An often overlooked and poorly managed area, the turbinatesare finger-like projections made of bone and covered in soft tissue within the nasal cavity. Their role is to warm, humidify and filter the air that we breathe. Typically, most people have three turbinates in each nasal cavity – a superior, middle and inferior turbinate. With their location near the nostrils, the inferior turbinates in particular can cause nasal obstructive symptoms, frequently in response to environmental allergens and pollutants. If medical treatment alone does not help to alleviate this blockage, surgery can be considered.

Historically, and in some places today, complete resection of the inferior turbinates is still carried out. Whilst this initially can improve the obstruction, ensuing complications of an excessively dry nose with crusting and so-called “empty nose syndrome” can occur.

Nowadays more minimally invasive options such as inferior turbinoplasty to preserve the normal nasal lining are preferred. Radiofrequency reduction is also an option and can be carried out under local anaesthesia. As part of his research portfolio, Mr Unadkat has secured industry funding to explore nasal surgery under local anaesthesia further, and is looking to extend its application in patients with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea.