What is a deviated nasal septum?

When the bone and cartilage separating your nasal cavity are not aligned, it is known as a deviated nasal septum. The left and right sides of your nasal cavity are divided by your nasal septum. You have two nostrils because of this.

Nasal septum deviation affects up to 80% of the general population. Because they don't exhibit any symptoms, some people are unaware that they have a deviated septum. However, for some people, a deviated septum can lead to headaches, breathing problems, and other problems.

What are the signs of a deviated nasal septum?

Individuals with a highly deviated septum might observe a change in the nose's shape.

Other symptoms of a deviated septum include:

Trouble breathing through one or both nasal passages.
Headaches.
Pain in the face.
Congestion in the nose.
Noisy breathing (stridor).
Nosebleeds.
Chronic sinusitis (sinus inflammation).
Snoring.
Sleep apnea.

What causes the deviated nasal septum?

A blow like a broken nose may be responsible for a deviated septum. Other causes are:

Engaging in contact sports.
Automobile accidents.
Falls.
Fights and other physical confrontations.

Some people have nasal septum distortion from birth. It may be caused by connective tissue disease or difficult deliveries.

Normal development might also result in a deviated septum. Your septum expands along with your nose and may occasionally tilt to one side. This is the most frequent reason for a deviated septum.

What are the complications of nasal deviation?

A slight deviation of the nasal septum might not result in complications. However, if your septum is significantly deviated, you could experience complications like:

Chronic sinus conditions.
Sleep apnea.
Snoring or loud breathing during sleep.
Nasal congestion.
Nosebleeds.
Dry mouth (xerostomia).

How do doctors diagnose nasal septum deviation?

A nasal speculum will be used by a physician to examine your nose. Using this portable device, a physician can view inside your nose by gently opening your nostrils. Your septum will be examined to determine whether it impacts the size of your nasal pathways.

Your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms. They will also ask you the following questions:

What are your symptoms?
How long have you had these symptoms?
Do you have trouble breathing?
Do you have disturbed sleep?
Do you snore at night?
Do you have a history of sinus or nasal congestion?

How do doctors treat a deviated septum?

It varies on how severe your condition is. Many people do not require deviated septum treatment due to having no or few symptoms. You may use medication to treat minimal symptoms. Surgery might be necessary, if a deviated nasal septum makes it impossible for you to breathe normally.

Medications

Intermittent symptoms may result from a little septal deviation. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like these to alleviate these symptoms:

Nasal decongestants.
Nasal steroid sprays.
Antihistamines.
Septoplasty

Septoplasty is the most popular deviated septum treatment. If you have breathing difficulties, recurring sinus infections or other uncomfortable symptoms, a septoplasty might be right for you.

A surgeon remodels your septum during a septoplasty. This can include removing or adding bone and cartilage.

Usually, septoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure lasts between 30 to 90 minutes.

Can I prevent nasal septum deviation?

Some people are born with a deviated septum. Other people develop a deviated septum during childhood development. You cannot avoid nasal septum deviation in these individuals.

If you do not currently have a deviated septum, there are steps you can take to decrease your risk:

Wear protective equipment (such as a midface mask and helmet) when engaging in contact sports.
Always buckle up.

What can I expect if I have a deviated septum?

If you have mild symptoms, you might be able to treat them with over-the-counter medications.

Severe illness is sometimes treated by surgery. If you're having trouble breathing, have constant nosebleeds or ongoing congestion in your nose; ask your health care provider whether surgery can help.

When should I visit a doctor?

Speak to a doctor if symptoms bother you so much that you're having trouble breathing, interrupting your sleep or worsening other functions.

When should I visit the emergency room?

If you believe that your nose is broken, you must visit your local emergency room (ER) for treatment. They can fix your broken nasal septum immediately if you have one.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for deviated nasal septum treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers Deviated Nasal Septum Treatment in Lucknow, India. We have experienced team of ENT specialists and surgeons skilled in advanced septoplasty procedures. We provide accurate diagnosis, personalized care, and modern surgical solutions for patients facing breathing difficulty, snoring, or sinus problems due to nasal septum deviation.