Nasal turbinates are long, parallel structures that help warm, humidify and direct the air we breathe through the nose to the olfactory area. There are three on each side of the nose and they are called superior turbinate, middle turbinate and inferior turbinate according to their location. Turbinate (especially inferior turbinate) enlargement can actually obstruct airflow. This condition is called “nasal turbinate hypertrophy”. Nasal congestion may occur as a result of nasal turbinate hypertrophy. • poor sense of smell • forehead pressure • mild facial pain • long-term nasal congestion • runny nose • snoring is among the symptoms of “turbinate hypertrophy”. While physical examination may sometimes be sufficient to diagnose the disease, in necessary cases (for the middle and upper turbinates) an endoscopic examination is performed to try to see the entire turbinate structure. In special cases, computed tomography (CT) may be required. Turbinate hypertrophy can be acute or chronic. Some of the most common causes of the condition are; chronic sinus inflammation, environmental irritants and allergic rhinitis and some endocrine diseases, and improper use of nasal drops. Any of these conditions can cause the soft tissue of the turbinates to swell. Many people with turbinate hypertrophy usually have a family history of allergic rhinitis. If symptoms do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be required to reduce the size of the turbinates.