Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Turbinate Enlargement)
Last Update : 24-11-2023
Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Turbinate Enlargement) Especially in adults, one of the primary causes of nasal congestion is known as "nasal turbinate," medically referred to as concha hypertrophy. Turbinates are structures found in each nostril, with three of them in each nasal cavity. They are present in all individuals and serve functions such as moistening, warming, and filtering the inhaled air. Among these structures, the lower turbinates, located at the bottom, are often discussed when talking about turbinate enlargement.
The most common cause of concha hypertrophy is allergies. Other contributing factors may include recent upper respiratory tract infections, compensatory growth due to deviated nasal septum, chronic sinusitis, tobacco use or passive smoking, exposure to harmful gases, air pollution, and the prolonged use of certain nasal sprays and drops.
There are two main treatment options:
Medical Treatment:
- Concha hypertrophy can be treated with certain medications. Decongestant drugs can alleviate nasal congestion within their effective duration. However, long-term use of these drugs is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney problems, prostate enlargement, or high eye pressure.
- Hypertonic saline nasal irrigation can be beneficial for short-term relief of nasal congestion.
- Antihistamines are helpful for those with allergies.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays are effective, especially when used for extended periods, particularly for allergy-related concha hypertrophy.
- Nasal decongestant sprays can provide quick relief, but their prolonged use may lead to further enlargement of the turbinates and worsen nasal congestion.
Surgical Treatment:
- For individuals who do not benefit from medical treatments or have advanced hypertrophy as observed in examinations, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgical procedures can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Surgical methods include concha cautery, submucosal resection, and radiofrequency application. Patients undergoing surgical treatment do not require hospitalization, nasal packing, and are usually discharged on the same day. They can return to their daily activities promptly.
- Radiofrequency surgery, one of the most commonly preferred methods today, is a non-invasive technique. This method allows the reduction of the vascular part of the concha without disrupting its functional surface.
Note: In rare cases, turbinate regrowth can occur in the later stages, and in such instances, medication or additional surgical treatment may be considered.
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