Can a deviated septum be detected by a CT scan?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 09, 2024
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A CT scan can detect a deviated nasal septum, which is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from trauma or pressure from nasal tumors. When the nasal septum is deviated, it can cause persistent nasal congestion on both sides, as well as facial swelling, headaches, and may also lead to sinusitis or nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination using an electronic nasal endoscope and a sinus CT scan at the hospital. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe and accompanied by nasal congestion and headaches, surgical correction of the deviated septum may be necessary to completely resolve the symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated septum be detected by a CT scan?

A CT scan can detect a deviated nasal septum, which is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from trauma or pressure from nasal tumors. When the nasal septum is deviated, it can cause persistent nasal congestion on both sides, as well as facial swelling, headaches, and may also lead to sinusitis or nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination using an electronic nasal endoscope and a sinus CT scan at the hospital. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe and accompanied by nasal congestion and headaches, surgical correction of the deviated septum may be necessary to completely resolve the symptoms.

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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum cause rhinitis?

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone tissues of the nasal septum are skewed towards one side of the nasal cavity. This structural deviation can lead to nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and even headaches. If these symptoms are not present, it might be that the septum is deviated but not severely so. However, if these symptoms do appear, then it is necessary to address the deviated septum. There is an inevitable connection between a deviated septum and rhinitis, meaning a deviated septum will certainly lead to rhinitis. Rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, the presence of a deviated septum will definitely cause rhinitis. Thus, actively treating a deviated septum greatly aids in the recovery from rhinitis.