How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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In this situation, we need to consider various factors. The most common primary cause is a congenital uneven development of the nasal septum, which leads to what we call congenital deviation of the nasal septum. Another cause is abnormal development or injury acquired later in life. For example, one common issue is children who snore loudly for extended periods during sleep and breathe through their mouths; they can develop enlarged adenoids, which might cause the upper jaw to protrude. This, in turn, can lead to abnormal development and deviation of the nasal septum. Additionally, injuries often occur when children are playing or accidentally during physical activities, leading to a direct impact on the nasal septum. Without immediate and proper attention, this can cause a deviation in the septum as development continues.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is the deviation of the nasal septum severe?

Deviated nasal septum is generally not too severe. Overall, its harm to health is not significant. Whether a deviated nasal septum is serious depends on individual differences, and one should primarily examine the specific condition inside the nasal cavity. If the degree of deviation is not severe and there are no clinical manifestations, it generally does not require specific treatment, mainly regular reviews to observe any changes. However, if the deviation is quite pronounced and accompanied by clinical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, or nosebleeds, it may be necessary to consider surgical correction. Currently, the main approach is minimally invasive surgery using an endoscope, and the overall results are quite definitive.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation refers to the condition where the cartilaginous and bony tissue of the nasal septum leans to one side, affecting one or both nasal cavities. Clinically, it primarily presents as nasal congestion. This congestion is unilateral and persistent, or it can be persistent on both sides. Additionally, nosebleeds occur because the mucous membrane on the deviated side is very thin, making it susceptible to bleeding due to friction from the airflow during breathing. Furthermore, the deviated nasal septum can irritate the turbinates, leading to nerve reflex pain and resulting in headaches. Thus, the main symptoms of nasal septum deviation include the ones listed above.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Does a deviated nasal septum need to be treated?

Deviated nasal septum is a common clinical occurrence in otolaryngology, and many people are told they have a deviated septum during a physical examination, or they feel uncomfortable with their nose and then find out they have a deviated septum when checking. Whether to treat these conditions depends on the specific circumstances. If there is no discomfort in the nose, breathing is normal, the sense of smell is unaffected, and there are no other clinical symptoms, surgery is unnecessary for a deviated septum discovered during a physical examination. However, if there are uncomfortable symptoms caused by the nasal cavity or deviated septum, and after examination, the doctor confirms that these are due to the deviated septum, then active surgical treatment is necessary. Only by correcting the deviated part can a satisfactory treatment outcome be achieved.