Turbinates are structures inside the nose that regulate airflow. Allergies, chronic rhinosinusitis, air pollution, and cigarette smoke can cause the turbinates to swell. This enlargement leads to nasal congestion, resulting in breathing difficulty, snoring, and reduced sleep quality.
What Is Turbinate Radiofrequency Ablation?
Turbinate radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat inferior turbinate hypertrophy, a common cause of nasal congestion. As a non-surgical nasal opening technique, this method applies radiofrequency energy to the turbinate tissues, reducing their size and improving airflow through the nose.
What Are Turbinates and Why Do They Enlarge?
Turbinates are structures inside the nose that regulate airflow. Allergies, chronic rhinosinusitis, air pollution, and cigarette smoke can cause the turbinates to swell. This enlargement leads to nasal congestion, resulting in breathing difficulty, snoring, and reduced sleep quality.
How Is Turbinate Radiofrequency Ablation Performed?
- It is performed under local or general anesthesia.
- A thin radiofrequency probe is inserted into the nasal cavity.
- Low-heat radiofrequency energy is applied to shrink the turbinate tissue in a controlled manner.
- The procedure is quick and comfortable.
Patients can return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure, and the effects are typically noticeable within the first few weeks.
Advantages of Turbinate Radiofrequency Ablation
- Painless and fast procedure
- No surgery required, minimal risk of bleeding
- Preserves nasal structures and natural breathing
- Allows patients to resume work and social life the same day
- Can improve sleep quality and reduce snoring
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
- Those with chronic nasal obstruction
- Individuals with turbinate hypertrophy due to allergic rhinitis
If you’re having difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion, turbinate radiofrequency ablation may be the right solution for you.
Prof. Dr. Elif Aksoy
ENT Specialist – Nasal and Respiratory Disorders
