The inferior turbinates are the largest of 3 sets of turbinates that naturally occur within each nasal cavity.
They are thin bones lined by mucosa whose purpose is to humidify air via surface area during nasal inspiration. The inferior turbinates are located near the nasal floor, and are often referred to as the bulbous structures that are seen when looking into the nasal cavity. As much as they are needed, they become problematic when swollen, most commonly from rhinitis and allergies. First line treatment for turbinate hypertrophy is allergy management, such as nasal steroids and oral antihistamines. When medical therapy fails, we are able to perform a surgical reduction of the inferior turbinates that relieves nasal congestion and greatly improves the nasal airway.