Should I Be Worried About Catching A Cold Frequently Due To A Swollen Turbinate Blocking The Nasal Cavity?
Question: I have a turbinate in my right nostril that has been swollen since at least late November. I am often sick, yes (I work with kids, so I'm exposed to everything, and I've been sick a lot this past school year. I was sick with back-to-back colds for almost the entire month of October, for instance). Doctors haven't been too worried about it, especially since I can still breathe just fine and I usually go to the doctor when I'm sick, but should I be worried since I feel otherwise fine and it still hasn't gone down? I take one pump of Flonase every day, too, and that hasn't helped.
Brief Answer:
Please see the answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Turbinates are normal bony structures covered with mucosal lining in both sides of the nose.
The mucosal lining may get swollen in case of inflammation in the nose due to allergies or infection. Sometimes, even after the infection or allergy is relieved, still the mucosal over the turbinate remains swollen. Its treatment needs to be done only if it is causing symptoms like a nasal blockage. Otherwise, no treatment needs to be done.
Hope this answers your question.
Regards,
Dr. Riddhi Shah, ENT Specialist
Please see the answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Turbinates are normal bony structures covered with mucosal lining in both sides of the nose.
The mucosal lining may get swollen in case of inflammation in the nose due to allergies or infection. Sometimes, even after the infection or allergy is relieved, still the mucosal over the turbinate remains swollen. Its treatment needs to be done only if it is causing symptoms like a nasal blockage. Otherwise, no treatment needs to be done.
Hope this answers your question.
Regards,
Dr. Riddhi Shah, ENT Specialist
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy