Inferior Turbinate Reduction

Turbinates are curved, bony structures inside the nose that regulate air flow, moisture and temperature during breathing. Turbinates are covered with tissue called mucosa, which produces mucus. The largest turbinates are closest to the bottom of the nose and are called the inferior turbinates. 

The inferior turbinates can get bigger due to repeated colds and respiratory infections or allergies. An enlarged inferior turbinate can cause persistent congestion, postnasal drip, snoring, and difficulty breathing through the nose.

An inferior turbinate reduction is a surgery to reduce the size of turbinate tissue inside the nose. If your child has a persistent stuffy nose or other nasal symptoms that don’t improve with medicine, an enlarged inferior turbinate may be a factor. 

Over time, irritation, infection and allergies can cause one or both inferior turbinates to enlarge. This can cause congestion that doesn’t get better with medicine such as decongestants or steroids. A doctor can examine your child’s nose and order imaging tests to see if one or both inferior turbinates have grown large enough to cause problems. If so, an inferior turbinate reduction, a minor surgery, can improve your child’s breathing.

Inferior turbinate reduction is performed through the nostril (opening in the nose) in one of two ways:

• Coblation: The surgeon uses a probe with heat to reduce the tissue.
• Microdebrider reduction: The surgeon gently removes the excess turbinate tissue.

Inferior turbinate reduction is minimally invasive, which means your child is likely to recover quickly and the risk of problems is low. Here are some other advantages:

• Breathing improves quickly after the procedure.
• Surgery is performed through the nostril so there is no scarring visible on the face.
• The procedure is effective and can provide lasting relief of congestion.

Problems after inferior turbinate reduction are rare but can include nasal crusting and bleeding. If the procedure removes too much of the mucosa tissue from the turbinate, the airway can become too dry. Working with a board-certified ear, nose and throat specialist (also known as an otolaryngologist) who specializes in children’s care minimizes risks. 

Inferior turbinate reduction takes place in a surgical center or hospital operating room. It only lasts a few minutes and typically involves the following steps:

1. The doctor will give general anesthesia, so your child sleeps through the operation.
2. Using heat, radiofrequency probes or surgical instruments with an endoscope, the surgeon shrinks or removes tissue from the inferior turbinates.

Recovery from an inferior turbinate reduction is straightforward:

1. Most patients will go home the same day.
2. Saline washes and ointment help the inside of the nose heal over the next few days.
3. The doctor will provide instructions to call if the child has excessive bleeding or any other problems. 
4. You and your child will follow up with the doctor in a week or so to see how well breathing has improved.

If the underlying reason for the turbinate enlargement (allergy, infection) is not addressed, the turbinate may get bigger again over time. But in most cases, a turbinate reduction means lasting relief for your child.