Nasal septum deviation, general anesthesia or local anesthesia?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 29, 2024
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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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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative Care for Deviated Septum Surgery

Postoperative care after septoplasty mainly involves the following points: Since nasal packing is generally required after septal surgery, the physical condition of the person is quite painful during this period. Some people may experience headaches, continuous nasal discharge or even bleeding, nasal congestion, and some might even feel ear stuffiness and dry throat, etc. Therefore, it is important to rest after the surgery. Also, it is important not to be too anxious or impatient, cooperate with the doctor for appropriate treatment, and not to worry too much about recurrent symptoms of nasal bleeding, as these are normal occurrences. Once the nasal packing is removed, these symptoms will gradually improve. After the nasal packing is removed, care should be taken not to blow the nose forcefully, especially to avoid sneezing vigorously, as this may cause complications like nasal septal hematoma. After stitches are removed, it is crucial to avoid pressing on the nasal bridge forcefully, as protecting the nose in this way is key to ensuring proper nasal shape development.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be left untreated without surgery?

Whether or not surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum ultimately depends on the individual's specific symptoms and the extent of the deviation. This condition, which is a very common congenital developmental abnormality, can also be caused by postnatal trauma. Deviations are very common in the human body, but not everyone requires surgery. The diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum mainly considers whether the extent of the deviation affects function or appearance, that is, whether it causes pathological changes. If the nasal septum deviation does not cause functional changes or affect appearance, then surgery is not necessary. If it causes nasal congestion or leads to complications such as rhinitis or sinusitis, or affects appearance, then surgical treatment should be considered. Therefore, whether surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum should be based on the severity and the presence of related clinical symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink alcohol with a deviated nasal septum?

Deviated nasal septum should not be associated with excessive drinking. Deviated nasal septum occurs either from abnormal development during the embryonic stage or from later trauma to the nasal cavity or tumor compression, leading to the septum bending to one side. This condition can cause persistent nasal congestion, which progressively worsens over time. Moreover, when the deviation of the nasal septum is severe, it can lead to thinning of the nasal septum mucosa. Drinking alcohol can cause the nasal mucosa to become congested and swollen, which may lead to the rupture of local blood vessels and severe nasal bleeding. Since the blood vessels in the nasal septum are arteries, the bleeding can be substantial. Therefore, it is crucial for patients not to consume alcohol. If a patient experiences severe nasal congestion and significant nasal bleeding, they should seek medical treatment for correction of the deviated septum, which can be curative.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.