Concha Bullosa: All You Need To Know! 

Concha, also called turbinates, are the three pairs of shell-shaped bony structures present inside your nose which help in controlling the air which flows into your nose.  

They help moisturize and warm-up inhaled air before it goes into your lungs for respiration. 

When one of the conchae becomes filled with pockets of air, the condition is known as concha bullosa or pneumatization of the turbinate. 

Pneumatization means the presence of air-filled cavities.  

Let’s Learn More About Concha  -

The 3 pairs of conchae are shell-shaped structures that are located on either side of your nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall or structure that separates your nostrils.

The concha is named based on their location in your nose, inferior (lowest), middle and superior (upper), and form three nasal passages for air to flow through. The superior, which is the highest concha in your nose, is located near your brain. It protects the part of the brain which helps you smell. The middle sits between the superior and inferior conchae. The inferior is the lowest conchae in your nose.  Each of the nasal passages which are separated by the conchae opens into your sinus cavity.  


Overview: 

Concha bullosa means the presence of an air pocket in your middle concha. It is a very common anatomical deviation that does not always cause sinus problems except when it becomes enlarged.  Enlarged concha bullosa may lead to a blockage that prevents your sinuses from draining properly. If there is a blockage in the drainage of the sinuses, this will lead to the accumulation of mucus and sinus infection.  

Concha bullosa may also predispose you to have a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a condition where your septum is not completely straight, making your breathing harder from one nostril. 

Small conchae do not usually cause discomfort. It is the enlarged concha that may lead to pain and other associated symptoms. 

Symptoms -

 A small concha bullosa will not cause any symptoms and can even go unnoticed throughout your life. However, the larger the concha bullosa, the more pain, and discomfort it will cause. 

The common symptoms of concha bullosa  include:

  • Pressure or pain around your sinuses and the area around your eyes. 
  • Feeling like you can’t get enough air in or out of your nose. 
  • Feeling that something is in the way inside your nostrils. 
  • If there is a deviated septum, it can cause symptoms such as loud snoring, noisy breathing, nose bleeds, etc. 
  • The symptoms of concha bullosa resemble the symptoms of a sinus infection. Concha bullosa typically doesn’t cause ear and jaw pain, mucus drainage, or other associated symptoms. 

Diagnosis of Concha Bullosa -

You need not consult a doctor if concha bullosa isn’t affecting your ability to breathe normally. 


However, if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, your Doctor may suggest the following tests: 

CT Scan. The most common imaging test done for concha bullosa. This test allows your doctor to see a cross-section of your nose and the conchae structures so that they can spot any air pockets. 

Nasal Endoscopy- can help to pick up an enlarged turbinate 

An imaging test can help your doctor view and diagnose a possible concha bullosa and plan a treatment plan. 

Treatment is not needed if your concha bullosa is not causing any pain or discomfort. 

Medication and/or surgery are not necessary if you do not have any symptoms.

However, if symptoms like headaches, breathing difficulties are affecting your life then your doctor may recommend surgery. 

Your doctor may suggest procedures mentioned below: 

  • Crushing. Your doctor uses tools to squeeze the concha bullosa until they release the air that’s inside them.  
  • Turbinoplasty. Your doctor reshapes the bones and tissue around the concha bullosa to allow air to flow through the concha more easily. 
  • Turbinate resection or reduction. Your doctor uses tools to remove some or all of the concha bullosa.  

Septoplasty. In case, you have developed concha bullosa due to deviated septum, your doctor may recommend the procedure of septoplasty. It is a surgical procedure to straighten the bone and cartilage dividing the space between your two nostrils. 

Your ENT Specialist can provide you with information about your individual diagnosis and walk you through the different treatment options available to you. Not only can corrective surgery help relieve your symptoms, but it may also help prevent future complications.  

For more information : https://entdelhi.com/

Contact us at:  +91 98711 50032