It allows the airways to clear efficiently, exchange oxygen, in addition, it affects better articulation and pronunciation. However, it happens that changes in the anatomical structure of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, impaired patency and swelling of the nasal auricles interfere with nasal function and worsen the patient’s comfort. Modern diagnostic methods (both imaging, functional and endoscopic examination of the nose), make it possible to determine whether the cause of obstruction and breathing problems is a hypertrophied nasal auricle, and to implement appropriate treatment and achieve lasting results of therapy.
What is and how to recognize nasal auricle hypertrophy?
Nasal auricles are one of the anatomical elements of our nose. Their characteristic feature is strong vascularization, so they can easily swell, shrink and swell. Actually every day they are exposed to adverse effects of external factors. Pathologies in their area can contribute to nasal blockage and give unpleasant discomforts to the patient.
Nasal auricle hypertrophy can be described briefly: it is primarily a permanent feeling of a blocked nose.
Discomfort and pain symptoms
As mentioned earlier – breathing problems and a constant feeling of a blocked nose, may indicate overgrown nasal auricles. However, the symptoms are much broader and include, but are not limited to: impaired sense of smell, headache, alternate nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, recurrent runny nose, recurrent infections, talking through the nose, snoring or problems taking a breath after any physical activity.
These are the most important symptoms produced by nasal auricle hypertrophy. The headache occurs especially in people who also face allergic conditions or infection. Nasal auricle hypertrophy in a child is also increasingly common. Fortunately, it is also possible to perform an appropriate procedure in young patients, restoring nasal patency and free breathing.
Nasal auricle hypertrophy - causes
Hypertrophic lesions of the nasal auricles can have various causes. However, the most common is indicated:
- An anomaly in the structure of the nasal septum,
- permanent rhinitis,
- Persistent use of nasal decongestants,
- environmental impact
Modern diagnostic methods
An overgrown nasal auricle is not always diagnosed in the first place, and the patient is treated for suspected other conditions. This is why prompt and proper diagnosis is so important. Currently, methods such as rhinomanometry, endoscopy and imaging are used.
Nasal auricle hypertrophy - treatment
As it turns out, nasal auricle hypertrophy can be successfully treated, The procedure, which is most commonly used, involves correction of the nasal auricles and takes no longer than 40 minutes. It gives permanent results and minimizes the risk of complications.
Conchoplasty (concha - clamshell)
It is a correction of the nose for changes in the nasal auricles. Most often, the middle auricle is operated on. Its disturbed structure (aeration, abnormal curvature) causes it to occupy too large a part of the nasal cavity, blocking breathing and impeding the flow of secretions from the sinuses.
