edward_tolbert

I have had three operations to reduce my turbinates. The doctor who
performed the last operation physically removed some of my turbinates
with a knife. However, he warned me that my allergies may still cause
my turbinates to swell more (An allergist was unable to determine what
I'm allergic to).

(This part below is really my question.)
************************************************
I was wondering if any doctor has experimented with a device which
might simply put a small amount of pressure on the turbinates
themselves thereby preventing them from swelling?
************************************************

It occurs to me that if multiple treatment modalities were employed
for the same problem (nasonex, flournase, Allegra 180 need I go on)
then maybe the patient would feel better even if the reason for
turbinate swelling is not eliminated. I personally know that I have
tried many different treatment methods, and haven't found one as yet
that actually prevents my turbinates from swelling. I know that this
is my problem, because when the swelling is reduced, even temporarily,
I feel great.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

don brady

On 9 Jun 2004 09:44:42 -0700, edward_tolbert@mindspring.com (Edward Tolbert)


The only way is going to be to give them fresh clean air (no allergens and no
irritants).

mr_c

what were the three surgeries? How well is the last one working?

Thx.

andrew

david hodgson

Hi Edward,

I am exactly the same as you, tried everything and turbinates still swollen.

I'd love to see an answer to your question!

Dave

don brady

They are swelling because they are extremely irritated by allergens and
irritants. That is part of their job, to protect the deeper passages from bad
air. But the equation breaks down when the irritation is chronic.

If you gave them more room, they would probably just swell more. That is what
they do if the septum is displaced - the turbinate with extra room swells up to
more fully occupy the empty space,

They are very very picky organs. I see a dramatic effect in myself depending
on whether I can avoid bad air.

Often, nasal stteriod sprays do help. They help me....

david hodgson

I agree but if the allergist can't find anything then you need to control it
somehow, life is intolerable unless some sort of qulity of life is returned,
either by an op, device or spray.

entconsult

I can only guess, but I doubt if swelling of the turbinates is what is causing
your symptoms.
Murray Grossan, M.D.
http://www.ent-consult.com

flash

I'm not aware of such a device. I must say, however, that
I believe it imperative you continue to pursue an answer to
the cause of turbinate inflammation. The way I see it, the
inflammation is a symptom, and the cause of inflammation is the
problem. Therefore, I think if you physically suppress the
swelling of the turbinates, other "backlash" symptoms will
materialize.


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don brady

It does not have to be an allergy.

Any irritation will suffice.

For example, there is one work building I go into where smoking is allowed in
parts. I am only in it for a few hours a week or less. But going in for 2
hours causes my turbinates to swell for a day or two,

After I had sinus surgery, it literally caused bleeding to go into that
building.

entconsult

Swollen turbinates
In some patients there are permanent changes that take place - increased
vascular lakes, channels, etc and they will no longer shrink with
vasoconstrictors.
Thats one kind.
In others there is severe allergy/ infection but they will shrink with
medication. That's another kind.
If your is the first kind, then it is more "natural" to have this corrected by
surgery than to keep taking pills and sprays .
Murray Grossan, M.D.
http://www.ent-consult.com