How can I reduce nasal swelling from chronic rhinitis and inferior turbinate hypertrophy?

Question

I have chronic rhinitis and turbinate hypertrophy. I use azelastine spray, fluticasone spray (XHance), and nasal irrigation. (The turbinate is larger on the side with the wider nostril.) I like my nose but find that I often suffer from excessive swelling. I do my best to manage my sodium and hydration levels - but it can feel like a chore. Lymphatic drainage helps - but taking a diuretic works best. What type of intervention would be best for me?

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Good Morning! This can be a difficult issue to address but there are options. If you haven't been allergy tested - either via skin or blood - that may be a good start. This can provide direction on which allergens may be exacerbating your symptoms. Additionally, it may be worth looking into a CT scan of the sinuses to ensure nothing is happening within your nasal cavity. The medications you're taking are appropriate. A rhinoplasty can help to "stretch" the nasal skin to keep it more refined. A turbinate reduction can improve breathing and can be done in office. Some may advocate for trying microneedling or a peel to see if any improvements can be made. I would seek consultation with a facial plastic surgeon who also has an ENT background. Hope this helps you!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

There is a medical approach that you are following very well. 
The surgical approach would be a rhinoplasty. 
African american rhinoplasty typically involves 4 different components. Some patients need them all, some only one or two. Here are the 4 components.
1.  Improvement of the bridge height with an implant.
2. Narrowing of the wide upper nose (bony part) with osteotomies.
3. Narrowing of the tip (Tip-plasty)
4. Narrowing of the nostrils (Alarplasty)

Regards
Dr. J

How can I reduce nasal swelling from chronic rhinitis and inferior turbinate hypertrophy?

Answers (2)