What is deviated septum?
The thin wall between the nostrils is made of cartilage and bone and is called the septum. The septum is made up of bone and cartilage. When this cartilage or bone is off-center (deviated to one side) or crooked, it is referred to as a deviated septum.
- A deviated septum may be present at birth, may become crooked during growth, or may be caused by injury to the nose and face.
- A deviated septum often does not have any symptoms, but some symptoms include difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, sinus infections, nosebleeds, sleep problems, headache, and postnasal drip.
- Some symptoms of deviated septum may be treated with medication.
- More severe cases of deviated septum may require surgery to repair the septum.
What are the causes of deviated septum?
Most people do not have a perfectly straight septum, but it may be misaligned due to two main causes:
- A person can be born with a deviated septum (congenital), or it can bend due to normal growth during childhood.
- Another cause of deviated septum is injury or trauma, such as a broken nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of deviated septum?
A deviated septum may not cause any problems in some people.
When a deviated septum does cause symptoms, they may include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Nasal congestion, usually one side more than the other
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Nosebleeds
- Sleep problems, such as contributing to loud snoring or sleep apnea
- Headache postnasal drip
When should I see a doctor about a deviated septum?
See your doctor about a deviated septum if you experience any of the following:
- Trouble with nasal breathing
- Sleep problems (particularly sleep apnea)
- Chronic sinus problems
A deviated septum may cause any of these problems, however, there are other reasons these symptoms may occur and it is important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.
How is deviated septum diagnosed?
Your healthcare professional can diagnose a deviated septum during the physical examination. Usually, a bright light and an instrument that can help visualize the nasal septum by opening the nostril (nasal speculum) will help make the correct diagnosis.
Some deviated septums are deep in the nose and may require further evaluation in the office with a small telescope or endoscope. Imaging may occasionally be done with a CT scan to view the extent and other associated findings, but this is not often done.
IMAGES
Deviated Septum See a medical illustration of the ear plus our entire medical gallery of human anatomy and physiology See ImagesHow is deviated septum treated?
A deviated septum is an extremely common condition and many people with a deviated septum do not need treatment.
Some symptoms such as a stuffy nose or postnasal drip may be alleviated with medication, including decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal sprays. In many cases, medications are tried before surgery is recommended.
If a person has a deviated septum and it causes breathing problems or sleep apnea and snoring, surgery may be recommended to repair the septum.
Surgery to fix a deviated septum is called the following:
- A septoplasty
- Submucous resection of the septum
- Septal reconstruction
REFERENCE:
"Devaiated septum: The basics"
UptoDate.com
Top Deviated Septum Related Articles
Broken Bone
A broken bone is a fracture. There are different types of fractures, such as:- compressed,
- open,
- stress,
- greenstick,
- spiral,
- vertebral compression,
- compound, and
- comminuted.
Symptoms of a broken bone include pain at the site of injury, swelling, and bruising around the area of injury. Treatment of a fracture depends on the type and location of the injury.
Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
Chronic rhinitis (non allergic rhinitis) causes runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and congestion. Post-nasal drip is drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the throat. Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Is Septoplasty a Major Surgery?
Septoplasty is a procedure to straighten a deviated septum. The septum is a bone-and-cartilage partition separating the two chambers of the nose. It can handle a substantial amount of force; however, a tremendous force can lead to fracture, resulting in the deviation of the septum. A deviated septum can lead to nasal obstruction.
Nasal Airway Surgery (Septoplasty)
Deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinectomy (nasal airway surgery) is performed on individuals who have a deviated or crooked septum or enlarged tissues (turbinates) within the nose. The goal of surgery is to improve breathing, control nosebleeds, relieve sinus headaches, and promote drainage of the sinus cavities. Risks and complications of surgery should be discussed with the surgeon prior to surgery.
Nasal Allergy Slideshow
Nasal allergies are a common problem that affects millions of people. An allergist can recommend the best allergy nasal sprays and other medications to treat allergy symptoms. OTC allergy nasal sprays, prescription nasal sprays for allergies, and other treatments are available.
Nasal Irrigation
Clogged sinuses and congestion bothering you? Nasal irrigation can relieve sinus symptoms associated with colds and allergies. Learn how to do nasal irrigation with this visual guide from WebMD.
Nosebleed
Nosebleeds are common in dry climates during winter months, and in hot dry climates with low humidity. People taking blood clotting medications, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory medications may be more prone to nosebleeds. Other factors that contribute to nosebleed are trauma (including nose picking, especially in children), rhinitis (both allergic and nonallergic), and high blood pressure. First-aid treatments for a nosebleed generally do not need medical care. Frequent or chronic nosebleeds may require medical treatment such as over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and prevention of nose picking.
All About Polyps
Do you know what a polyp is? Learn the definition of a polyp, which can be found in the sinuses, stomach, colon, gallbladder, and elsewhere. Learn about endometrial polyps, adenomatous polyps, sessile polyps, pedunculated polyps, uterine polyps, and cervical polyps. Some are more likely to cause cancer.
Sinus Surgery (Endoscopic) Procedure
Sinus surgery involves the precise removal of diseased sinus tissue with the improvement in the natural drainage channels by the creation of a pathway for infected material to drain from the sinus cavities. The sinus surgery information is provided to help you prepare for sinus surgery and to help you understand more clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications.
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
Sleep Disorders
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. The National Institutes of Health recommend about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep: 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement).
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is defined as a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea, obstructive apnea (OSA), and a mixture of central and obstructive apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to activate the muscles of breathing during sleep. OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway during sleep. OSA is diagnosed and evaluated through patient history, physical examination and polysomnography. There are many complications related to obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments are surgical and non-surgical.
What Is Nasal Reconstruction?
The nose is one of the most important aspects of facial aesthetics. Fortunately for people with severe injuries, congenital deformities or concerns about their appearance, nose reconstruction surgery techniques are common and well-established. The reconstruction of a defect in the nose is more difficult than other parts of the face, however, because of the three-dimensional structure of the nose.