The nasal turbinates are soft tissues that are 3 on each side of the nasal cavity. Breathing and directing the airflow towards the nasopharynx are mostly related to the lower and middle nasal turbinates. Enlargement of the nasal turbinates can occur due to reasons such as allergy, infection, changes in the physical conditions of the environment (humidity, temperature, etc.). Enlarged nasal conchae block the area where air should pass, making breathing difficult. This condition can be bilateral, causing the nose to become completely blocked.
Today, the most common surgical intervention for nasal turbinates is the radiofrequency procedure. In the past, when the turbinate was removed, it was observed that this surgery disrupted the air flow in the nose and caused more nasal congestion, and for this reason, the procedure was abandoned. With the radiofrequency procedure performed under local anesthesia in office conditions, heat energy is given to the turbinate, causing the tissue to shrink. The patient notices the effect of the procedure immediately after the procedure.
Op. Dr. Elif Koçlu Hetemoğlu © 2024 All Rights Reserved.
