How to differentiate between nasal turbinates and nasal polyps?

Look: The turbinates are firm,normal structures easily visualized by ENT exam. Polyps more commonly are floppy, pedunculated, , protruding abnormal,structures

The patient can not: Any competent ENT doctor can easily differentiate between the richly vascular (red) turbinate mucosa and the poorly vascularized nasal polyp. As a patient, a relatively small nasal polyp can not be visualized. The question you ask is not for the patient but for the specialist observing the patient.

Turbs vs polyps: the only way to tell is by physical examination. Be sure to have your nose evaluated by a board certified otolaryngologist.