External appearance is vital for individuals to continue their lives confidently. However, people often feel uncomfortable due to problems in facial areas, particularly in the nose region. Both genetic and environmental factors may necessitate various aesthetic surgeries in the nasal area. Additionally, different issues related to the nose can be encountered. Nasal turbinate disorders are just one of the factors that negatively affect the quality of life for many people.
What is Nasal Concha (Turbinates)?
The nasal concha, also known as the turbinate, is important for regulating the respiratory function by heating and humidifying the air taken in during nasal breathing. In other words, it directly contributes to regulating the respiratory function. When nasal concha is mentioned, people often think of adenoids or the nasal septum. However, adenoids are a condition particularly seen in children, whereas nasal concha problems are encountered after childhood.
The concha is located on both sides of the nose, with three on each side, referred to differently as lower, middle, and upper depending on their positions within the nose. It consists of two different parts: soft tissue and bone. Many people suffer from nasal concha disorders. Both the growth and structural and developmental abnormalities in these two parts can lead to nasal concha disorders. While upper concha disorders are less common, disorders of the lower and middle concha, particularly, are frequently encountered conditions that adversely affect people’s quality of life.
What are the Causes of Nasal Concha Enlargement?
The nasal conchae, which are three on each side of the right and left nasal cavities, totaling six, are present. However, the organ called the inferior nasal concha located at the bottom of the nose is the most active nasal concha. The inferior nasal concha filters the air taken in through respiration. Additionally, they may grow or shrink depending on the qualities of the air. Nasal concha enlargement occurs due to various reasons.
• First of all, the constant presence of dirty and humid air requires the air taken in through respiration to adapt to the body’s system. This condition leads to nasal concha enlargement.
• People of all ages face allergy problems. Individuals with allergies to fungi, pollen, mold, or dust experience swelling of the nasal conchae due to the presence of such substances in the environment. Particularly, significant swelling occurs in the inferior nasal conchae. Consequently, continuous exposure to sensitizing agents leads people to face the problem of nasal concha enlargement.
• Smoking also affects nasal concha enlargement differently. Nasal conchae perform certain functions to cleanse the inhaled air. However, smokers face increased air pollution while these functions are being performed. Nasal conchae are forced to exert more effort than usual to cleanse the constantly polluted air, resulting in a problem like nasal concha enlargement.
• Sinusitis is one of the diseases that negatively affects the quality of life for many people. Chronic or persistent sinusitis causes long-term problems in nasal functions. Therefore, nasal concha enlargement occurs. Additionally, as a result of nasal concha enlargement adversely affecting respiratory functions, sinusitis becomes chronic.
• Nasal inflammations prevent the nose from fully performing its respiratory functions. This condition also leads to nasal concha enlargement.
Who Gets Nasal Concha Enlargement?
Nasal concha enlargement is a problem particularly seen in individuals who smoke and have a high level of allergic sensitivity. Additionally, in individuals with a deviated or fractured nasal bone, one nostril being constantly blocked leads to the enlargement of the nasal concha. During the functioning and structure of the nose, the nostrils open and close sequentially and regularly to supply the lungs with air for respiration. The lung on the same side as the open nostril draws in more air and expands during this process, while the other nostril is in a resting phase.
If there is any curvature or fracture in the nasal bone, the process of nasal structure and functioning described above cannot be carried out due to one nostril being constantly blocked. In other words, swelling occurs in the tissues that are constantly active. The swelling in the nasal tissues eventually leads to nasal concha enlargement.
What are the Symptoms of Nasal Concha Enlargement?
The Symptoms of Nasal Concha Enlargement manifest in various ways. Firstly, individuals suffering from this condition experience increasingly difficult breathing over time, often encountering various respiratory problems. Additionally, different issues arise, such as sleep apnea and lack of concentration due to disrupted sleep.
Nasal concha enlargement typically begins as early as two years of age, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis for successful treatment.
- Nasal congestion serves as the most prominent indicator of nasal concha enlargement.
- Due to nasal congestion, individuals tend to breathe through their mouths, leading to dryness in the upper respiratory tract and mouth. These symptoms are most noticeable during sleep.
- Nasal congestion impacts individuals’ quality of life by hindering proper and healthy breathing, resulting in a lack of rest and increased fatigue.
In conclusion, it’s essential to consider the symptoms of nasal concha enlargement and initiate treatment as soon as possible.
