What are the dangers of deviated septum and enlarged turbinates?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 03, 2025
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Nasal septal deviation and hypertrophy of the turbinates refer to the cartilaginous and bony parts of the nasal septum leaning towards one side, or both sides, of the nasal cavity, which interferes with the normal drainage function of the nasal passage. The deviation of the nasal septum to one side can cause compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinate on the same side, primarily the enlargement of the inferior turbinate. Clinically, this is mainly manifested by symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Therefore, for severe nasal septal deviation, it is often necessary to perform a sinus CT scan to determine the degree of deviation, followed by endoscopic surgery to correct the deviation.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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 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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is a deviated septum related to wearing glasses?

Deviated nasal septum has no relation to wearing glasses. Deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in the field of otolaryngology. It is directly related to developmental abnormalities of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage, or due to trauma to the nasal septum and pressure from nasal tumors. A deviated nasal septum can lead to persistent nasal congestion and headaches. Additionally, it may also trigger sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. Minor deviations in the nasal septum do not require any clinical treatment. However, if a patient experiences severe nasal congestion, headaches, and other related symptoms, it is necessary to visit a hospital for corrective surgery for the deviated nasal septum. A prior examination using an endoscope and sinus CT scan is needed to assess the extent of the deviation. After the surgery, it is important to keep the nasal cavity dry, avoid catching colds, and exercise regularly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
46sec home-news-image

What are the dangers of deviated septum and enlarged turbinates?

Nasal septal deviation and hypertrophy of the turbinates refer to the cartilaginous and bony parts of the nasal septum leaning towards one side, or both sides, of the nasal cavity, which interferes with the normal drainage function of the nasal passage. The deviation of the nasal septum to one side can cause compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinate on the same side, primarily the enlargement of the inferior turbinate. Clinically, this is mainly manifested by symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Therefore, for severe nasal septal deviation, it is often necessary to perform a sinus CT scan to determine the degree of deviation, followed by endoscopic surgery to correct the deviation.

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home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
59sec home-news-image

symptoms of cancerous transformation of a deviated nasal septum

A deviated nasal septum does not lead to cancerous changes in patients. It's a condition involving a bony deviation and is a common and frequent disorder in the field of otolaryngology. Generally, a deviated nasal septum occurs due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from subsequent trauma to the nasal septum or tumors in the nasal cavity, causing local pressure and deviation to one or both sides of the septum. Following a septal deviation, patients may experience persistent nasal congestion, accompanied by nasal discharge, facial pain, and headaches. A deviated nasal septum can also trigger the occurrence of nasal polyps and sinusitis, but it does not lead to local cancerous changes. If a patient's symptoms are mild, special treatment is generally unnecessary. However, if clinical symptoms appear, corrective surgery for the deviated nasal septum can completely cure the condition.