They are swelling because they are extremely irritated by allergens and
irritants.  That is part of their job, to protect the deeper passages from bad
air.  But the equation breaks down when  the irritation is chronic.

If you gave them more room, they would probably just swell more.   That is what
they do if the septum is displaced - the turbinate with extra room swells up to
more fully occupy the empty space,

They are very very picky organs.  I see a dramatic effect in myself depending
on whether I can avoid bad air.

Often, nasal stteriod sprays do help.   They help me....

I believe that my swollen turbinates blocks my sinus drainage which
has been causing me a lot of problems with ear infections and etc.   I
also believe that this reduction of my air flow in combination with
the blocked sinus passages causes signficant problems.  I've noticed
over the years that my fatigue (feeling depressed) and sleep apnea can
actually be correlated to nasal swelling.  When I had the sleep apnea
test done, my nasal passages were so blocked that I scored extremely
high on it.

Actually, I accidently found a crude way of accomplishing just the
thing that I asked the question about.  Ever since I been putting
pressure on the turbinates to reduce swelling, my energy level has
gone through the roof.   However, knowing that my crude method does
not take into account things that can cause infections and etc.  I
would be more comfortable if a surgically safe way to prevent it was
accomplished.  For me, I knew I had to use my crude method while
working as hard possible to lose weight--I also no longer crave food
as much and am able to lose weight more effectively.  I am hoping that
significant weight loss will also have a dramatic effect on this
issue. By the way, every member of my family notices a signficant
difference in my ability to function, and my attitude (less tired and
depressed--I act more like my old self) since I carried out my little
experiment.  They were extremely sceptical at first, but now, after
seeing the results for themselves, they are believers.

Swollen turbinates
In some patients there are permanent changes that take place - increased
vascular lakes, channels, etc and they will no longer shrink with
vasoconstrictors.
Thats one kind.
In others there is severe allergy/ infection but they will shrink with
medication. That's another kind.
If your is the first kind, then it is more "natural" to have this corrected by
surgery than to keep taking pills and sprays .
Murray Grossan, M.D.
http://www.ent-consult.com