Intraturbinal steroid injection: indications, results, and complications

Intraturbinal injection of steroid can yield rapid relief of nasal obstruction caused by severe allergic or vasomotor rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, or acutely enlarged nasal polyps. This modality is not meant to replace the traditional means of therapy for these diseases. Despite previous reports of visual loss after intraturbinal steroid, thousands of such injections have been given with no such disastrous complications. The technic should include preliminary topical cocainization of the nasal mucosa, slow injection using a small gauge needle, and steps to allay apprehension and prevent a "needle reaction." In a retrospective study comparing intraturbinal triamcinolone with intramuscular betamethasone, the intraturbinal steroid was judged much more effective. Side effects reported after intranasal steroid were minor in nature. No visual complications have occurred in this series.