Turbinate hypertrophy

The nasal turbinates are located in both nasal cavities, with three pairs in total: a pair of superior turbinates, a pair of middle turbinates, and a pair of inferior turbinates. Turbinate hypertrophy is caused by various factors leading to swelling and thickening of the turbinate mucosa or bony hypertrophy. Individuals with turbinate hypertrophy may see the enlarged and swollen inferior turbinates when looking in a mirror and pulling open their nostrils. Turbinate hypertrophy is a very common condition that can occur at all ages, but is more frequently seen in young adults and children.