Nasal Turbinate Hypertrophy
Ear Nose Throat Diseases
Nasal turbinate hypertrophy can lead to various problems, including persistent drowsiness and cognitive impairment in children. This common condition in both adults and children can be treated using the "ultrasonic aspiration" method.
Watch out for allergic factors!
Nasal turbinate hypertrophy, which can cause significant breathing problems, especially at night, can sometimes occur without any apparent reason. Additionally, it can be triggered by allergic conditions. When the nasal turbinate comes into contact with an allergenic factor, the blood flow to the nasal turbinate increases significantly, causing it to enlarge by a few millimeters. Some cases of nasal turbinate hypertrophy can occur due to certain nasal inflammations, and age-related enlargement of the nasal turbinates is also possible.
Unexplained fatigue may be due to nasal turbinate hypertrophy
Patients with nasal turbinate hypertrophy typically experience nasal congestion as their first symptom. Subsequently, they may start sleeping with their mouths open at night and wake up with dry mouths in the morning. Because the patient receives less oxygen during the night, they may continue to feel drowsy even if they sleep for 7-8 hours, leading to daytime fatigue.
Reduced cognitive capacity in children
In children, the situation is somewhat different and more problematic. Besides affecting children's sleep patterns, it's important to emphasize that this condition may lead to a 5-10 point reduction in their cognitive capacity. Children with nasal turbinate hypertrophy may also snore and experience sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when the nasal passage is obstructed for a certain period during sleep, and if there is also a problem with breathing through the palate and mouth, the person may stop breathing for a while during sleep. These factors can result in the body being deprived of oxygen, leading to related health issues.
Nasal turbinate hypertrophy does not recur
Ultrasonic aspiration is a tissue reduction method used to treat nasal turbinate hypertrophy. In this method, ultrasonic sound waves or laser light can be employed. A small hole, typically 1-2 millimeters in size, is created in the front part of the lower nasal turbinate. Ultrasonic sound waves are then directed into and onto the nasal turbinate. The structural part of the nasal turbinate that holds it in place is disrupted by the sound waves. This method ensures that there is no bleeding during the procedure, and all beneficial tissues are preserved, preventing the nasal turbinate from regrowing. With ultrasonic aspiration, there is no damage to the tissues, no crusting in the nasal turbinate, and patients can usually return to work the next day. Around 60-70% of patients have issues in the middle part of the nasal turbinate, and with this treatment, patients can often return to work on the third day.
Medicated and Radiofrequency Methods for Nasal Turbinate Hypertrophy
For reducing nasal turbinate size, sprays containing special substances can be used. However, these sprays should not be used for more than 5-6 days. It's important to note that these sprays do not have a curative effect in reducing nasal turbinate size. Radiofrequency is another method used in nasal turbinate treatment. It involves applying radiofrequency energy to the nasal turbinate under local or general anesthesia, leading to a reduction in the volume of the nasal turbinate. However, nasal turbinates treated with this method may regrow over time.