One of the places where bacteria accumulate is the upper respiratory tract. There is often localized focus of chronic inflammation. Among the ENT organs, in which bacterial and viral particles accumulate, nasal conchas occupy a special place. Their inflammation and swelling is the main cause of difficulty in breathing. Pathologies of the turbinates lead to a runny nose, snoring and headaches. The most common ailment is sinusitis.
This is an inflammation of the inferior nasal concha, which is diagnosed in both adults and children. Other diseases are various sinusitis - frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis, sphenoiditis. In some cases, there is a combined inflammation of all turbinates. Treatment of such pathologies begins with drug therapy. Unfortunately, in some cases it turns out to be ineffective. Then the otolaryngologist recommends surgery.
Concha: structure
Conchas are formations necessary to limit the inflammatory process. Normally, they are present in adults and children. These structures are made up of bonebasics. Outside, the nasal conchas are covered with a mucous membrane. The main function of these organs is to ensure the passage of air. Each of the shells divides the nasal cavity into 3 passages. Their functions are different and depend on the location and structures adjacent to them.
There are 3 nasal conchas: upper, middle and lower. The first two are formed by plates of the lattice labyrinth. The inferior nasal concha is based on a separate bone. It forms a passage that is necessary for the outflow of tears. The upper and middle shells communicate with the nasal sinuses. When they become inflamed or injured, the passage of air becomes difficult.
Diseases
The turbinates are covered with soft tissues, so when infected, they swell and increase in size. As a result, not only breathing difficulty occurs, but also increased secretion of mucus. As a result of hypertrophy, the nasal passages formed by the shells decrease, that is, they become narrower. Inflammation of these organs is very dangerous, since these structures are in close proximity to the brain. Terrible complications of upper respiratory tract infections are meningitis, encephalitis and sepsis. The most common pathologies are inflammatory lesions of the sinuses - sinusitis. Of these, the most common disease is sinusitis.
Inflammation of the turbinates and sinuses leads to difficulty in breathing, stagnation of mucus and pus, headaches. Another reason for these symptoms isvasomotor rhinitis. It is also caused by inflammation, but the main difference is that with this pathology it is rarely possible to achieve a stable remission. This phenomenon is explained by the abundant blood supply to the turbinates. Less common ailments include congenital anomalies of the ENT organs, injuries, neoplasms.
Treatment of turbinate pathologies
As a result of soft tissue edema, nasal conchas increase. Treatment is necessary, as hypertrophy of the mucosa can lead to complete obstruction of the sinuses. Therefore, with inflammatory pathologies, it is necessary to start therapy as early as possible. It consists in the appointment of antibacterial, antiviral agents, local treatment. Allergic rhinitis requires antihistamines.
As you know, the common cold is the main reason for the use of vasoconstrictor medications. Among them are the drugs Naphthyzin, Xymelin, Nazivin, etc. Despite the fact that these drugs help to cope with a runny nose, it is contraindicated to abuse them. This is especially true for pediatric patients. Frequent use of drops can lead to atrophy of the nasal mucosa. In adults, vasoconstrictor drugs are addictive. Therefore, drops are prescribed for no more than 5-7 days. If, in addition to rhinitis, there are signs of intoxication, and on the x-ray there is a picture of sinusitis, then antibiotic therapy is necessary. They prescribe Cefazolin, Rosenfeld ointment.
Indications for surgical procedures
In some cases, medicationtreatment does not lead to a complete cure for the common cold. Most often this is observed with vasomotor rhinitis. In the presence of this pathology, patients often abuse vasoconstrictor drugs. As a result, medicines lose their effectiveness, the body becomes addictive. Cancellation of drops leads to the resumption of the common cold. In this case, surgical treatment of pathology is recommended. Most often, otolaryngologists insist on vasotomy of the turbinates. In addition to these indications, there are other reasons for surgery.
Among them:
- Congenital anomalies of the turbinates and passages.
- Benign neoplasms (polyps).
- Vascular malformation.
- Injuries resulting in deviated septum and breathing difficulties.
Despite the fact that a runny nose is not considered a serious symptom, in some cases surgery is the only method of treatment. It should be remembered that the constant hypertrophy of the turbinates can lead to oxygen deficiency of the brain. In addition, severe inflammation of the sinuses is often complicated by the breakthrough of a purulent focus and the development of sepsis.
Inferior turbinate vasotomy: method description
One of the treatments for chronic rhinitis is vasotomy. Given that the turbinates are hypertrophied, it is necessary to reduce soft tissue edema. With vasomotor rhinitis, an increase in organs occurs due to abundant blood supply and growth of the mucous membrane. This method of treatmentis to cut the blood vessels. As a result, there is a violation of the blood supply to the mucous membrane and a decrease in its thickness.
This procedure is most commonly performed on the inferior turbinates. It can be either one- or two-sided. In most cases, hypertrophy of both shells is observed.
Vasotomy technique
Inferior turbinate surgery takes about 15-30 minutes. In this case, the patient is conscious. To prevent psychomotor agitation and fear, the patient is blindfolded. During the procedure, the patient is in a sitting position. Special preparation for this surgical intervention is not required.
Vasotomy of the turbinates is performed under local anesthesia. If necessary, such a procedure does not require hospitalization of the patient. The only exceptions are those cases in which postoperative complications (bleeding) develop.
Vasotomy refers to the traditional surgical method. An incision is made in the nasal cavity, and a special instrument is inserted - a raspator. With it, the otolaryngologist separates the mucous membrane. As a result of this procedure, scarring of the vascular tissue occurs. As a result of the re-growth of the mucous membrane does not occur.
Cauterization of the turbinates: what is it for?
An alternative method of surgical treatment is cauterization of blood vessels. It differs in that instead of an incision with a scalpel, the operation is performed with a laser. UnderUnder the action of radiation, the tissue of the turbinates is destroyed, and the vessels are "sealed".
Currently, this method is more preferred and is carried out in almost every clinic.
Techniques for cauterization of turbinates
There are several varieties of cauterization of the turbinates. The most common is laser surgery. In addition to her, stands out:
- Electrocautery. This method consists in probe cauterization of blood vessels.
- Cryodestruction. This procedure is considered the most sparing, it is used for small defects in the mucous membrane. Carried out with liquid nitrogen.
- Radiocoagulation. The essence of the method is to pierce soft tissues and insert them into the holes of the apparatus for cauterization of vessels.
