Can a deviated septum be seen from the outside?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 05, 2025
00:00
00:00

A deviated nasal septum is not apparent externally; it requires a hospital examination including a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan for a definitive diagnosis. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, with about 90% of people having some degree of deviation. This condition is mainly due to abnormal nasal septum development during the embryonic stage or due to trauma to the nasal septum or compression from nasal tumors occurring later. When the nasal septum deviates to one or both sides, it primarily causes persistent, progressive nasal obstruction on both sides. It also accompanies symptoms like mucous nasal discharge, a sense of swelling or a foreign body in the nasal cavity, facial pain, and headaches. A deviated nasal septum can also lead to complications such as sinusitis and nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed at a hospital with a nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scan. Treatment involves surgical correction of the deviated nasal septum, which can cure the condition.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 10sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 5sec home-news-image

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.