Nasal septum deviation
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What is nasal septum deviation?
The nasal septum is the thin wall that divides the nostrils. Its deviation occurs because it displaces towards one of the two sides. In most cases, one side of the nostril becomes smaller than the other while, in others, it can obstruct the nose, affecting the flow of air that the patient breathes.
Some cases of nasal septum deviation cause nasal obstruction that must be treated to alleviate the patient’s discomfort.
Symptoms of deviated septum
Identifying a deviated septum can be difficult as it causes confusing symptoms. This condition is usually diagnosed when attending to other nose-related ailments.
Symptoms may include:
Nasal obstruction in one or both nostrils: The sensation of persistent nasal congestion, even without cold discomfort remains and is not relieved by medication.
Sleep apnea: It is noisy breathing or snoring at night that can interrupt sleep. The main cause of this situation is the deviation of the nasal septum.
Nosebleeds: The tissue lining the septum tissue can dry out due to lack of airflow and mucus, which increases the risk of nosebleeds.
Nasal septum deviation treatments
The current recommended solution is a surgical procedure to correct and align the nasal septum.
Prior to the application of surgery, the ENT physician exhausts the previous pharmacological resources that seek to de-inflate the area to recover the airflow.
Here are the surgical options that are offered:
Rhinoplasty:
Through this surgical process, the deviations of the nasal pyramid are corrected and the internal position of the septum is improved, offering the patient an improvement in terms of their discomfort and also an aesthetic change.
The process consists of permeabilizing the sides of the nose and restoring the possibility of continuous air movement.
Rhinoseptoplasty:
It refers to a more artistic surgery that seeks to obtain an aesthetic and functional result of the nose. In this treatment, all the necessary means are applied to model and correct the nose both internally and externally.
Do you identify with the symptoms exposed? Do you think you need medical attention? Dr. Lech wants to help you find your wellness
Types of nasal septum deviations
Nasal septum deviations can be unilateral or bilateral. To identify them, the ENT specialist performs an image exam, nasal endoscopy, to identify the type of deviation that may be present:
C-shaped deviation: It is a double nasal septum that starts at the beginning, opens in a curve to one side and ends in the turbinate of the nose. The curve usually affects only one side of the nostrils.
S-shaped deviation: It is the irregular growth of the nasal septum that oscillates two or three curves affecting both nostrils.
Causes of deviated septum
Deviated nasal septum can occur in fetal development, during pregnancy or childbirth microfractures can occur that weaken the septal cartilage and cause the deviation or increase the risk of its formation.
Also, septal deviation can occur as a result of trauma. A strong blow can damage the morphology of the wall of the nostrils and its classification will depend on the impact and direction.
Frequently asked questions
The nose, throat and ear organs are connected to each other. Therefore, if there is an obstruction in the nose due to a deviated septum, there may be any other discomfort in the throat that has to do with irritation of the area or infection when exposed to airborne pathogens.
Yes, infections caused by inflammation of the turbinates due to a deviated septum can produce a complication at the ear level. The nose, ear and throat areas are connected to each other. Therefore, it is likely that if one is affected, the rest will suffer symptoms as a consequence.
Having a deviated septum can produce several consequences in the patient, such as:
- Obstruction of the nasal passages, difficulty breathing well, decreased oxygen level in the body.
- Frequent infections of the paranasal sinuses: these infections can cause fever and can be complicated along with the organs of the nose and ear.
- Hemorrhages.
It is estimated that within 4 to 6 weeks the patient can resume their daily routine. Each case is different and your specialist will define the periods in which you can add actions to your routine.
Other recommendations such as rest, no sun exposure and sleeping at a 45-degree angle will be stipulated by the specialist according to what they consider appropriate, evaluating your medical history and regenerative capacity.
Want to relieve your nasal septum deviation? You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lech who is an otolaryngologist physician in Panama
Testimonials from Dr. Lech
LAURA RUIZ RUIZ
2022-06-21
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2022-05-19
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2022-05-19
Buen Dia
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Michel Guerrero
2022-04-25
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