Deviated Septum: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Do you frequently have sinus infections or have persistent nasal congestion that makes it difficult to breathe? It's possible that you might be dealing with a deviated septum. We'll go deeply into the realm of deviated septums in this extensive post, learning what they are, the symptoms, the produce, the underlying reasons, methods of diagnosis, and the variety of potential treatments. This article can help, whether you're looking for consolation from discomfort or are just interested about this widespread ailment.

Overview

The nose is composed of a nosebone and nasal cartilage. One of these parts is crooked, which reduces the size of one of the nasal passages. A deviated Septum is when one of these passages is significantly dislodged to one side of the nose, resulting in a smaller nasal air passage.

Deviated septum

Nasal septum deviated is a condition in which one nostril air passage is narrower than the other due to a significant displacement of one nostril septum to the side.

One nasal channel may be narrower than the other due to this misalignment, which may result in a variety of uncomfortable breathing issues. In some people, crusting and bleeding may be caused by being exposed to the drying effects of air flow through the septum. Obstruction of the nose can be caused by a deviated nose, swelling of the nasal tissues, or both. Nasal obstruction can be treated with medications to reduce swelling.

To correct a deviated septum, you'll need surgery.

Deviated Septum Symptoms

Living with a deviated septum can result in a range of symptoms that may vary in intensity from person to person. These symptoms include:

1. Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.
2. Facial Pain: Discomfort or pressure around the nose and cheeks.
3. Frequent Nosebleeds: Due to irritation and dryness caused by inadequate airflow.
4. Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Disrupted breathing during sleep.
5. Recurrent Sinus Infections: Blocked drainage leading to infections.
6. Headaches: Especially when nasal congestion is severe.
7. Awareness of the nasal cycle. The nose goes from being blocked on one side to being blocked on the other, which is known as a nasal cycle. Being aware of the nasal cycle is not normal and can be a sign of nasal obstruction.

Preference for sleeping on a particular side. Some people may prefer to sleep on a particular side to optimize breathing through the nose at night if one nasal passage is narrowed.

Read also: Nose Filler: Procedure, Cost, Pros, And Cons

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you experience:

1. A blocked nostril (or nostrils) that doesn't respond to treatment
2. Frequent nosebleeds
3. Recurring sinus infections

Deviated Septum Causes

The causes of a deviated septum (also called deviated nasal septum)can be attributed to various factors:

• Congenital: Some individuals are born with a deviated septum due to a congenital misalignment during fetal development.
• Injury: A traumatic injury to the nose, such as a broken nose, can cause the nasal septum to become misaligned.
• Developmental Issues: Improper growth of the nasal septum during childhood.
• Aging: The nasal septum can naturally shift as you age, potentially leading to a deviated septum.
• Unknown Causes: In some cases, the exact cause of a deviated septum may remain unclear.

Complications

A severely deviated septum causing nasal blockage can lead to:

1. Dry mouth, due to chronic mouth breathing
2. A feeling of pressure or congestion in your nasal passages
3. Disturbed sleep, due to the unpleasantness of not being able to breathe comfortably through your nose at night

How is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?

To diagnose a deviated septum accurately, a medical professional will conduct a thorough evaluation. This might include:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will visually inspect your nasal passages using a light and a nasal speculum before and after applying a decongestant spray.
• Endoscopy: A tiny camera may be inserted into your nostrils to provide a detailed view of the nasal passages.
• Imaging: X-rays or CT scans can offer a clearer picture of the nasal structure and the extent of the deviation, might be recommended for a detailed view of the nasal passages.

How is a Deviated Septum Treated?

Treatment options for a deviated septum depend on the severity of symptoms. Non-surgical options include:

• Medications: Over-the-counter drugs like:

1. Decongestants
2. Antihistamines
3. nasal corticosteroid sprays

can help manage symptoms like congestion and inflammation.

• Nasal Strips: These adhesive strips can be placed on the outside of the nose to widen the nasal passages and improve airflow.
• Saline Irrigation: Rinsing the nasal passages with salt water to reduce congestion.
• Surgery: For severe cases, a surgical procedure may be recommended to straighten the nasal septum and improve breathing. Surgery (known as septoplasty) may be needed to the nasal septum more straight. In some cases (rhinoplasty) may also be needed, which is a surgery to reshape the nose.
  
  

Deviated Septum Surgery

Deviated septum surgery, or Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten the bone and cartilage dividing the space between your two nostrils (septum).

Your nasal septum will be moved to the center of your nose during septoplasty. This could mean your surgeon will need to cut and remove some of your septum before putting it back in place. Once it's healed, you'll probably find it easier to breathe. Talk to your surgeon about what they can do for you.

Before surgery
Before you get surgery, you'll have a meeting with them to talk about the pros and cons of the surgery. This meeting generally includes:

• Your medical history. Your doctor will ask about conditions you have or have had, as well as any current medications or supplements that you're taking.
• A physical examination. You will be subjected to a physical examination, including any necessary tests. The doctor will inspect your skin and the inside and outside of your nose.
• A discussion of your expectations. It is important that you and your doctor discuss your expectations before surgery. Your doctor will explain what the surgery can and cannot do for you, as well as what the results of the surgery may be.
• You should stop taking certain medications before surgery, such as aspirin, Ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as certain herbal supplements. These medications make it difficult for your blood to clot. If you have allergies or bleeding issues, you should also let your doctor know.

• Anesthesia: The procedure may be done with either local or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used depends on the complexity of your operation and your and your surgeon’s preferences.
• Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions inside the nostrils to access the nasal septum.
• Repositioning: The deviated septum will be repositioned and straightened, allowing for improved airflow.
• Closing Incisions: The incisions are closed with absorbable suture

In order to reduce bleeding and swelling further, your surgeon may request that you adhere to these guidelines for a few weeks following your operation. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may not need to do all of these:

1. Elevate your head when you're sleeping.
2. Don't blow your nose for several weeks.
3. Wear clothes that fasten in the front; don't pull clothing, such as shirts or sweaters, over your head.
4. For up to five weeks, avoid strenuous activities like aerobics or jogging, as they may cause a nose bleed.

Read Also: Rhinoplasty in Turkey advantages, and costs

How painful is Septoplasty?

After Septoplasty, you will feel mild to moderate pain. Many people describe the sensation as if they have a sinus infection. The pain and pressure around your eyes, across your forehead and across your cheeks and upper teeth are normal post-septoplasty side effects. They usually go away within a few days.

What are the risks or complications of septoplasty?

Septoplasty complications are rare. However, there might be risks, just as with any surgical operation. These include:

1. Excessive bleeding.
2. Infection
3. Scarring (not visible because it's inside the nose)
4. Perforation of the septum
5. Nose and teeth numbness (usually temporary)
6. severe or persistent pain
7. reduced sense of smell (very rare)
8. unusually thick scars
9. dark skin under the eye
10. difficulty breathing due to narrowed airways
11. Continued symptoms, such as nasal obstruction
12. A change in the shape of your nose
13. A hole in the septum

Booking Your Consultation

If you suspect you have a deviated septum or are struggling with symptoms that might indicate its presence, it's wise to consult a medical professional at ILAJAK medical center. A qualified ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Our team will give you personalized care and  treatment plans to your individual needs. Don't let discomfort hold you back—book a consultation and take the first step toward breathing easier.

Your quality of life may be greatly impacted by a deviated septum, which is a common disease.

By understanding what is  deviated septum, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments, give you the power to make informed decisions about your health.

If you're experiencing discomfort or seeking solutions, our expert at ilajak medical team is here to guide you towards a path of improved well-being. Don't let a deviated septum hold you back from living your life to the fullest.