Understanding Deviated Nasal Septum: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
The nasal septum, which divides the nasal cavity in two, can sometimes curve to the right or to the left. In the case of this curvature, which is defined as nasal septum deviation, there is a difference between the volume of the nasal cavity. That is, when entering more than one nostril, less air enters than the other. The "nasal septum deviation", one of the most common causes of ascending intranasal airway resistance, is found to be reduced by 60-80% in the more or less common population.The human nose plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It's not just a prominent facial feature but also a vital part of our respiratory system. Breathing, smelling, and even speaking are functions closely linked to the health and proper functioning of the nasal passages. However, when the nasal septum becomes deviated, it can lead to various issues that can affect one's quality of life. In this comprehensive article, I will explore nasal septum deviation, its causes, symptoms, and the available treatment options.
What Is the Nasal Septum?
The nasal septum is a thin wall made of bone and cartilage that separates the nasal passages. Ideally, it should be positioned right in the center of the nose, dividing it into two symmetrical halves. This allows for balanced airflow through both nostrils, ensuring efficient respiration.
What Is Nasal Septum Deviation?
Nasal septum deviation occurs when the septum is displaced or deviates from its normal, centrally located position. This misalignment can vary in severity and can develop in different directions, such as to the left or right. It can be present from birth or develop due to various factors over time. In some cases, it may not cause noticeable problems, while in others, it can lead to a range of symptoms and complications.
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| In the tomography section above, a deviation of the nasal septum is seen, which causes serious narrowing in the right nasal cavity. |
There is no serious symptom in every nasal septum deviations!
A deviation of the nasal septum is observed in over 80% of individuals, but not all instances of septal deviation lead to symptoms. Surgery is not necessary for every septal deviation; it is only recommended when the deviation narrows the air passage and causes nasal congestion. In certain patients, even a minor deviation close to the nasal valve area can result in significant nasal congestion. |
| In the image above, a sharp-edged, spiny bone spur-like septum deviation is seen, narrowing the left nasal cavity. |
Many symptoms may occur in patients with severe nasal septum deviation!
Patients with advanced curvature in nasal septum may develop nasal obstruction and associated manifestations. Symptoms that can be attributed to the nasal septum deviation:• Nasal obstruction is the most common complaint due to nasal septum deviation ... Generally, the severity of nasal obstruction of pregnancy, allergic disease and upper respiratory tract infections increases.
• Bleeding of the nose. The surface of your nasal septum may become dry, increasing your risk of nosebleeds.
• Facial pain. Patients with severe nasal septum deviation may experience pressure and contact-related pain that the nasal septum has made to the lateral wall. Sometimes this pain can be mixed with tension type headache or migraine headache.
• Noisy breathing during sleep and decreased sleep quality, snoring, or aggravation in the sleep apnea.
• Awareness of the nasal cycle. Maybe you are not aware, but you have to lie down to the side of the nasal septum deviation! It is normal for the nose to alternate being obstructed on one side, then changing to being obstructed on the other. This is called the nasal cycle. The nasal cycle is a normal phenomenon, but being aware of the nasal cycle is unusual and can be an indication that there is an abnormal amount of nasal obstruction.
• Recurrent sinus infections
• As a result of nasal obstruction, very different additional symptoms may occur such as adverse effects on tracheal function, gum disease, decrease in exercise capacity
Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum
Nasal septum deviation is usually due to genetic and traumatic causes. While traumas may cause nasal septum deviation from the mother's womb, with the pressure of the baby's face during cooling; Trauma to the nose directly after birth can also cause this situation. Traumas that cause nasal septum deviation in growing children can also cause various nasal deformities that occur when growth is complete.
Diagnosis of Nasal Septum Deviation
If you suspect you have a deviated septum due to the presence of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They will typically perform a physical examination, using a light and a nasal speculum to inspect the inside of your nose. The entire nasal septum can be evaluated in the endoscopic nasal examination performed by an ear, nose and throat specialist. In some cases, additional imaging tests like CT scans may be required to assess the extent of the deviation.
Treatment of Nasal Septum Deviation
It is not possible to correct nasal septum deviation with medical treatment. As a result, there is a mechanical stenosis and if this stenosis bothers the patient, septoplasty can be performed with a closed or open technique. Kliask septoplasty operation is performed through the nose with a closed technique. After local anesthetic injection, a 1 cm incision is made from the entrance of the nasal cavity to the nasal septum (Killian Incision). Submucosal dissection is performed, and the mucosa of the opposite side is dissected over the cartilaginous septum. Deviated cartilage and chymic septum areas and base crest are resected. At the end, bleeding is controlled and the septum and incision area are sutured with absorbable stitches. The technique here can be modified. It may be named as Submucosal Resection, Septoplasty, Deviation Operation. In patients with caudal septum deviation (anterior septal dislocation), which can change the shape of the nostrils, the open technique can be used. The procedure begins with an inverted V incision made on the columella and dissection begins in the caudal part of the septum. Although it is more comfortable to perform the septoplasty operation under general anesthesia; It can also be done under local anesthesia. When the procedure is completed, an internal silicone splint is placed to stabilize the nasal septum and prevent septal hematoma and is fixed to the front of the septum with a stitch. After the closed technique or classical septplasty operation, nasal bandage is not required and there is no change in the shape of the nose.
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| The image above shows nasal cavity photographs before and one week after surgery in a patient who underwent turbinate reduction with septoplasty + radiofrequency. Since the photo was taken immediately after the internal silicone splints were removed, the outward convex part is visible on the turbinates. Within a few days, the turbinate turns into a shape close to the cylinder. |
Cost of Treatment of Nasal Septum Deviation
The cost of septum deviation surgery in Istanbul varies between 2500-3000 US Dollars depending on the hospitals. When nose tip aesthetics or rhinoplasty operations are performed along with this operation, the procedure fee may be higher if very luxurious hospitals are preferred.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
If you undergo septoplasty or another surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, you can expect a recovery period. Here are some general guidelines for post-operative care:
Rest: Take it easy and avoid strenuous activities for at least a week following surgery.
Pain management: You may experience mild pain or discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Nasal congestion: Swelling and congestion are common after surgery. Your doctor may recommend saline sprays or other treatments to alleviate these symptoms.
Nasal packing: In some cases, nasal packing may be used to control bleeding and support the healing process. This will typically be removed by your doctor within a few days.
Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
Avoiding irritants: Avoid tobacco smoke, pollutants, and other irritants that can hinder the healing process and potentially exacerbate symptoms.
On this website, the link group where you can read the articles I have previously published about nasal septum deviation >> https://www.ent-istanbul.com/search?q=nasal+septum+deviation
Source links >>
Source links >>
- Deviated septum - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
- What Is Deviated Septum? Surgery, Symptoms, Recovery, & Causes
Murat Enoz, MD, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon - ENT Doctor in Istanbul
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Address: İncirli Cad. No:41, Kat:4 (Dilek Patisserie Building), Postal code: 34147, Bakırköy - İstanbul
Appointment Phone: +90 212 561 00 52
Appointment Phone: +90 212 561 00 52
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