Do your sinuses drive you to distraction? Are you dreading another allergy season? Have you tried both traditional and alternative approaches for sinus relief but continue to suffer? If so, you may want to discuss other treatment options, such as sinus surgery turbinate reduction, which could help resolve your nasal congestion. This posting will address the anatomy of the sinuses, the importance of these structures, and what issues may arise that could cause the turbinates to swell; thus, obstructing your nasal passages and affecting your overall health and well-being.
The Anatomy of Turbinates and Their Purpose
Within the nasal passages are structures called turbinates, which are also known as nasal concha or conchae in plural form. They are the bony protrusions that you can feel inside the lining of your nasal cavity. Specifically, turbinates are shell-shaped networks of tissue, bones, and vessels within the nasal passages. Their function is to filter, warm, moisten, and humidify the air we breathe.
In most individuals, three turbinates are present–the superior or upper, middle, and inferior or lower turbinates. However, in some cases, a person can have a fourth or supreme turbinate. If someone possesses this extraneous structure, it is usually located above the superior turbinate. Moreover, each turbinate has its corresponding space, which is called meatus or meati in plural form, and they are situated directly below the turbinate. These meati form our nasal passages and help direct airflow via the nose.
If the turbinates become enlarged, they can potentially obstruct airflow. This condition is known as turbinate hypertrophy, which can lead to a myriad of health complications, such as sleep disturbances, breathing issues, nosebleeds, and frequent infections.
The symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy are very similar to those of a deviated septum, which occurs when the cartilage between the nostrils is distorted or damaged and obstructs airflow. If symptoms persist, your doctor may need to order a CT scan to help identify the issue at hand. It is also possible to have both conditions simultaneously.
When seeking sinus relief in Los Angeles, you want a doctor who knows the anatomy and structures involved. This is especially true when you have exhausted your treatment options and are considering surgical intervention, such as sinus surgery turbinate reduction.
What Causes Turbinates to Swell?
When exploring a swollen turbinate reduction in Los Angeles, it is important to understand that turbinate hypertrophy can be acute or chronic. Moreover, this disorder may result from several different triggers. Some of the most common causes of the affliction include the following:
- Environmental irritants
- Food or seasonal allergies
- Trauma or injury to the nasal cavity
- Chronic or recurrent sinus inflammations
All of the conditions mentioned can result in irritation to the bone itself or the soft tissue of the turbinates becoming swollen and enlarged. It is also important to note that many people who suffer from these afflictions may have a family history of such issues.
If you are suffering from any issues outlined in this article and considering turbinate reduction surgery in Los Angeles, it is best to do your research and educate yourself about the procedure as well as the practitioners who specialize in it. For more details on nasal turbinate reduction in Los Angeles, click here and contact us online or via phone to schedule a consultation.
