Septal turbinates: An entity with physiological importance

 

Mawaddah AZMAN, Balwant Singh GENDEH

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia.

 

Abstract

Septal turbinate refers to a widened region of the septum located superior to the inferior turbinates and anterior to the middle turbinates. Although a common anatomical variant, its significance is not well reported. We report a 56-year-old Malay man who presented with a three year history of chronic nasal obstruction secondary to septal turbinate and type II deviated nasal septum. His nasal symptoms improved dramatically following commencement of intranasal steroids. He remained free of symptoms during seven years of follow up. The physiologic implication and management of septal turbinates is discussed.

 

Keywords: Nasal obstruction, nasal septum, nasal mucosa, turbinates

 

Brunei Int Med J. 2011; 7 (3): 168-172

 

Correspondence author: Mawaddah AZMAN, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MALAYSIA.

Tel: +60391455555 Fax: +60391456675

 

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