What is Concha (Nose Meat) and What Does It Do?
Concha is a structure found in the human body and is also known as the concha. Concha, located in the inner part of the nasal cavity, consists of bone and cartilage tissues. The lower turbinate, which is the largest of the nasal concha, plays an important role in human health.
The most important function of the inferior turbinate is humidification, heating and cleaning of the inhaled air. Thanks to the filtering of the inhaled air by the concha in the nasal cavity, dust, pollen, microbes and other harmful substances in the air are prevented from entering the respiratory tract. In addition, thanks to the veins between the concha, humidification and heating of the inhaled air is provided.
The turbinate structure may swell and enlarge in some cases, causing nasal congestion. Nasal congestion can be caused by various factors such as respiratory tract infections, allergies, sinusitis, nasal polyps. In this case, the nasal concha can be reduced surgically or drug therapy can be applied.
What Causes Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Concha Enlargement)?
Concha hypertrophy refers to the condition where the conchae are larger than their normal size. This situation It can cause nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, headaches and a general decrease in quality of life. Concha hypertrophy can occur due to various factors.
Allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common causes of turbinate hypertrophy. Exposure to allergens can cause swelling of the nasal concha, which can lead to turbinate hypertrophy. In addition, chronic nasal infections can also cause enlargement of the nasal concha. Nose enlargement, It can also be associated with hormonal changes. Especially pregnancy and excessive or insufficient work of the thyroid gland can lead to enlargement of the nasal concha. Aging can also increase the risk of turbinate hypertrophy.
Factors that cause long-term nasal congestion can also lead to enlargement of the nasal concha. For example, smoking, environmental factors and chronic sinusitis can be counted among the causes of nasal concha enlargement. As a result, turbinate hypertrophy may occur due to many different factors. Allergic rhinitis, chronic nasal infections, hormonal changes and prolonged nasal congestion are among the most common causes of turbinate hypertrophy. Treatment options may include medication, nasal sprays, and surgery.
What Complaints Does Nose Enlargement Cause?
Concha hypertrophy can cause various complaints and negatively affect quality of life.
An enlarged nose can cause nasal congestion. Large nasal conchae create narrowing and congestion in the nasal cavity, which makes it difficult to breathe. Konya growth; can cause nasal congestion, sleep apnea, snoring problems and infections such as sinusitis.
Large nasal concha can also affect sleep quality. Snore, difficulty breathing during sleepProblems such as breathing cessation during sleep can reduce sleep quality and cause complaints such as fatigue and weakness.
It can also cause complaints such as large nasal concha, headache, dizziness, a feeling of fullness in the ear. Nose enlargement can close the connection between the middle ear and the nasal cavity, causing ear congestion and fullness.
Concha hypertrophy can also cause nosebleeds. The enlargement of the nasal flesh causes bleeding by pressing on the vessels in the nose.
Nasal Concha Enlargement (Concha Hypertrophy) How Is It Diagnosed?
It can cause nasal flesh enlargement, nasal congestion and other complaints. Therefore, an evaluation by an otolaryngologist is recommended to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment. To diagnose turbinate hypertrophy, specialists usually follow these steps:
Evaluation of the Patient's Symptoms
Specialists evaluate the patient's symptoms and complaints. These symptoms may include nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, sinusitis, headache, and ear congestion.
Physical Examination
The specialist evaluates the size and condition of the nasal concha by performing an intranasal examination. This examination is performed using an instrument called a nasal speculum.
Endoscopic Examination
The specialist can perform an endoscopic examination to examine the nasal cavity in more detail. This process is performed by using an instrument called an endoscope.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests can provide more detailed information about the size and condition of the concha. These tests include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Allergy Tests
Allergic rhinitis is a common factor that can cause the nasal concha to enlarge. Therefore, allergy tests can also be used for diagnosis.
How is Nasal Concha Enlargement (Concha Hypertrophy) Treated?
Treatment of nasal concha hypertrophy may vary depending on the patient's symptoms and condition. Treatment options may include medication, nasal sprays, and surgery.
Medication
If the enlargement of the nasal cavity is caused by allergic rhinitis or chronic nasal infections, drug therapy can be applied. This treatment may include medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids that help reduce swelling of the nasal concha.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays can be used to reduce the size of the nasal concha. These sprays help reduce nasal congestion by constricting the vessels in the nasal cavity. Nasal sprays can reduce the size of the nasal concha when used regularly.
Surgical intervention
Surgical intervention may be required if the larynx is causing severe symptoms that cannot be controlled with medication or nasal sprays. Surgical intervention for turbinate hypertrophy is generally known as the reduction of the concha. This process can be performed by removing the excess tissue of the nasal concha or reducing it with a laser.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation has emerged as a new treatment option for the reduction of the conchae. In this procedure, the nasal concha is reduced with radiofrequency waves under local anesthesia.
In order to decide how the treatment will be done and which treatment is most appropriate, the otolaryngologist makes a decision by evaluating the patient's condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concha Enlargement (Concha Hypertrophy)
Complications after turbinate surgery are rare. Possible complications include;
- Bleeding; The rate of bleeding requiring intervention is less than 1%.
- Infection
- Adhesion in the nose
- empty nose syndrome; It develops in case of excessive or complete removal of the nasal flesh. Even if comfortable air passes through the nose, the person does not feel that the air has passed, and the nose is constantly dry, crusted and bad smell occurs.
Since the turbinate mucosa is preserved in the surgery, the turbinates may grow back, although rarely, especially in patients with allergic rhinitis. The rate of regrowth is higher in the radiofrequency method.
If nasal flesh enlargement is not treated, it can lead to headache and voice changes in the long term.
Nasal meat is not removed unless necessary, as it helps to humidify and filter the air.
In cases where drug treatments are insufficient and nasal congestion negatively affects the life of the person, it is recommended to perform nasal concha surgery.
Nasal canine surgery (concha) can be performed at any age.
Nasal canine surgery fully heals 4 to 8 weeks after the procedure.