When to Consider an Inferior Turbinectomy for Your Allergies

Most people probably don’t spend much time thinking about their nasal turbinates. But they could be part of the problem if treatment-resistant allergies are making your life miserable. In that case, a turbinectomy may be your best option.

Think of your nasal passages like hallways in a house. Inside those passages are bony structures covered in tissue called turbinates. The turbinates help warm, humidify, and clean the air you breathe before it moves into your lungs.

However, if you’re struggling with allergies, specialist Dr. Phillip Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, may consider modifying your nasal “hallway” by surgically removing part of your turbinates (a procedure called an inferior turbinectomy).

Learn more from Dr. Ho and his team regarding inferior turbinectomy and when he may recommend it.

Nasal turbinates and allergies

Allergies can significantly impact quality of life, ranging from annoying symptoms like sneezing and itching to more severe issues such as severe nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. While various allergy treatments, including medications and immunotherapy, exist, some cases may require further intervention.

When you have chronic allergies, the nasal turbinates can become swollen and inflamed, leading to congestion and breathing difficulties. An inferior turbinectomy is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of the inferior turbinates to improve airflow and alleviate nasal symptoms.

When to consider inferior turbinectomy

Dr. Ho may recommend an inferior turbinectomy for several reasons, including:

Chronic nasal congestion

Persistent nasal congestion that doesn't respond to medications or other treatments can lead to various issues, including chronic sinus infections and impaired breathing. An inferior turbinectomy can help widen the nasal passages, relieving congestion and problems with airflow.

Treatment-resistant allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is characterized by sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

When allergies are severe and significantly impact your quality of life despite medical management, an inferior turbinectomy can help reduce nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Deviated septum

A deviated septum, where the nasal septum is crooked or displaced, can contribute to nasal obstruction and exacerbate allergy symptoms. In some cases, Dr. Ho may consider inferior turbinectomy performed with septoplasty (correction of the deviated septum) to optimize nasal airflow and alleviate symptoms.

Failure of conservative treatments

Before considering surgery, Dr. Ho prescribes conservative treatments such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and allergy-avoidance measures. If these measures fail to provide adequate relief, he may suggest inferior turbinectomy as an option.

What to expect during an inferior turbinectomy

Dr. Ho discusses the details of your procedure before scheduling the surgery, which can vary from one individual to another. Typically, however, he performs an inferior turbinectomy as an outpatient surgery, often in conjunction with a septoplasty.

General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation ensures you’re comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Dr. Ho gains access to the nasal cavity via the nostrils, using a nasal endoscope (camera) to visualize the surgical site.

He may use a laser, radiofrequency ablation, or standard surgical techniques to remove the obstructing tissue. After the procedure, you may experience minor discomfort that typically responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center today for more information about inferior turbinectomy or other ENT services we offer. Call the office or request an appointment online.