Concha hypertrophy

Conchas: There are 3 chonchas in both nasal cavity. The size of bottom, middle and top conchas increase from top to bottom. Thats, top concha is the smallest and bottom concha is the greatest one.

The main functions of conchas with blood vessels in large quantities is to warm, cool, hydrate and filter the breathing air. The size of conchas is stable and it varies depending on a number of factors such as air temperature, humidity, physiological processes in the body and hormonal changes. Normally, the size of conchas in the right and left nose cavities varies with an interval of a few hours during a day, for example, when the conchas on the right side grow, those on the left side get smaller and then, exactly the opposite occurs.

Growing is mostly observed in the bottom conchas. If there is septum deviation along with concha hypertrophy, nasal congestion becomes more obvious. The most common cause of concha hypertrophy is allergy. Among other causes, there are chronic sinusitis, smoking, inhalation of chemical gases, air pollution, long - term use of nasal decongestant sprays and drops.

Treatment: First of all, drug treatment is started in concha hypertrophy.

• When decongestant drugs are used for short – term, they reduce nasal congestion. However, their long-term use is not recommended. Its use in the patients with high blood pressure, heart and kidney diseases, enlarged prostate, pressure inside the eye is a contraindication. Nasal decongestant sprays will benefit in the short term. Conchas get bigger and nose congestion increases after long – term use.
• Washing nose with hypertonic solutions eliminates congestion for short – term.
• When cortisone nasal sprays are used for long – term, it is especially useful for the patients with allergy.

Concha surgery: In this case, the enlarged concha is detracted. Detraction is carried out by different methods:

• Radiofrequency - is the most common method. The part rich with blood vessels is detracted without breaking the surface ensuring the function of concha. The injection of Radiofrequency device is injected into the concha and the energy given in the frequency of radio waves causes the writhing of concha.
• Surgical detraction
• Detraction with microdebrider
• Cauterization
• Laser

The final decision for these methods varies according to the doctors choice and the condition of concha.

Tampons or silicones can be placed into the nose for one or two days in order to reduce bleeding after concha surgery. There can be nasal congestion due to nose swelling, peeling, increase and condensation of nasal discharge in the first week after concha surgery. The result of the treatment appears within 6 – 8 weeks. Therefore, the elimination of nasal congestion shouldnt be expected in the early period.