Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 23, 2024
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Can a deviated nasal septum undergo rhinoplasty?

A deviated nasal septum is a contraindication for rhinoplasty, as undergoing the procedure can lead to a skewed nasal bridge. Deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, generally related to abnormalities in the development of the nasal septum during embryonic stages or to acquired trauma to the nasal septum. A deviated nasal septum can lead to symptoms such as a crooked nasal bridge, persistent nasal congestion on both sides, facial swelling, pain, and headaches. It is necessary to visit a hospital for a thorough examination using an endoscope and sinus CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. During the examination, the nasal septum may be found to be deviated to one or both sides in an S-shaped or C-shaped curve. In terms of treatment, a mild deviated nasal septum may not require any intervention. However, if the patient experiences nasal congestion, headaches, and other related symptoms, local surgical treatment is necessary. Only after the nasal septum is centrally aligned through surgery, can rhinoplasty be considered.

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Can a deviated nasal septum become cancerous?

A deviated nasal septum does not lead to cancer, as the main cause of a deviated nasal septum is either congenital malformation or trauma resulting in nasal fractures or deviations. The primary site of deviation is the cartilage of the nasal septum or the posterior bony part. This may lead to narrowing of the nasal passageway, potentially causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and nosebleeds. However, overall, this condition is benign and unlikely to become cancerous. In terms of treatment, minor deviations might not require any intervention, but prominent deviations causing clinical symptoms might necessitate surgical correction.