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Deviated nasal septum
Manifestations of a deviated nasal septum
Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, which may present clinical symptoms. The extent of these symptoms largely depends on the degree of the deviation and the individual's personal sensitivity. If the deviation is mild and not severe, it might not show any obvious symptoms and is usually discovered during physical examinations or nasopharyngoscope evaluations. Additionally, it may be accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, and a decrease in the sense of smell. If these clinical symptoms occur, it is necessary to undergo nasopharyngoscopy and sinus CT scans to assess the specific degree of nasal septum deviation. Some patients may require surgical treatment.
Can a deviated nasal septum be manually adjusted by hand?
A deviated nasal septum cannot be manually adjusted, as the site of deviation is deep within the nasal cavity and thus inaccessible by hand. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequent condition encountered in otolaryngology. It mainly results from abnormal nasal septum development during the embryonic stage or from postnatal trauma to the nasal septum and pressure from nasal tumors causing the septum to deviate to one side. After developing a deviated nasal septum, the patient may experience continuous, progressive nasal congestion, as well as facial swelling, pain, and headaches among other symptoms. In severe cases, the deviation may lead to complications such as sinusitis and nasal polyps, which can be diagnosed with an endoscopic examination and sinus CT scan at a hospital. In terms of treatment, minor deviations of the nasal septum do not require intervention. However, if associated symptoms are present, localized surgical correction may be necessary and can be curative.
Does a deviated septum require surgery?
First, it is necessary to ascertain the degree of deviation, as a normal person's nasal septum is usually somewhat deviated. It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology department to complete relevant examinations to determine the extent of the deviation, and then decide on the next steps. If the deviation is severe and accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion and nasal discharge, surgical treatment may be considered. However, for those who do not have symptoms and whose breathing is not affected, surgery is generally not considered. Therefore, the decision should be based on clinical symptoms and the degree of deviation. After surgery, it is important to rest, avoid strenuous activity, keep the area clean and dry, and prevent infection.
What are the dangers of deviated septum and enlarged turbinates?
Nasal septal deviation and hypertrophy of the turbinates refer to the cartilaginous and bony parts of the nasal septum leaning towards one side, or both sides, of the nasal cavity, which interferes with the normal drainage function of the nasal passage. The deviation of the nasal septum to one side can cause compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinate on the same side, primarily the enlargement of the inferior turbinate. Clinically, this is mainly manifested by symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Therefore, for severe nasal septal deviation, it is often necessary to perform a sinus CT scan to determine the degree of deviation, followed by endoscopic surgery to correct the deviation.
Nasal septum deviation, general anesthesia or local anesthesia?
Nasal septum deviation is generally treated under general anesthesia through nasal septum deviation correction surgery. During the surgery, the patient experiences no pain. Typically, the surgery can be completed in about one to two hours; this is a routine procedure in otolaryngology. Nasal septum deviation is primarily caused by congenital developmental deformities of the nasal septum or trauma to the nasal septum sustained later in life. This condition leads to persistent and progressively worsening nasal congestion on both sides, along with sensations of swelling and a foreign body in the nasal passages. Severe cases can cause dizziness, headaches, and other related symptoms. A thorough examination at a hospital using an electronic rhinoscope and nasal bone CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. In severe cases of nasal septum deviation, correction surgery under general anesthesia is needed for a complete cure.
Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone structure of the nasal septum are off to one side or both sides of the nasal cavities, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Clinically, the formation of a deviated septum is commonly caused by trauma. Other factors include congenital and acquired reasons. Congenitally, it may be due to compression during childbirth, and acquired reasons may include conditions like rhinitis or enlarged adenoids, leading to nasal dysfunction. This affects the development of the nasal septum, particularly the uneven growth of the septal cartilage and bones, which results in the deviation of the septum, primarily due to these factors.
How to relieve a deviated nasal septum?
The decision is mainly based on the severity of the deviation. If it is just a simple nasal septum deviation and not particularly severe, and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, then treatment is not necessary. Most patients may not have clear symptoms, and the deviation is often discovered during a physical examination or through a nasal endoscopy; in such cases, specific medication or surgery is not required. However, if the deviation is particularly severe and accompanied by obvious clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, induced sinusitis, headaches, or nasal bleeding, it is advisable to consider corrective surgery under nasal endoscopy. This procedure is minimally invasive, and the general recovery period is about a week, and the overall results are relatively clear.
Do people with a deviated nasal septum faint?
A simple deviation of the nasal septum generally does not cause people to faint. Common clinical symptoms of a deviated nasal septum include repeated nasal congestion, runny nose, and nosebleeds. Some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, and snoring during sleep, but generally, consciousness remains clear without episodes of fainting. If fainting occurs, it is necessary to investigate other potential issues, such as fluctuations in blood pressure, low blood sugar, or problems related to blood vessels or nerves in the head. It is generally advised to first consult with a neurology department to investigate the specific causes of the fainting. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe, considering surgery might be an option.
How to treat a deviated nasal septum?
The treatment of a deviated nasal septum primarily depends on the severity of the condition. If it is a minor deviation without noticeable clinical symptoms, most people can simply be observed and may not require specific treatment. However, if the deviation is significant and accompanied by clinical symptoms, such as frequent poor nasal ventilation, particularly blocked nostrils on the deviated side, as well as possible nosebleeds or headaches, surgery might be considered. Currently, corrective surgery for a deviated nasal septum under endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. Although there are certain risks associated with the surgery, the overall risk is not high. After surgical treatment, most patients are able to recover normally.
Do deviated nasal septum and enlarged turbinates require surgery?
Whether surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum and enlarged turbinates should be determined based on the following aspects. First, it depends on whether there are clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, and particularly if it is severe and persistent, and whether symptoms like nosebleeds and headaches are present. Symptoms are a necessity before considering surgery; Second, some tests can be conducted, such as a sinus CT scan, to assess the extent of turbinate enlargement and the severity of the nasal septum deviation. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe, then surgery is absolutely necessary; Third, some tests related to nasal cavity function can be combined to determine the necessity for surgery. The main function of the nasal cavity refers to its ventilation capability, such as the nasopharyngeal reflex and nasal resistance tests. An overall assessment of the impact of enlarged turbinates and the deviated septum on the nasal cavity can then guide the decision on whether to undergo surgical treatment.