Does a deviated septum require hospitalization?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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The clinical treatment of a deviated nasal septum is primarily through surgical intervention, which involves the removal of the deviated cartilage and bone tissue to correct the structural deviation of the nasal septum. Therefore, hospitalization is required for the surgery, generally for about a week. According to usual procedures, the surgery is performed on the third day, followed by three to four days of intravenous fluid infusion to control and prevent infection. After discharge from the hospital post-surgery, the treatment does not end. Regular follow-up visits to the hospital are necessary to monitor the recovery from nasal mucosal inflammation and to observe the correction of the nasal septum deviation.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be corrected?

Deviations in the nasal septum can be corrected through endoscopic septoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope. The aim of the surgery is to remove or correct the deviated part of the nasal septum's cartilage or bone, achieving proper alignment. Some cases of nasal septum deviation may also involve the formation of spurs, so there is a possibility of damaging the mucosa of the nasal septum during the surgery. This could result in complications such as a septal perforation or a tear in the mucosa on one side of the nose. In such cases, repositioning the mucosa or repairing the perforation generally yields good results in correcting the deviation and restoring normal nasal function.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does a deviated nasal septum affect breathing?

A deviated nasal septum can potentially impact normal breathing, depending primarily on the severity and specific location of the deviation. If the deviation is mild and does not affect the ventilation of the nasal cavity, it will not impact normal breathing. However, if the nasal septum deviation is more pronounced, especially if it occurs in the middle, or affects the middle or front sections of the nasal cavity, it can interfere with normal airflow and lead to nasal congestion, which may affect breathing. In cases where nasal obstruction is significant and the septum deviation is severe, it is generally considered necessary to perform a septoplasty under endoscopy. After surgery, most patients can achieve effective relief and recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to treat a deviated nasal septum?

Deviated nasal septum refers to the deviation of nasal septum cartilage and bone tissues towards one or both nasal cavities, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and even headaches. Generally speaking, when these symptoms of nasal septum deviation occur, surgical treatment is typically adopted. This involves correcting and removing the deviated cartilage and bone tissues under endoscopic guidance to restore normal airflow in the nasal passages. If a patient only has structural or radiographic evidence of a deviated nasal septum but lacks clinical symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. Alternatively, temporary observation and medical management to control inflammation of the nasal mucosa can be considered.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be left untreated without surgery?

Whether or not surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum ultimately depends on the individual's specific symptoms and the extent of the deviation. This condition, which is a very common congenital developmental abnormality, can also be caused by postnatal trauma. Deviations are very common in the human body, but not everyone requires surgery. The diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum mainly considers whether the extent of the deviation affects function or appearance, that is, whether it causes pathological changes. If the nasal septum deviation does not cause functional changes or affect appearance, then surgery is not necessary. If it causes nasal congestion or leads to complications such as rhinitis or sinusitis, or affects appearance, then surgical treatment should be considered. Therefore, whether surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum should be based on the severity and the presence of related clinical symptoms.