What is a deviated nasal septum?

The septum is that which separates the two nostrils and is made of bone and cartilage. Typically, it sits at the center and divides the nostrils evenly. However, in some people, this isn’t the case. When the septum is off-center or leans to one side of the nasal cavity, it has “deviated.” Healthcare providers call this a deviated nasal septum.

How common is deviated septum?

Deviated septums are very common. It is estimated that up to 80% of people have a deviated septum.

What causes a deviated septum?

• Trauma: injuries from contact sports, fighting, or car accidents
• Developmental: Due to birth moulding or unequal growth of skull base and palate
• Mass in opposite nasal cavity
• Hereditary

What are the types of DNS?

• Anterior dislocation
• C shaped deformity
• S shaped deformity
• Septal spurs

What are the symptoms?

Most septal displacements result in no symptoms, and you may not even know you have a deviated septum. Some septal deformities, however, may cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Obstruction of one or both nostrils: This blockage can make it difficult to breathe through the nostril or nostrils. Nasal obstruction can occur on the opposite side due to swelling of tissues called turbinates. You may notice this more when you have a cold or allergies.
• Nosebleeds: The surface of your deviated nasal septum may become dry, increasing your risk of nosebleeds.
• Facial pain. A possible cause of one-sided facial pain could be a severe deviated septum in which surfaces within the nose touch and cause pressure.
• Noisy breathing during sleep: Sometimes it can be associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Headache
• Sinusitis: Inflammation of sinuses
• Preference for sleeping on a particular side. Some people may prefer to sleep on a particular side to optimize breathing through the nose at night if one nasal passage is narrowed.

How is a deviated septum diagnosed?

Healthcare provider will begin by asking questions about your symptoms. They will perform a physical exam, including a close examination of your nose by examining with a bright light into your nostrils.

A diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) may be performed to visualize the posterior end of septum.

How is a deviated septum treated?

For most cases, treatment is not necessary. For a severely deviated septum, SURGERY is the common treatment option. Other treatment options are available. They don’t resolve a deviated septum, but they can lessen the symptoms that accompany it. They are:

• decongestants
• antihistamines
• nasal steroid spray

Surgery

If your symptoms do not improve with medication or other treatment attempts, your doctor may suggest a reconstructive surgery called septoplasty.

Preparation: To prepare, you should avoid taking medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for 5 days before  the surgery. These drugs may increase your risk of bleeding. You should also stop smoking, as it can interfere with healing.

Procedure: Septoplasty  is performed under anesthesia. You may receive local or general anesthesia . During the procedure, a surgeon operates on  the septum and takes out excess cartilage or bone. This straightens the septum and your nasal passage. Silicone splints may be inserted in each nostril to support the septum. Then the incision wound  is closed with sutures.

What complications can happen?

Septoplasty is generally a safe procedure for most people who can go under anesthesia. The risks that remain include

• temporary numbness in upper gums and teeth
• septal hematoma (collection of blood)
• Bleeding
• Infection
• mild change in the shape of the nose in some cases

A deviated septum may not cause any issues and may not require treatment. In some cases, a deviated septum can lead to other complications. These include sleep apnea, snoring, congestion, difficulty breathing, infections, or nosebleeds. Severe cases may call for surgery. If  you have a deviated septum that may need treatment, discuss your options with your doctor.