Turbinate reduction can help when chronic swelling blocks airflow

Enlarged turbinates can cause persistent congestion and mouth breathing. Treatment selection depends on inflammation pattern, anatomy, and symptom severity.

Turbinates are helpful structures, but chronic enlargement can create lasting blockage

Turbinates normally warm and filter inhaled air. With chronic allergy inflammation or recurrent infections, they can stay enlarged and narrow nasal airflow over time.

What turbinates do and why they can become a problem

These tissue structures regulate airflow and humidification. When swelling becomes persistent, patients may notice congestion that does not fully respond to sprays, medications, or routine sinus care.

Ongoing stuffiness and limited nasal breathing.
Nighttime mouth breathing and sleep disruption.
Pressure, drainage changes, or reduced airflow tolerance.

Turbinate reduction treatment approaches

Radiofrequency reduction

A minimally invasive method that reduces turbinate tissue volume while preserving surface lining in many patients. It commonly uses local anesthesia and is often shorter than broader surgical approaches.

Surgical reduction

Considered when anatomy or tissue burden requires a broader correction. This may be combined with other nasal procedures when indicated.

Recovery expectations by approach

Radiofrequency recovery is often shorter with earlier return to routine activities.
Surgical reduction can involve a longer recovery window depending on scope.
Temporary congestion during healing is common before final airflow benefit is reached.
Nasal packing or more intensive aftercare may be needed for selected broader procedures.
Follow-up care helps monitor tissue response and optimize long-term symptom control.

Typical timing and expectations patients ask about

Radiofrequency reduction often takes only a few minutes with local anesthesia in selected patients.
For less invasive treatment, early tissue healing is often measured in weeks, not months.
When a broader surgical approach is needed, recovery can be longer and may involve general anesthesia.
For broader surgical cases, full recovery can extend into a multi-month window.

How we choose the right treatment level

We start with exam findings, inflammation history, and response to medical care. If conservative options are still appropriate, we continue those first.

Procedural treatment is discussed only when persistent turbinate-driven obstruction continues to affect breathing and quality of life.

Ready to evaluate chronic nasal blockage?

We can identify whether turbinate enlargement is contributing to your symptoms and review the safest next step.