Nasal Septum Deviation
Septal deviation means the structures which forms a septum between two nasal canal, cartilage and bone are deviated to one side though these structures are meant to be in the midline or nearly midline. That can occur congenital or caused by an injury. A badly deviated septum can cause breathing problems, congestion, and headaches. Surgery is the only solution for the deviated septum.
What is a deviated septum?
The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone that separates two nasal canals. The septum divides the nasal cavity (inside your nose) into right and left passages. It is “deviated” when the septum is off-centre or tilted to one side of the nasal cavity. In the medical field, this is called a deviated nasal septum.
What happens if there is a deviation of the septum?
If you have a small deviated septum (deviation of the nasal bone cartilage curvature), you may have mild or no symptoms at all. If your deviated septum is more severe, it can affect your breathing, cause headaches, or cause infections.
How common is septum deviation?
Deviated septums (deviation of nasal bone cartilage curvature) are very common. Health experts estimate that 80% of people have a deviated septum.
What causes septum deviation?
Injury to the nose can cause a deviated septum (deviation of the nasal bone cartilage curvature). Nose injuries can occur due to:
- Sports.
- Fall.
- Car accidents.
- Getting a blow to the nose during an accident or fight.
A deviated septum (nasal bone cartilage curvature Deviation surgery) may be congenital or may occur after birth. The deviation may be from a difficult birth or from a connective tissue disease.
It can also be a result of normal development. As the nose grows, the septum also grows and can sometimes grow to one side dominantly. This is typically the most common reason for having a deviated septum.
Nose Deviation
What are the symptoms of septum deviation?
There may be a change in the shape of the nose in people with severe curvature.
Other deviated septum symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing on one or both sides of the nose.
- Headache or facial pain.
- Nasal congestion.
- Noisy breathing.
- Nose bleeding
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses).
- Sleep apnea.
- Snore
How is septum deviation diagnosed?
Your specialist will start by asking questions about your symptoms. He or she will perform a physical examination, which includes a close examination of your nose. It will look out of your nose, shine a bright light on your nostrils and check inside your nose. We recommend seeing a doctor with ear, nose and throat (ENT) expertise.
How is septum deviation (nasal bone cartilage curvature Deviation) treated?
Most people do not need septum deviation treatment because they have no or mild symptoms.
Treatment for a deviated septum is a surgery called septoplasty. If you have breathing problems, frequent sinus infections, or other bothersome symptoms, septoplasty may be an option for you.
Who is a candidate for septoplasty (nasal bone cartilage curvature Deviation surgery)?
If your deviated septum symptoms are severe, you may be a candidate for septoplasty. To decide what is best, your doctor will evaluate:
- Septum
- Age.
- Health.
- Risk factors.
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Previous surgeries.
- Alcohol, drug and tobacco use.
- What happens during septoplasty (nasal bone cartilage curvature surgery)?
Septoplasty is usually a one to two hour treatment procedure. You can go home the same day.
A septoplasty has three main steps:
Anesthesia: Your surgeon uses local or general anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable. Local anesthesia numbs the area. General anesthesia puts you to sleep during the procedure.
Repair: Your surgeon separates the membrane covering the septum. Next, the surgeon removes the curved cartilage and bone. Your surgeon then replaces the membranes and stitches them together with stitches.
Bandaging: Your surgeon may put a silicone pad on your nose. Depending on your surgery, you may also have a bandage on the outside of your nose.
Most surgeons perform nasal septoplasty. Sometimes a surgeon also performs sinus surgery (to open the sinuses) or combine with rhinoplasty (a “nose job” that reshapes the nose) which is called also septorhinopasty . The type of surgery depends on your doctor’s advice and your aesthetic expections.
How will my recovery be?
If you’re going to have outpatient surgery, as most people do, you’ll be going home the same day. Your nose may be sore, bruised and swollen for several weeks. It may be uncomfortable or impossible to breathe through your nose during this time. Your doctor may prescribe medication for pain and to help prevent infection.
Most people recover completely within a few months. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect.
Can I prevent septum deviation (nasal cartilage curvature)?
Some people are born with a deviated septum. Irrepressible.
If there was no septal curvature at birth, you can take steps to reduce your risk of injury. Here’s how to protect your nose:
- Using a face mask or helmet during sports.
- Fastening your seat belt.
- Avoiding high-contact sports.
Outlook for people with septum deviation (curvature of nasal cartilage) – what is the prognosis?
For most people, a deviated septum does not cause problems. If you have difficult symptoms, septoplasty may be the right option for you.
Most people who have surgery experience relief from symptoms. Sometimes, the septum will deviate again. This is a natural phenomenon. In this case, your doctor may recommend another septoplasty surgery.
How do I take care of myself with a deviated septum?
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve congestion, headache, or facial pain. You should talk to your doctor for advice about your specific needs.
When should I see my doctor?
If you are having trouble breathing or experiencing symptoms that affect your quality of life, see your doctor. You may request an examination to determine if you have a deviated septum (nasal bone cartilage curvature deviation) and, if so, how severe it is.
What should I ask my doctor?
During your appointment, ask your doctor:
Do you think there is septum deviation (nasal bone cartilage curvature deviation)?
If I have a deviated septum, how severe is it?
Could something else be causing my stuffy nose or other symptoms?
Would you recommend surgery?
Am I a good candidate for surgery?
What are the risks of the surgery?
What can I expect during and after the surgery?
How long will it take for me to recover?
What do you think will be my result?
A deviated septum (deviation of the nasal bone cartilage curvature) is a common condition. Most people have mild or no symptoms at all. Contact your doctor if you have bothersome symptoms such as difficulty breathing, congestion, headache, facial pain, and snoring. Relief may be possible.
You can get information about the negative effects of septum deviation on lung functions in recent years by clicking the link below.