Understanding Deviated Septum: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
The septum separates the nasal passages. Deviation to one side or off-centre cartilage or bone causes a deviated septum. The nasal septum plays a significant role in defining the nose's structure and appearance, as its shape and position can affect overall shape, size, and symmetry.
We know that the cartilage and bone in your nose are the nasal septa. The septum splits the nasal cavity into the right and left sides. When the septum is off-centre or leans to one side of the nasal cavity, it is said to have deviated.
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To seek treatment, you can consult an ENT specialist near your home.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
Most septal deformities have no symptoms, and you may not even know you have one. However, some septal deformities can have the following signs and symptoms:
- One or both nostrils can become blocked. This blockage can make breathing difficult. If you have a cold or allergies that cause nasal congestion, you might experience this more frequently. When your nasal passages become swollen and narrow, it can affect your breathing and make certain sensations more noticeable.
- Your nasal septum layer may become dry, making nosebleeds more likely.
- Facial pain. Severely deviated septum exerts pressure, leading to one-sided facial pain.
- Noisy breathing during sleep. One of the many causes of noisy breathing while sleeping is a deviated septum or swelling of the intranasal tissues.
- Preference for sleeping on a particular side. Because of the narrowness of one nasal passage, some people may prefer to sleep on one side to improve breathing, which can cause a deviated septum.
What are the causes of a deviated septum?
A person can be born with the condition. It can also occur because of a nose injury. Contact sports, fighting, and car accidents are all common causes of these injuries. The septum expands as one gets older.
When should I consult a doctor?
If you face difficulties or symptoms in daily life, seek medical attention for proper guidance and care.
How is a deviated septum diagnosed?
ENT doctors use a nasal speculum to examine your nostrils and diagnose a deviated septum. Your doctor will check the septum to assess its position and how it affects the shape and size of your nasal passages. Your doctor will also inquire about sleep, snoring, sinus issues, and breathing difficulties.
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How is a deviated septum treated?
Treatment aims to manage and alleviate symptoms of a deviated septum rather than eliminating the condition. It could be with the help of a few medications and a surgical procedure.
Your doctor may prescribe decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal sprays.
- Decongestants: Decongestants help keep the airways on both sides of your nose open by reducing nasal tissue swelling. Decongestants come in two convenient forms: oral tablets and nasal sprays. However, use nasal sprays with caution.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines help prevent allergy symptoms such as a runny nose. They can also help with non-allergic conditions like a cold.
- Nasal steroid spray: Nasal corticosteroid sprays can help with nasal swelling and drainage. Steroid sprays can take 1-3 weeks to reach their full potential. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and consistently for optimal results.
The Septoplasty procedure is an outpatient procedure. Here are three steps for a septoplasty:
- Anaesthesia: your surgeon will use local and general anaesthesia to ensure comfort. They numb the area with local anaesthesia. During the procedure, they will sedate you with general anaesthesia.
- Repairing the membrane: Your surgeon separates the membrane that covers the septum. The surgeon then removes the deviated cartilage and bone. Your surgeon will then replace the membranes and stitch them together.
- Bandaging: Your surgeon may use gauze to pack your nose. Depending on your surgery, you may have bandages on the outside of your nose.
They do a septoplasty through the nose. Sometimes, a surgeon performs sinus surgery (to open the sinuses) or rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). However, your doctor decides on the type of surgery.
Can I prevent a deviated septum?
A deviated septum is often a congenital disorder, and surgeons cannot prevent its occurrence. However, they can correct the condition with surgery. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of injury if you do not have a deviated septum at birth:
- During sports, wear a face mask or a helmet.
- Do not forget to fasten your seatbelt.
- You can avoid high-contact sports.
Conclusion
Connective tissue disease is to blame for the deviation. To protect the nose, athletes may need to wear a face mask during sports or avoid high-contact sports.
FAQs
Is it possible for a deviated septum to worsen over time?
- You must understand that it will not heal on its own. Therefore, it is critical to address this problem as soon as possible. Failure to do so may cause dry mouth, sleep disturbances, and nasal congestion or pressure.
Can a deviated septum influence your brain?
- A deviated septum can impact one's quality of life during the day, with decreased breathing at night, a low level of oxygen in the encephalon, poor sleep, and even snoring.
Is a deviated septum harmful to your heart?
- A deviated nasal septum with nasal obstruction has far-reaching consequences for the body. By obstructing airflow, nasal obstruction disrupts the physiological ventilation of the lung. This action decreases oxygenation in the lungs and increases respiratory and heart rates.