What is a Deviated Septum?
A septum in a deviated septum is the nasal septum or cartilage that divides the inside of your nose into the left and right chambers. When the septum deviates from its midline, it causes congestion and difficulty breathing in the smaller chamber and drying, which causes crusting or bleeding in the larger chamber.
In the nasal anatomy, the function of the septum directs the nasal airflow to the back of the nose and into the lungs. Without the septum, the possible turbulence inside the nasal cavity can interfere with the airflow to the lungs.
Common Causes of Deviated Septum
Most people have deviated septums that cause no to minor symptoms. However, there are causes of deviated septums that can cause significant symptoms. The following causes are:
Congenital
The deviated septum can have developmental causes. It can occur at birth due to genetic factors such as hereditary connective tissue diseases.
Nose Injury
The deviated septum can also come from traumatic causes. An injury can cause the nasal septum to be displaced to either side. Nasal injuries can occur in babies due to difficult childbirth. It can also happen to people of any age due to an accident, such as falls, fights, contact sports, automobile incidents, or rough playing.
Aging
A deviated septum is a common condition. As a person grows, the nasal septum can grow to one side than the other. As they age, the deviated septum can worsen, leading to symptoms that cause significant symptoms.
Recognizing Deviated Septum Symptoms
A deviated septum can have severe symptoms affecting a person’s everyday life.
The wider chamber of the nose, caused by a deviated septum, is more exposed to air. This exposure can lead to nasal drying, leading to nose bleeds.
The more constricted chamber, caused by a deviated septum, can result in nasal congestion. The following complications occur with nasal congestion:
- Recurring sinus infections or sinusitis
- Sinus pressure
- Headaches
- Face pain
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea or difficulty breathing during sleep
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty breathing can lead to chronic mouth breathing
- Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a dry mouth
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your symptoms above do not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter medication, you may want to see a doctor to be healthier and live more comfortably. Furthermore, symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, recurring sinus infections, and frequent nosebleeds require medical consultation.
Diagnosing a Deviated Septum
To diagnose if a person has a deviated septum, your healthcare provider will do the following procedures:
Medical History Documentation
Your healthcare provider will ask relevant questions regarding your medical history. They will ask about any previous injuries to your nose. They will also ask about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
Physical Examination
Your healthcare provider will examine the outside of your nose, including the nostrils. Then they will examine the inside of your nose using bright light (otoscope) and an instrument to widen your nostrils (nasal speculum).
Nasal Endoscopy
If further examination is needed, your healthcare provider may also perform nasal endoscopy. It can be performed in the office.
First, they apply a decongestant spray with lidocaine to prepare your nasal cavity. Lidocaine helps the patient’s comfort with its numbing properties alongside topical anesthesia.
Then they will use an extended tube scope attached with a bright light and a small camera to look inside. The tube would be connected to a monitor screen.
At the end of the procedure, they will remove the tube and apply a decongestant spray to the nasal cavity again.
CT Scan
If needed, your healthcare provider may recommend a CT scan of the nose. The imaging test can determine the seriousness of the deviated septum and the severity of the symptoms.
After the diagnosis, you may be referred to a sinus surgeon or an ENT specialist. How Sinus Surgery Can Help Correct a Deviated Septum
When medical therapy does not alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing, surgery to correct the deviated septum can be recommended.
Septoplasty involves repositioning and aligning the nasal septum to the center of the nose. With nasal septum correction, the patient can benefit by having proper airflow inside the nasal cavity. Proper nasal airflow can help alleviate symptoms such as difficulty breathing and congestion.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the surgery can be an outpatient or inpatient procedure that lasts 1-2 hours.
- First, your surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb your nose area. They will also give you general anesthesia to put you to sleep for the procedure.
- Once the anesthesia takes effect, they will separate the membrane cover of your septum. Then the surgeon will remove parts of the cartilage and bone that deviates from the center. They will then line back the membranes and suture them with dissolvable stitches.
- When the alignment is finished, your surgeon will pack or soft-splint your nose to stop the bleeding and stabilize the septum, preparing it for post-operative care. Depending on the extent of the surgery, they may also apply bandages on the outside of your nose.
In some cases, a surgeon may recommend sinus surgery to minimize sinus infections or rhinoplasty to reshape the nose.
Post-Operative Care After Nasal Surgery
After the surgery, the anesthesia will wear off after 24 hours. During that time, you should avoid driving, drinking alcohol, or making important decisions.
Because showering or bathing after the surgery during the 24 hours is not recommended, your healthcare provider will also show you how to clean your nose area with Q-tips and a cleaning solution.
After the surgery, you may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in your face and nose. Make sure to get your pain medication prescriptions filled.
Ice packs can also help minimize pain and swelling. Cover the ice packs to avoid getting your nose area wet. Sleeping while propped up on two pillows can also help lessen the swelling.
After surgery, it is recommended to rest for 24 hours. It is also essential to avoid putting any pressure on your nose. Therefore, please do not touch your nose or blow it. Exerting effort, such as heavy lifting, can pressure your face. Please avoid strenuous activities for two weeks. Your doctor may also recommend that you can go back to work after a week.
The nasal packing is commonly removed 24-36 hours after surgery, while splints are removed after 1-2 weeks.
If you experience worsening symptoms, please call your doctor:
- Heavy nosebleeds
- Worsening pain
- Difficulty breathing
- High fever
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness
Improving Your Nasal Health and Quality of Life
Regarding the prognosis after surgery, some people’s septum will deviate due to age or preexisting conditions. When that happens, another septoplasty is performed by their healthcare providers.
Most people who underwent septoplasty report relief of their symptoms. With better nasal health comes a better quality of life. People experience breathing improvement and sleep quality. Sinus surgery also alleviates chronic sinusitis, positively impacting people’s daily activities and well-being.
Expert Care and Surgical Solutions at Puget Sound Sinus Center
If you are experiencing chronic sinus disease or nasal obstruction, your healthcare provider may refer you to a sinus surgeon. As the only Fellowship trained Rhinologist and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgeon worldwide, Amy Anstead, MD, FARS, provides surgical solutions and state-of-the-art techniques to alleviate severe symptoms people experience from deviated septums.
At Puget Sound Sinus Center, we aim to provide personalized, holistic, patient-centered care for maximum comfort and healing.
A deviated septum can cause a domino effect of symptoms that can interfere with your breathing, sleeping, and health. Having performed thousands of successful complex sinus surgeries, Dr. Anstead has treated patients to a better quality of life around the globe.
Start your healing journey today by requesting an appointment with us!
