Abstract
The aim of this paper is to review the physiological functions of the nasal turbinates, evaluate etiologies of nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and compare the clinical efficacy of current medical and surgical treatment strategies. A comprehensive narrative literature review was conducted utilizing established scientific databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, encompassing articles published between 1977 and 2026. A structured search strategy was applied using keywords such as “turbinate,” “radiofrequency ablation,” “turbinoplasty,” and “turbinectomy.” Peer-reviewed clinical trials, contemporary reviews, and authoritative guidelines were included to synthesize current evidence regarding the efficacy of turbinate treatments. Mucosal hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate is the primary etiology of nasal airway obstruction. First-line pharmacological therapies, comprising intranasal corticosteroids and antihistamines, are effective; however, prolonged use of topical decongestants risks inducing rhinitis medicamentosa. For patients refractory to medical management, surgical interventions like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and turbinoplasty are preferred. Radiofrequency ablation provides excellent patient tolerance and is performed under local anesthesia, while submucous resection-assisted turbinoplasty demonstrates the highest long-term success in maintaining nasal patency. Across all modalities, current literature strictly emphasizes the maximal preservation of mucosal tissue to prevent “empty nose syndrome,” a debilitating complication characterized by paradoxical loss of airflow sensation. The clinical management of turbinate dysfunction must be highly individualized based on the patient’s symptomatology and structural anatomy. Mucosa-sparing surgical interventions are significantly safer and yield better long-term functional outcomes than aggressive resections. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for achieving optimal therapeutic success.