The turbinates are shelves of tissue along the sides of the inside of the nose. They are responsible for humidifying inspired air and moisturizing the nose. They also sense the flow of air through the nose. Turbinates may be enlarged due to bony overgrowth or inflammation and swelling of the lining. A concha bullosa is a middle turbinate that is enlarged due to an air cell within the bone. These may be thought of as normal variants, but may cause nasal obstruction. Swelling and inflammation may be treated with medications (anti-inflammatories and allergy medications). If the overgrowth is bony or medication fails to improve symptoms, surgery to reduce the turbinates may be suggested.
