To treat swollen turbinates there are surgical and nonsurgical options. Medical therapy is a non-surgical option where steroid sprays or rinses are used daily at home to help reduce inflammation. We can also reduce turbinates with radio frequency.Close Up of Dr. Sturm

The surgical option is a turbinate reduction where we take out part of those turbinates.

Do swollen turbinates go away? 

Swollen turbinates may go away if your body is reacting to allergens or irritants in the air. In those cases, once you’re no longer around those irritants or allergens, the swelling should be reduced. 

However, if you’re genetically prone to large turbinates, they may not go away on their own. So it really depends on what is causing the swollen turbinates. Most times, if they get big, we will do medical or surgical therapy.

Does Flonase shrink turbinates? 

Flonase does shrink turbinates, but it takes time. You have to be consistent.

What happens when your turbinates swell? 

When your turbinate swell it can make it difficult to breath through one or both nostrils depending on which turbinates swell. 

It’s important to note that everyone has nasal cycles in which the turbinates on one side of your nose swell and the turbinates on the other side go down, and then it switches to the other side. This happens alot when you’re sleeping and is usually the reason you turn over in your sleep. When you turn to one side, the turbinates closest to the pillow may swell. This is completely natural. Some of us just notice it more than others, such as people with a deviated septum because one nostril is already a lot more narrow.

Your turbanates also may swell if you have irritants in the air, such as when you live in a place that has a lot of pollution. This causes your tissues to react and swell.

What do enlarged turbinates feel like? 

Enlarged turbinates don’t really feel like anything, they’re just uncomfortable. It feels like you’re congested and you can’t get that much air through your nose. You’re stuffy, almost like you have a cold. If you only notice this during allergy season or if you have a cold, it’s a normal reaction to your environment. However, if you’re stuffy all the time, you most likely have genetically enlarged turbinates.

Have questions?
Call or email any time. I’d sincerely love to hear from you.
(281) 336-9300

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Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos
The Ultimate Guide to Ethnic Rhinoplasty
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About Dr. Angela Sturm

Dr. Angela Sturm is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with certifications with the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sturm’s meticulous nature makes for exceptional results and satisfied patients. Dr. Sturm was named Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors Rising Star in 2016-2017, Texas Monthly’s Super Doctor in 2018-2019, H Texas Magazine’s Top Doc in 2013-2018, Top Doc by Houstonia magazine in 2016-2018, Houston Business Journal’s People on the Move and 40 under 40, Blazing Star Award by Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Top Women in Business, one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, Best Female Cosmetic Surgeon in Out Smart, and given the Patients’ Choice Award, On Time Doctor Award and Compassionate Doctor Award by Vitals.com.


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