What is Nasal Septum Deviation?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is the meaning of Nasal Septum Deviation?
When the nasal septum is off-center or leans towards one side of the nasal cavity, it is known as a nasal septum deviation. A septum is cartilage and the bone that divides the nasal cavity (the hollow part inside the nose) into the right and left sides. A deviated septum makes breathing difficult and may require treatment.
In this article, we will be talking in detail about nasal septum deviation.
- What are the causes of Nasal Septum Deviation?
- What are the symptoms of Nasal Septum Deviation?
- How to diagnose a Nasal Septum Deviation?
- What is the treatment for Nasal Septum Deviation?
- How to prevent Nasal Septum Deviation?
What are the causes of Nasal Septum Deviation?
The various causes of nasal septum deviation include:
- Congenital: A nasal septum deviation may occur when the fetus is developing in the womb and is present at birth. This is known as a congenital condition.
- Injury to the nose: A nasal septum deviation can occur due to an injury or trauma to the nose. This may occur in cases of contact sports like wrestling, car accidents, falls, or a fistfight.
The aging process usually worsens a deviated nasal septum already present.
( Know more about- What is Rhinoplasty? Causes, Procedure, Aftercare, Cost )
What are the symptoms of Nasal Septum Deviation?
Many cases of nasal septum deviation have no symptoms. However, some cases of a deviated nasal septum show the following symptoms:
- Obstruction of the nostrils: The deviated septum can block one or both the nostrils and make breathing difficult.
- Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion is a common problem associated with a deviated nasal septum. This is more apparent when one has allergies or cold, which may lead to the swelling and narrowing of the nasal passages.
- Nosebleeds: The nasal septum surface may become dry and increase the chances of nose bleeding.
- Headaches and facial pain: A severe case of a deviated nasal septum may cause headaches and facial pain.
( Know more about- Headache tablet )
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep: A deviated nasal septum or swelling of the tissues in the nose may cause noisy breathing or snoring during sleeping.
- Sinusitis: A deviated nasal septum may cause infection and inflammation of the sinuses causing a condition known as sinusitis.
- Sleep apnea: A sleep disorder in which the breathing stops and starts repeatedly is known as sleep apnea and it may occur due to a deviated nasal septum.
- Preference to sleep on a particular side: If the nasal passage is narrowed or obstructed the person may prefer to sleep on a particular side to optimize breathing through the nose while sleeping.
( Know more about- What is Speech Therapy? Purpose, Method, Advantages, Disadvantages )
How to diagnose a Nasal Septum Deviation?
- Physical examination: The doctor will first physically examine the patient.
- Symptom evaluation: The doctor will also ask the patient about symptoms like breathing difficulties, sinus problems, sleep disorders, and snoring.
- Nasal speculum: A bright light and an instrument (known as nasal speculum) is used to visualize the nasal septum by opening the nostril to make the correct diagnosis.
- Fiber-optic nasal endoscopy: It is a diagnostic procedure that gives a detailed image of the nasal passage to detect any abnormalities that may be obstructing breathing.
- CT scan: A series of x-rays and a computer is used to obtain clear images in a CT scan. However, it is rarely used in cases of a deviated septum.
( Know more about- What is Frozen Shoulder? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment)
What is the treatment for Nasal Septum Deviation?
Most cases of a deviated nasal septum do not require any treatment. In severe cases of nasal septum deviation, surgery may be required.
The following modes of treatment can be done for a deviated nasal septum:
Conservative treatment:
Some people choose to avoid surgery due to cost, risk factors, or any other factors. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe the following to treat the symptoms associated with a nasal septum deviation:
- Decongestants: These are medicines that are used for the treatment of a blocked or stuffy nose.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a group of drugs that are used to treat nasal congestion or sneezing due to nasal congestion.
- Nasal strips: A nasal strip is a type of adhesive bandage that is applied across the nose and at the sides of the nostrils to help in improved breathing, prevention of snoring, and better sleep.
- Nasal steroid spray: A small bottle of a steroid solution that is sprayed into the nose to get relief from congestion and help in better breathing is called a nasal steroid spray.
Septoplasty surgery
- The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (the area of surgery is made numb) or general anesthesia (the patient is put to sleep during the procedure).
- The surgeon separates the membrane covering the septum.
- The deviated cartilage and bone are then removed. This procedure will help in straightening the nasal septum and the nasal passage.
- Silicone splints may be inserted in each nostril for supporting the nasal septum.
- The membranes are then replaced and sutured (stitched together) together.
- The nose is then packed with gauze.
- Depending on the severity of the case, the surgeon may put bandages on the outside of the nose.
- The surgery takes about one to two hours to complete and is an outpatient procedure (no overnight stay in the hospital is required).
( Know more about- What is a Slipped Disc? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention )
How to prevent Nasal Septum Deviation?
A deviated nasal septum present at birth (congenital) cannot be prevented.
However, some precautions can be taken to prevent nasal septum deviation occurring later in life like:
- Wearing your seat belt while sitting in a motor vehicle.
- Avoid high-contact sports like boxing and wrestling.
- Wearing a helmet when playing sports.
We hope we could answer all your questions about nasal septum deviation through this article.
If you want more information and treatment of nasal septum deviation you can contact an ENT specialist.
We only aim to give you information through this article. We do not recommend medication or treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you good advice and the correct treatment plan.
