Don't Underestimate! Understand Concha Hypertrophy, Its Causes and Symptoms

Kapanlagi.com - Have you ever experienced a persistent stuffy nose, even after trying various cold medications? If so, you may be experiencing concha hypertrophy, which is swelling of the concha structure inside the nose. This condition can disrupt your breathing and cause various uncomfortable symptoms, such as facial pain and difficulty breathing.

According to data from Hello Sehat, concha hypertrophy is a fairly common issue, affecting about 25% of people who complain of nasal congestion. Unfortunately, many are unaware of these symptoms until the condition worsens and requires more serious medical attention.

So, is concha hypertrophy dangerous for those affected? Let's take a closer look at the information so you don't underestimate this condition and can receive the appropriate treatment promptly. Here’s a summary from Kapanlagi.com, Tuesday (28/1).

1. What is Turbinate Hypertrophy?

Turbinate hypertrophy, commonly known as turbinate enlargement, is a condition that can disrupt our breathing comfort. Inside the nose, there are three turbinates on each side—superior, middle, and inferior—that play a vital role in filtering and humidifying the air we breathe.

When the turbinates, especially the inferior one, swell due to exposure to allergens or pollution, airflow becomes obstructed, triggering various bothersome symptoms such as nosebleeds, snoring during sleep, and a runny nose.

Unfortunately, many people mistakenly think of this condition as a common cold or sinusitis, leading to often overlooked accurate diagnoses. It is important to recognize these symptoms so that we can receive appropriate treatment and maintain our respiratory health!

2. Causes of Turbinate Hypertrophy: From Pregnancy to Dust

Concha hypertrophy, swelling of the nasal tissue, can be caused by a variety of interacting factors, both from within the body and the surrounding environment. One of the main triggers is allergic rhinitis, which occurs as a result of the body's reaction to allergens such as dust, pet dander, or pollen, leading to inflammation of the concha mucosa.

Not only that, non-allergic rhinitis caused by cigarette smoke, pollution, or dry air can also exacerbate this condition. In addition to these factors, a deviated septum or a crooked nasal bone also contributes, as it can result in uneven air pressure in the nasal cavity.

In some cases, untreated sinus infections or congenital structural abnormalities, such as bullous concha, can also be causes.

"Concha hypertrophy can be caused by contralateral septum deviation to protect the nasal mucosa from drying due to excessive airflow (unilateral concha hypertrophy) and can also be caused by allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis. Environmental factors (dust and tobacco) and pregnancy can also cause swelling in the concha," writes the EMC Health Care page, quoted by Kapanlagi.com.

3. Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy That Should Not Be Ignored

Turbinate hypertrophy can be a nuisance that disrupts the comfort of life, characterized by persistent nasal congestion even when you are not having a cold.

Many sufferers find it difficult to breathe through their nose, especially while sleeping, which leads to a dry mouth upon waking. Additionally, other symptoms such as facial pain or pain at the bridge of the nose, pressure in the forehead, and even nosebleeds due to irritation of the swollen mucosa often occur.

Not only that, sleep disturbances such as snoring can also arise due to blockages in the airways. In some cases, this condition can result in a loss of smell and headache similar to migraines.

"If you have a history of symptoms such as reduced sense of smell, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, difficulty detecting smells/aromas, headaches and a feeling of pressure in the forehead and around the nose, sleep disturbances, pain in the facial area, dry lips upon waking, colds, snoring, it could lead to you experiencing turbinate hypertrophy," it is written on Alodokter.com.

4. How is Concha Hypertrophy Diagnosed?

In an effort to diagnose concha hypertrophy, an ENT doctor will start with a comprehensive approach, beginning with a history taking to explore your symptom history and health conditions. Next, a physical examination is conducted with rhinoscopy, which allows the doctor to directly observe the condition of the nasal mucosa.

If necessary, further steps such as a CT scan or nasal endoscopy may be performed to assess the severity of the swelling. These tests are crucial to uncover the underlying causes of hypertrophy, such as septal deviation or sinus infections that may have been overlooked previously.

An accurate diagnosis is key in determining the most appropriate treatment, whether through medical therapy or necessary surgical intervention.

5. Treatment of Concha Hypertrophy: Medications and Surgical Procedures

Treatment for concha hypertrophy varies depending on the severity of the symptoms experienced by the patient. In the initial stages, doctors usually recommend medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, or corticosteroid nasal sprays to relieve inflammation and swelling.

However, if medical treatment does not yield the expected results, surgical options such as inferior concha bone resection or submucosal diathermy may become viable choices. This technique aims to reduce the size of the concha without disrupting its function, allowing airflow to return to normal.

Interestingly, advanced technologies such as Radiofrequency (RF) allow procedures to be performed without large incisions, thereby minimizing the risk of postoperative complications. This procedure has proven effective in addressing chronic hypertrophy that does not respond to medical therapy.

However, it is important to note, according to Hallo Sehat, that if left untreated, concha hypertrophy can develop into a more serious condition due to viral and bacterial infections, making specialized treatment very necessary.

6. What are the main symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy?

7. What causes turbinate hypertrophy?

8. Can concha hypertrophy heal without surgery?

9. How to prevent concha hypertrophy?

(kpl/rmt)