Chronic nasal congestion or a persistent stuffy nose is often caused by enlargement of the inferior turbinates, a condition called turbinate hypertrophy. Swollen turbinates can block airflow, forcing mouth breathing and sometimes affecting daily activities, sleep quality, and overall comfort.
Enlarged turbinates may contribute to headaches, snoring, and sleep issues, including obstructive sleep apnea, as the nasal airway plays a critical role in proper breathing during sleep.
At St. Louis Sinus Center, a diagnosis is typically made during your first visit. After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, Dr. Gould uses:
Endoscopy remains the most effective way to evaluate mucosal swelling, while CT imaging helps map the overall sinus and nasal anatomy.
Learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty and Allergy Testing for related nasal treatments.
Many patients can manage turbinate hypertrophy without surgery. Medications used to reduce swelling and improve airflow include:
Environmental factors, allergies, or irritants may need to be managed alongside medication to achieve the best results.
If medications do not sufficiently relieve symptoms, a turbinate reduction procedure may be considered.
This minimally invasive surgery targets excess soft tissue in the inferior turbinates to improve nasal airflow.
At the St. Louis Sinus Center, Dr. Gould performs a minimally invasive, in-office procedure to reduce the size of enlarged (hypertrophic) turbinates — structures inside the nose that can become swollen and contribute to nasal congestion.
Using a small wand equipped with suction, excess tissue from the inferior turbinate is carefully removed or reduced. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes and is designed to improve nasal airflow by increasing space within the nasal passage.
While some patients report noticeable breathing improvement, results can vary based on the severity of turbinate hypertrophy and other underlying sinus conditions. This procedure may be performed on its own or in combination with treatments like Balloon Sinus Dilation.
Individual experiences may vary. While many patients tolerate the procedure well, temporary discomfort, nasal dryness, or crusting may occur. Speak with your ENT provider to determine if this option is appropriate for your specific condition.
The turbinates are spongy, curled bones inside your nose, covered by tissue that filters, humidifies, and warms inhaled air. There are three sets:
Healthy turbinates support nasal function and protect your respiratory system. When swollen, they can cause chronic congestion and difficulty breathing.
Swelling may result from:
Persistent irritation or untreated conditions such as a deviated septum can lead to chronic enlargement, potentially requiring surgical intervention.
Recovery varies depending on procedure extent:
Many patients report breathing improvement shortly after the procedure, though experiences vary depending on individual healing and symptom patterns.
Turbinate reduction is safe and minimally invasive. The procedure removes only excess soft tissue and does not alter the nose’s shape.
Long-Term Relief: For some patients, turbinate reduction may support long-term symptom improvement — particularly when contributing factors such as allergies are also managed. However, recurrence is possible, especially if underlying conditions like allergies or environmental irritants are not effectively managed.
A minimally invasive procedure to remove excess tissue from the inferior turbinates, improving nasal airflow.
If chronic nasal congestion or turbinate hypertrophy affects your life, schedule a consultation with St. Louis Sinus Center. Take the first step toward clearer breathing and better sleep
Individual results may vary.
The effectiveness of treatments can differ based on individual circumstances.