How to treat a deviated nasal septum?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 28, 2024
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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.

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Will a deviated septum get worse over time?

A deviated nasal septum generally does not worsen over time, as it is often a congenital condition. From birth, the septum develops in a skewed manner, hence the likelihood of it becoming increasingly deviated is not very high, unless significant trauma occurs during growth or later in life, which could exacerbate the deviation. In the case of normal development, the deviation does not worsen. Moreover, with the physiological development of bodily functions, the nasal septum's deviation might actually improve. However, during this period, conditions such as septal effusion and spurs could potentially lead to more severe deviations.

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What medicine to take for a deviated septum?

Nasal septal deviation is a structural abnormality, primarily involving the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum leaning towards one side of the nasal cavity. Clinically, this may result in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Generally, these symptoms alone, simply due to the deviated septum, do not require any medication for treatment. However, if the symptoms caused by the deviated septum are severe, we can use some medications, such as drugs for treating rhinitis, including traditional Chinese medicine formulas like Rhino Clear Granules, and also some vitamins to enhance the quality of the nasal mucosa. The fragility of the nasal mucosa can lead to nosebleeds. Of course, a more important treatment is surgical correction of the deviated septum.

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Deviated nasal septum has symptoms such as:

Symptoms caused by a deviated nasal septum vary widely, with some people experiencing predominantly one symptom, while others may have several symptoms simultaneously. The most common symptom is nasal congestion, which can be unilateral or bilateral, depending on the type and degree of the septal deviation. If the deviation affects both sides of the nasal cavity, bilateral congestion occurs; if it affects only one side, unilateral congestion occurs. Another symptom is recurrent nosebleeds, which may be related to a protrusion formed by the deviation, causing the mucous membrane at that location to be thin and prone to erosion and bleeding. Additionally, headaches can occur due to the nasal septum deviation irritating the nasal nerve. Other symptoms include those of secondary conditions such as a runny nose and mouth breathing.

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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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How long after septoplasty under general anesthesia can one get out of bed?

After general anesthesia surgery for a deviated nasal septum, patients can freely move in bed after 6 hours, but should wait at least 24 hours before getting out of bed and moving around to avoid the effects of the anesthesia. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by congenital abnormalities in the development of the nasal septum. This condition may lead to persistent, progressive nasal congestion on both sides, along with pain in the facial area, headaches, and a deviated nasal septum. It can also trigger nasal sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. A detailed examination at the hospital with an electronic nasal endoscope and sinus CT scan can provide a diagnosis. In terms of treatment, if a mild nasal septum deviation presents no clinical symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, if the patient suffers from nasal congestion, headaches, or other related symptoms, local surgical correction may be required. Patients typically recover and are discharged about a week after the surgery.