Overview
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side. In many people, the nasal septum is off-center, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This condition can lead to various symptoms and complications.
Types of Deviated septum
- Congenital Deviated Septum: Present from birth.
- Traumatic Deviated Septum: Caused by injury or trauma to the nose.
- Acquired Deviated Septum: Develops over time due to factors like aging or chronic inflammation.
Causes of Deviated septum
- Congenital Factors: Genetic predisposition.
- Trauma: Injury to the nose (e.g., sports accidents, falls, or car crashes).
- Chronic Pressure: Polyps, tumors, or other growths pushing the septum off-center.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Marfan syndrome, homocystinuria, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Risk Factors of Deviated septum
- Family History: Genetic factors play a role.
- Injury: Any trauma to the nose.
- Age: Septal deviations may worsen over time.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants or allergens.
Symptoms of Deviated septum
1. Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
2. Nosebleeds: Dryness of the nasal septum increases the risk.
3. Facial Pain: Severe deviations may cause pressure within the nose.
4. Noisy Breathing During Sleep: Obstructed airflow contributes to snoring.
5. Awareness of Nasal Cycle: Alternating obstruction between nostrils.
6. Preference for Sleeping on a Specific Side: To optimize breathing.
Preventions of Deviated septum
- Safety Measures: Wear helmets during sports or while driving to prevent nose injuries.
- Allergy Management: Address allergies promptly to reduce inflammation.
- Avoid Irritants: Minimize exposure to pollutants and smoke.
Diagnosis of Deviated septum
- Physical Examination: Bright light and nasal speculum.
- Nasal Endoscopy: Visual assessment of the nasal septum.
- CT Scan: Detailed imaging of the nose.
Treatment for Deviated septum
- Medication:
- Decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline) to reduce swelling.
- Antihistamines (e.g., azelastine) for allergy symptoms.
- Nasal sprays (e.g., phenylephrine) to alleviate congestion.
- Surgical Options:
- Septoplasty: Repositioning the septum surgically.
- Rhinoplasty: Reshaping the nose (often combined with septoplasty).
When to seek medical attention ?
- A blocked nostril that doesn’t respond to treatment.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Recurring sinus infections.
