Clinical Outcomes of Inferior Turbinate Reduction Surgery in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa characterized by nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and itching, significantly affecting quality of life. Persistent nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy may remain refractory to medical treatment, necessitating surgical intervention. Inferior turbinate reduction surgery aims to improve nasal airflow while preserving mucosal function. The present study evaluated the clinical outcomes of inferior turbinate reduction surgery in patients with allergic rhinitis. Aim and Objective: To assess the efficacy of inferior turbinate reduction surgery in patients with allergic rhinitis using postoperative symptomatic improvement, Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), nasal airway patency, and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, over 18 months (September 2023–February 2025). Ninety patients with allergic rhinitis associated with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and persistent symptoms despite medical therapy were included. Patients underwent submucosal inferior turbinate reduction surgery and were followed up for 90 days postoperatively. Clinical evaluation included TNSS assessment, anterior rhinoscopy, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, assessment of nasal airway patency, and postoperative healing. Results: Among the 90 participants, the majority belonged to the 18–25-year age group (43.3%), with a mean age of 31.8 years, and males constituted 70% of the study population. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom (90%), followed by rhinorrhoea (71%). Mean TNSS significantly decreased from 10.4 preoperatively to 5.4 at 90 days postoperatively (p<0.05), indicating substantial symptomatic improvement following surgery. Postoperative follow-up demonstrated satisfactory healing and improved nasal airway patency. Crusting was the most common postoperative complaint and resolved with conservative management, while no cases of severe hemorrhage or empty nose syndrome were observed. Conclusion: Inferior turbinate reduction surgery was associated with significant improvement in symptom severity, reduction in nasal obstruction, and favorable postoperative outcomes with minimal complications among patients with allergic rhinitis. The findings support submucosal inferior turbinate reduction as a safe and effective treatment option for selected patients with persistent symptoms despite medical therapy.