Inferior Turbinate Reduction during Rhinoplasty: Is There Any Effect on Rhinitis Symptoms?

• Published in: International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology 2022-01, Vol.26 (1), p.e111-e118
• Main Authors: Garcia, João Pedro T., Moura, Bianca H. de, Rodrigues, Vinícius H., Vivan, Manoela A., Azevedo, Simone M. de, Dolci, José Eduardo L., Migliavacca, Raphaella, Lavinsky-Wolff, Michelle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: allergic; Original Research; OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY; randomized controlled trial; rhinitis; rhinoplasty; steroids; turbinates
• ISSN: 1809-9777; 1809-4864; 1809-4864
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726046

Abstract Introduction  Inferior turbinate surgery is often performed concomitantly with rhinoseptoplasty. As inferior turbinates play a major role in allergic rhinitis, it seems reasonable to suggest that inferior turbinate surgery reduces allergy. Objective  To assess the impact of nasal turbinate surgery on non-obstructive allergic symptoms (nasal discharge, sneezing, pruritus, and allergic conjunctivitis) and on the use of allergic medication in patients with allergic rhinitis undergoing rhinoseptoplasty. Methods  Secondary analysis of aggregated data from two randomized controlled trials. Participants with allergic rhinitis aged ≥ 16 years were recruited. Data from two groups were analyzed: patients with rhinoseptoplasty and concomitant turbinate reduction (intervention group) and patients with rhinoseptoplasty only (control group). The 90-day postoperative frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms and of nasal steroid and oral antihistamine use were analyzed. Results  A total of 100 patients were studied. The groups were similar in terms of allergic symptom intensity and mean age. The frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms decreased 90 days postoperative in both groups ( p