Can enlarged turbinates heal on their own?

In general, mild turbinate hypertrophy caused by acute inflammation may improve as the inflammation subsides, while chronic or organic hypertrophy is difficult to resolve spontaneously. If you have concerns, it is advisable to seek medical advice early. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If turbinate hypertrophy is triggered by short-term inflammation such as acute rhinitis or the common cold, the nasal mucosa experiences only temporary congestion and swelling. After the inflammation resolves, with proper care—including drinking plenty of water, maintaining nasal moisture, and avoiding irritants—the turbinates usually return gradually to their normal size, and associated discomfort will also diminish, typically without requiring special treatment.

However, if turbinate hypertrophy results from long-standing chronic inflammation (such as chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis) due to repeated irritation, or from mucosal hyperplasia and structural changes leading to organic enlargement, it generally cannot resolve on its own. This type often causes persistent symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose, which may progressively worsen. Treatment usually requires medications to control inflammation or surgical intervention to improve nasal airflow, as routine care alone is insufficient to reverse the condition.

It is important in daily life to avoid frequent exposure to dust, allergens, and other irritants. If nasal congestion persists or worsens, timely medical evaluation is necessary to determine the specific type and prevent delayed management that could impair respiratory function.