Can a deviated nasal septum cause nosebleeds?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Deviated nasal septum refers to the fracture of the cartilage of the nasal septum, deviating toward one or both nasal cavities. Patients with a deviated nasal septum are prone to bleeding, and this bleeding tends to recur. This is because after the cartilage of the nasal septum deviates toward one side of the nasal cavity, continuous breathing causes the airflow to rub against the protruding nasal mucosal tissue of the deviated side. Additionally, after the deviation, the nasal mucosal tissue itself becomes thinner. Under these conditions, the thinner mucosal tissue at the deviated part is more likely to rupture and get damaged, making it prone to erosion and bleeding, and the blood vessels are also more likely to rupture, leading to bleeding. In summary, a deviated nasal septum can lead to nosebleeds.

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

For the condition of enlarged turbinates and a deviated nasal septum, we need to understand that these are pathological changes in the anatomical structure of the nose. In dealing with anomalies in the anatomical structure, our first step should be to perform a CT scan, then assess the extent of the enlargement of the turbinates and the deviation of the nasal septum. If the condition is severe, and there are relatively prominent symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and even headaches, then we should consider correcting these abnormal structures surgically, by removing these anomalies or correcting the deviated nasal septum or addressing the factors causing the turbinate hypertrophy. If there are no significant symptoms or only minor deviation or enlargement, treatment usually involves medication, primarily nasal sprays such as intranasal corticosteroids. In summary, there are mainly two treatment methods: surgical and medical treatments.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does a deviated septum require hospitalization?

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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What should I do if a deviated nasal septum causes nosebleeds?

Nasal bleeding caused by a deviated nasal septum requires active hemostasis treatment. During the period of nasal bleeding, the deviated area of the nasal septum often forms a protrusion, making one side thinner and more severely deviated, forming a bony spur with a sharp point. The mucosa at this point is thinner and more prone to injuring the surrounding tissue structure. Therefore, nasal bleeding is more likely to occur in a dry nasal cavity or when water intake is low. Once bleeding occurs, the treatment method is similar to that of common nasal bleeding. Firstly, the most common method is compression hemostasis, pressing on the bleeding point to stop the bleeding. Additionally, electrocoagulation can also be considered. After the nasal bleeding has stopped, combined with the patient's medical history, if there is a recurrent condition of nasal bleeding, considering correction of the deviated nasal septum might be needed to fundamentally correct the cause of recurrent nasal bleeding.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you wear a ventilator with a deviated nasal septum?

People with a deviated nasal septum should generally avoid using breathing machines, as the deviation is a bony misalignment that can cause persistent nasal congestion. If a breathing machine is used, the airflow from the machine can irritate the nasal septum membrane, leading to erosion, and in severe cases, cause local rupture and bleeding. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequent condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by abnormal nasal septum development during the embryonic stage, or by subsequent trauma or tumoral pressure, causing the septum to deviate to one or both sides. This deviation can lead to continuous bilateral nasal congestion, along with a sensation of a foreign body in the nasal passages, swelling, headaches, and other related symptoms. It is advised to consult a hospital for an examination, where a diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscope. For treatment, the deviated nasal septum usually requires surgical correction, which can effectively cure the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is good for a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common ENT disorder, and typically it does not require medication for treatment. This is because the deviation of the nasal septum is primarily due to either bony or cartilaginous bends, which are difficult to effectively treat with medications. Medications cannot correct a deviated septum. If the nasal septum deviation is severe and accompanied by related clinical symptoms, surgery may be considered for correction. A common procedure is the endoscopic nasal septum deviation correction surgery, which is minimally invasive and generally has good outcomes. If the deviation is minor and does not present any clinical signs, observation may be sufficient without the need for specific treatment.