Turbinate Reduction or Nasal Cycle?

Question

I have a trouble breathing that switches nostrils periodically. There is a significant difference between each nostril, almost being unable to breathe out of either nostril. I have read that Turbinate Reduction is a surgery done to correct this, although I've read that this is also normal, being called a Nasal Cycle. My question is how do you know if you need the Turbinate Reduction surgery, or if it is just a normal Nasal Cycle?

Daniel J. Givens, MD · Answer

The nasal cycle is a normal phenomenon that your body uses to warm and humidify the air that you breathe.  The blood vessels in the inferior turbinates cyclically dilate and contract to increase the size of one, and then the other.  Like many other situations, sometimes too much of a good thing can become a problem.  When you find that problems with nasal breathing are interfering with your sleep, ability to exercise, or your life in general, you may wish to see a board certified Otolaryngologist (ear nose and throat specialist).  They may find problems with the nasal septum, inferior turbinates, nasal polyps, or problems with the lining of the nose.Turbinate surgery is minimally invasive, can be done in the office with just numbing medicine, and you are correct there is little to no downtime.  There is little risk, and little postoperative pain.  Most of the time it will provide at least a partial improvement in nasal breathing, and if the improvement is not complete, other more invasive procedures can still be done.  It is a great first step to finally breathing though your nose!!

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

The best way to determine if you would benefit from turbinate reduction surgery is to have your nose examined by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat surgeon) or facial plastic surgeon.

	There can be a few possible reasons your having trouble breathing. It is normal to have nasal cycling that you describe, but most people aren't aware of it since they have enough leeway inside their nose to allow for adequate airflow even when that side of the nose is congested.

	A deviated nasal septum, turbinate overgrowth, nasal polyps and nasal valve collapse are a few basic causes of nasal congestion. An experienced nasal surgeon should be able to assess your nose and help you pin down what is going on in your case.

	You can learn more about turbinate reduction surgery at my web reference link below.

Jason J. Durel, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. While the nasal cycle is normal, your acute awareness of the changes is not. You should have an assessment by a board-certified otolaryngologist that can examine the nasal passages and determine whether surgery to reduce the turbinites might bring you long-term relief from your breathing issues. I encourage you to schedule a consultation and examination to obtain an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment option for you. Good luck to you!

Frank Scaccia, MD, FACS · Answer

What your describing is the nasal cycle.  But in a healthy anatomically ideal nose you shouldn't be aware of it. In other words when one side of your nose has more swelling of the inferior turbinate it should not be enough swelling to block your breathing on that side. Initial treatment is a trial of steroid sprays and decongestants assuming you can tolerate them. If that doesn't work and especially if you desire permanent relief a surgical turbinate reduction can be very effective. I have done 1000s of these and patients are very appreciative of the results. You need to be examined with a nasal endoscopy by an experienced otolaryngologist/ENT surgeon

Kapil Saigal, MD, FACS · Answer

Its absolutely true that due to the nasal cycle, we often alternate in breathing best between the 2 nostrils, as our turbinates congest and constrict. 
However if you have significant hypertrophy of the turbinates due to allergies, often in the setting of a deviated septum or narrow nasal cavity, this may result in nasal obstruction that can be severe.

In these cases a turbinate reduction is a great option to improve airflow, and diminish the size and volume of turbinate tissue. Often this surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, or in conjunction with other nasal procedures, such as septoplasty.

Discuss your case with a specialist and good luck!

Turbinate Reduction or Nasal Cycle?

Answers (7)

Answer: Turbinate congestion

Answer: Turbinate congestion

Answer: Nasal cycle and turbinate hypertrophy

Answer: Nasal cycle and turbinate hypertrophy

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sinus Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Turbinate Reduction or Nasal Cycle?

Answers (7)

Answer: Turbinate congestion

Answer: Turbinate congestion

Answer: Nasal cycle and turbinate hypertrophy

Answer: Nasal cycle and turbinate hypertrophy

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sinus Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.