Nasal Turbinate Reduction
Nasal Turbinates
Each side of your nasal cavity has three sausage-shaped structures known as turbinates. Each turbinate is made of thin bone covered by vascular tissue and a mucous membrane. These structures warm, humidify, and filter the air coming through your nostrils. When they become inflamed, whether by allergies, irritation, or infection, they can block the nasal airway.
Treatment
If medical treatment, such as a steroid nasal spray or antibiotic, is not effective or if the condition recurs, surgery may be required. The minimally invasive outpatient procedure is called submucosal resection and can be done endoscopically under local anesthesia. A small portion of the nasal turbinate is removed to create extra space so air can move freely through the nasal cavity.