About Deviated Septum

Overview

A deviated septum happens when the thin wall inside the nose that separates the two sides is off-center or crooked. Normally, the nasal septum is straight and divides the nose into two equal parts. However, in a deviated septum, the septum is tilted or shifted to one side, causing one nasal passage to be smaller than the other. This can lead to various symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, reduced airflow, and increased risk of nosebleeds. A deviated septum can be present from birth or result from an injury to the nose. While anti-inflammatory medications may provide temporary relief, surgical correction through a procedure called septoplasty is often required for long-term improvement in airflow and symptom relief. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Causes and Risk Factors

The root causes of a deviated septum include:

• Congenital: Some people are born with a deviated septum, which means it is present from birth.
• Trauma: An injury to the nose, such as from contact sports, fighting, or car accidents, can cause a deviated septum.
• Age-related changes: A deviated septum can worsen over time due to the natural aging process.

Non-modifiable risk factors for a deviated septum cannot be changed or controlled. This includes:

• Congenital factors: If you were born with a deviated septum, you cannot modify this risk factor.

Modifiable risk factors for a deviated septum can be influenced or changed. These include:

• Trauma prevention: Taking precautions to avoid injuries to the nose, such as wearing protective gear during contact sports or practicing safe driving habits, can help reduce the risk of developing a deviated septum.
• Nasal care: Keeping the nasal passages moist and avoiding excessive nose blowing may help prevent further damage to the nasal septum.

Remember, these risk factors can increase your chances of developing a deviated septum, but they do not guarantee its occurrence. If you suspect you have a deviated septum or have concerns about your nasal health, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of a deviated septum include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Nasal blockage, often more intense on one side
• Nasal congestion
• Frequent sinus infections
• Noisy breathing while sleeping
• Snoring

As the deviated septum progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur:

• Facial pain
• Postnasal drip
• Headaches
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Frequent crusting or dryness in the nose
• Whistling noise while inhaling or exhaling
• Tendency to sleep on one side, often the side opposite the blocked nasal passage

In severe cases, sleep apnea may also develop. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, frequent nosebleeds, or if your quality of life is affected by breathing difficulty. Remember to consult with your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a deviated septum, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will visually examine your nostrils using a nasal speculum to assess the placement of the septum and its impact on nostril size.
• Medical history: Your doctor will ask questions about your sleep patterns, snoring, sinus problems, and difficulty breathing to gather more information about your symptoms.

Additional examinations, tests, and procedures to determine the severity of a deviated septum may include:

• Imaging studies: Computed tomography (CT) scans can provide a detailed view of the shape of the nasal septum, which helps doctors see how serious the blockage in the nose is.
• Objective indicators: Health care providers may look for clear ways to measure how sever the nasal blockage is. These indicators can support decisions for septoplasty (surgical correction of a deviated septum).

It's important to consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine the appropriate course of action. They will recommend specific examinations, tests, and procedures based on your individual situation.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for a deviated septum are to alleviate symptoms and improve nasal airflow. Here are the recommended treatments and how they work:

• Medication types:
  • Steroid sprays: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, helping to relieve congestion and improve breathing.
  • Antihistamines: Help reduce allergic reactions that can worsen symptoms of a deviated septum.
  • Decongestants: Temporarily shrink swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion.
• Therapies:
  • Nasal dilators: These devices help open up the nasal passages, allowing for improved airflow.
  • Saline irrigations: Rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution helps remove mucus and reduce congestion.
• Therapeutic procedures:
  • Septoplasty: For severe cases, surgery may be recommended to straighten the deviated septum, improving airflow and reducing symptoms.
• Health behavior changes:
  • Reduce exposure to irritants and allergens: This can help minimize symptoms and prevent making symptoms worse.

It's important to consult with your doctor before starting any medication or therapy. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific condition.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.