A deviated septum does sound like a very technical phrase, like some sort of complicated medical terminology. On the contrary, it is rather quite common and involves an abnormal condition of the nasal passage. To be precise, let’s explain exactly what a deviated septum really is, how it can impact your life, and when surgery might become necessary to fix it.
Table of Contents
What is a Deviated Septum?
First of all, the nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nasal cavity into two halves: left and right. Ideally, this septum should be centrally aligned so that air passes through both sides of your nose under the same pressure. However, in most people, this septum isn’t straight. It might be off-center a little, curving, or twisted. We call this a deviated septum.
Causes and Symptoms
A deviated septum can exist at birth. It can also be the result of an injury to the nose. Any sort of sports accident, a fall, or some other injury to the nose can cause the septum to shift out of place. In some cases, the deviation may not cause any apparent difficulty. However, when it does, then the symptoms vary widely:
- Nasal congestion: The most common symptom is difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.
- Nosebleeds: The pressure due to irregular airflow and dryness can sometimes cause nosebleeds.
- Sinus infections: Because of the poor drainage from the affected side, recurrent sinus infections may result.
- Snoring or sleep apnea: In severe cases, the deviation can contribute to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
- Facial pain: There may be facial pain or headaches, particularly in cases of recurring sinus infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis for deviated septum is primarily conducted physically by an otolaryngologist. The specialist will use a light and a nasal speculum to inspect the inside of your nose. Sometimes, a CT scan might be ordered to visualize the structures in the nasal passage more clearly.
Available Treatment Options
The management of a deviated septum depends on the severity of the symptoms. Surgery is not called for in everyone with a deviated septum. Some of the common modes of approach include:
- Medications: Nasal sprays, decongestants, and antihistamines help in the management of symptoms like congestion and inflammation.
- Surgery: The surgical procedure to straighten the septum is known as septoplasty. It is usually recommended in conditions where this deviation considerably damages breathing or produces other bothersome symptoms that don’t respond to other forms of treatments.
- Rhinoplasty: Sometimes, septoplasty is combined with cosmetic surgery of the nose, also known as rhinoplasty, when the appearance of the outside of the nose is also an issue.
The Surgical Procedure
The procedure is done under general anesthesia. First, an incision is made inside the nose, and the mucous membrane covering the septum is elevated. Subsequently, deformities in the deviated septum are reshaped or repositioned to improve nostril airflow. Finally, the mucous membrane is replaced and stitched.
Recovery and Outlook
Recovery after surgery differs from person to person, but most patients return home the same day as surgery. Immediately after surgery, many people experience some swelling and congestion of the nose, which typically improves over the first week or two. Recovery can take several weeks, though—usually with some limitations regarding physical activities and blowing the nose during the earlier phases of healing.
When is Surgery Needed?
Whether or not surgery is required depends on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of symptoms: In cases where a deviated septum is drastically affecting breathing or other symptoms that inhibit the quality of life, surgery may be considered.
- Response to other treatments: If medications and other non-surgical treatments have not given sufficient relief, then intervention by surgery may be the next step.
- Impact on daily life: In conditions of chronic congestion, frequent sinus infections, or sleep disturbances caused by nasal obstruction, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Possible Risks of Deviated Septum Surgery
While a deviated septum surgery can be beneficial, there can be some risks related to it. If your doctor recommends surgery, you should never hesitate to ask about its risks and side effects. A deviated septum surgery is not very risky, however, like any other surgery, it can include some complications, such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scar
- Discoloration of nose
- Anesthesia risks
Conclusion
A deviated septum is a condition where the thin wall separating your nasal passages becomes off-center or crooked. While many people with a deviated septum don’t need surgery, for most others, it can really be able to improve one’s quality of life in cases of bothersome or severe symptoms. Septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for straightening the septum and re-establishing adequate airflow through the nose. If you feel you have a deviated septum, and it may be causing problems in your life, speaking with an ear, nose, and throat specialist may help you decide what to do. It may make breathing a little easier and feel a lot better right around the corner.