Nasal deviation or the medical term Deviated Nasal Septum, is a condition in which the middle nasal septum that separates the two nostrils from each other is out of its flat and central state and is tilted to one side.

This deviation can be congenital or caused by a blow to the nose, and in many cases it leads to breathing problems and frequent sinus infections, which can be treated with septoplasty and sometimes simultaneously with the operation. href="https://drfarokhi.com/%d8%ac%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%ad%db%8c-%d8%b2%db%8c%d8%a8%d8%a7%db%8c%db%8c-%d8%a8%db%8c%d9%86%db%8c/">Nose cosmetic surgery or rhinoplasty.

In this article from the website Dr. Behzad Farrokhi, we are going to discuss the issue of nasal deviation, its symptoms and ways to treat it.

What is the deviation of the nasal septum and what role does it play in breathing?

Nasal blade (septum) is a cartilaginous and bony wall that divides the nasal space into two cavities. The nasal septum should be vertically in the center of the nose so that the air flows evenly in both cavities. If this blade deviates, breathing from one or both nasal cavities will be disturbed.

Symptoms of nasal deviation

Symptoms of nasal deviation may be mild or severe. Some people have no specific symptoms; While some people may face serious problems. The most important symptoms are:

unilateral or bilateral nasal obstruction

• Difficult breathing through the nose, especially when sleeping
• Dry mouth due to mouth breathing
• Frequent or chronic sinusitis
• Snoring in sleep
• Decreased sense of smell
• Sinus headaches
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Feeling of pressure in the face or around the eyes

According to statistics, about 80% of people have deviated nasal septum to some extent; But only a percentage of them need treatment.

causes of nasal deviation

• Nose deviation occurs for various reasons, some of which are mentioned below.
• Maternal (at birth or during fetal development)
• Injury or trauma to the nose (in childhood, sports events or accidents)
• uncoordinated growth of facial bones during puberty

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience the following symptoms, it is better to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.

• Persistent nasal obstruction that interferes with daily life
• Frequent sinus infections
• Sleep disorder or sleep apnea
• Disturbance in smell or taste
• The need for cosmetic surgery at the same time as the correction of the nose structure

Methods of detection of nose deviation

Diagnosis of nasal septum deviation is usually done by a physical examination by an ear, nose and throat specialist. If necessary, imaging tests such as CT scan or nasal endoscopy may be requested to determine the degree of deviation and its effect on the sinuses.

Methods of treatment of nose deviation

Treatment of nasal deviation is possible in two ways, and the best and most suitable method is chosen for the patient based on the diagnosis of the specialist doctor and consultation of the patient.

1. Non-surgical treatments for nasal deviation (temporary)

In mild cases, some symptoms can be temporarily controlled with the following methods:

• corticosteroid nasal sprays (to reduce inflammation)
• Antihistamines (if accompanied by allergies)
• Decongestants (anticongestants)

These methods only relieve the symptoms and do not correct the deviation of the nasal septum.

2. Nasal deviation surgery (Septoplasty)

If the severity of the deviation is high and drug treatment is not effective, septoplasty surgery is recommended as a definitive solution.

How is septoplasty done?

• It is performed as an outpatient or short-term hospitalization.
• During the operation, the nasal septum is corrected and placed in the right place.
• Surgery time is usually between 30 and 90 minutes.
• It usually requires general anesthesia.

post-operative care

• Rest and no heavy activity for up to a week
• Using anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor
• Not finning or touching the nose
• Hygiene to prevent infection

advantages of septoplasty surgery

• Improving nasal breathing
• Reduction of snoring and sleep disorders
• Reduction of sinusitis and frequent infections
• Increasing the quality of life and daily concentration

What is the difference between nasal deviation and nasal polyp?

Although nasal deviation and nasal polyps both cause obstruction of the respiratory tract and similar problems such as nasal congestion or snoring; But in fact, they are two completely different complications with different origins and treatments. Knowing the difference between the two is essential for accurate diagnosis and choosing the right treatment.

Can a deviated nasal septum cause snoring or sleep apnea?

Yes. Obstruction of the nasal passage due to deviation can lead to mouth breathing in sleep, severe snoring and even obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a serious and dangerous sleep disorder.

How much is the cost of nasal septum deviation surgery?

The cost of this operation in Iran varies depending on the type of surgery (with or without cosmetic surgery), the type of hospital, the surgeon's salary and insurance. Usually, if the operation is purely therapeutic and does not have a cosmetic aspect, it is covered by insurance.

FAQ

In the following, some frequently asked questions of users are answered, which can help to identify this problem.

No. The nasal septum does not return to its original position naturally. It can only be corrected by surgery.

2. Does septoplasty surgery hurt?

During the operation, general anesthesia prevents the feeling of pain. After the operation, some discomfort is normal, which is controlled with medication.

3. Does septoplasty change the appearance?

If only septoplasty is performed, the appearance of the nose will not change. But if it is combined with rhinoplasty, it is possible to change the appearance.

Symptoms such as one-sided nasal congestion, snoring in sleep, chronic headaches and breathing problems can indicate nasal septum deviation. Definitive diagnosis is possible only with an examination by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Yes, especially during sleep or physical activity. This problem happens due to blocking of air passage.

In mild cases, the use of sprays, anti-inflammatory drugs or supportive treatments can help; But in moderate to severe cases, the only definitive solution is nasal deviation surgery (septoplasty).

7. Does the deviation of the nose affect the appearance?

If the deviation is severe and puts pressure on the nasal bone, it may also cause the nose to appear crooked. In this case, septoplasty surgery may be combined with cosmetic surgery (rhinoplasty).

8. What are the side effects of nasal deviation?

Chronic sinusitis, nocturnal snoring, bad breath, frequent nosebleeds, sleep disturbance and loss of concentration are among the complications of untreated nasal deviation.

9. How many days of rest does the septoplasty operation require?

Usually 5 to 7 days of relative rest is enough. Most patients can return to daily activities after a week; But heavy activities should be avoided for a month.

10. Is nasal deviation seen in children?

Yes, some babies are born with a deviated nose or may develop this problem as a result of trauma (for example, a fall or an injury during play) in childhood.

11. What is the difference between nasal deviation and nasal polyp?

Nasal deviation is a structural problem related to the nasal septum, while nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous masses caused by chronic inflammation or allergies. The complete comparative table of these two problems is in the text of the article.

last word

Nasal septum deviation is one of the common structural problems in the nose, which is asymptomatic in many cases; But if symptoms occur, it can affect the quality of life. Accurate diagnosis by a specialist doctor and, if needed, septoplasty is the best and most effective way to treat this problem.