor may consider this surgery.

This surgery is sometimes performed alone, or in conjunction with a deviated septum straightening surgery (septoplasty) or a rhinoplasty.

How is the surgery done?

This is usually not a major operation. It is often done without a hospital stay and you can go home the same day. It can be done under general anesthesia or with local anesthesia.

The doctor uses various methods to shrink the swollen turbinate tissue. Let's take a look at what those methods are.

What happens after the surgery? Is it painful?

The pain after this surgery is usually minimal. You may feel a little discomfort for a few days. However, if it is done in conjunction with another surgery, the discomfort may be a little more. Use the painkillers prescribed by the doctor as directed.

As your nose heals after surgery, you may experience some dry, crusty discharge inside your nose. This is normal. This can last for about three weeks. You can help reduce this discomfort by:

• Use the saline nasal spray recommended by your doctor.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in the room.
• Apply something like petroleum jelly around your nose.

You can usually return to normal activities within a day or two, but it can take up to six weeks to fully recover.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this surgery?

As with any surgery, there are pros and cons, and it's important to be aware of these before making a decision.

When to seek immediate medical advice

If you have had this surgery, if you experience the following symptoms , inform your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• If you have a high fever .
• If you have unstoppable nosebleeds .
• If you experience severe, unbearable pain .
• If you have difficulty breathing .

Persistent nasal congestion can be a lifelong problem. If medication doesn't help, surgery like this can be a great relief. But remember, it's important to talk to your doctor before making any decisions and decide what treatment is best for you.