Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

The main symptoms of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in children are:

• Nasal congestion or stuffiness. The most common and noticeable symptom due to blocked nasal airways.
• Mouth breathing. Children often breathe through their mouth when nasal passages are obstructed, which can lead to dry mouth and dental issues.
• Snoring and sleep disturbances. Enlarged turbinates can interfere with airflow during sleep, causing snoring and poor sleep quality.

• Thorough medical history and physical exam. A pediatric ENT will ask about your child’s breathing patterns, sleep quality and any history of nasal congestion or snoring. A physical exam helps identify visible signs of nasal obstruction.
• Nasal endoscopy. A small, flexible camera may be used to look deeper into the nasal passages. This helps the doctor assess the size of the turbinates and rule out other causes of blockage, such as adenoid enlargement or nasal polyps.
• Allergy testing. Since allergies are a common cause of turbinate swelling, your child may be referred for allergy testing. Identifying allergic triggers can guide treatment and help reduce turbinate inflammation over time.

• Medical management. Treatment often begins with medications to reduce swelling and improve breathing. These may include nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, decongestants and saline rinses. If sinus infections are present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Allergy testing and therapy. Since allergies are a common cause of turbinate swelling, your child may undergo allergy testing. If allergies are confirmed, treatment may include avoidance strategies, medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence.
• Surgical options. If symptoms persist despite medical and allergy treatments, surgery may be recommended. Procedures like turbinate reduction or turbinoplasty help shrink the swollen tissue and improve airflow. These are typically safe, minimally invasive and may be done in-office or under general anesthesia.