Does a deviated septum require hospitalization?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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The clinical treatment of a deviated nasal septum is primarily through surgical intervention, which involves the removal of the deviated cartilage and bone tissue to correct the structural deviation of the nasal septum. Therefore, hospitalization is required for the surgery, generally for about a week. According to usual procedures, the surgery is performed on the third day, followed by three to four days of intravenous fluid infusion to control and prevent infection. After discharge from the hospital post-surgery, the treatment does not end. Regular follow-up visits to the hospital are necessary to monitor the recovery from nasal mucosal inflammation and to observe the correction of the nasal septum deviation.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to correct a deviated nasal septum?

Currently, the correction of a deviated nasal septum is mainly done through surgery. However, for some patients, if the deviation is mild and without symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. Surgery for deviated nasal septum is considered only if the deviation is severe and accompanied by significant clinical symptoms. Presently, minimally invasive surgery under endoscopy, which may involve partial removal of cartilage or septal cartilage reshaping, is a common procedure in otolaryngology. The results are generally reliable and, although there are risks, they are not considered excessively high. Typically, tertiary hospitals with an otolaryngology department can perform this surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is the deviated nasal septum bone removed directly?

A deviated nasal septum refers to the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum being skewed towards one or both sides of the nasal cavities, leading to a series of symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum is usually carried out under nasal endoscopy. The surgery involves the removal of the deviated cartilage and bone tissue while preserving the mucosa. Since the mucosa is straight, this corrects the deviated nasal septum, thereby clearing the nasal passages. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches can be effectively alleviated through surgery, so for severe cases of deviated nasal septum, surgical removal is often adopted.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Manifestations of a deviated nasal septum

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, which may present clinical symptoms. The extent of these symptoms largely depends on the degree of the deviation and the individual's personal sensitivity. If the deviation is mild and not severe, it might not show any obvious symptoms and is usually discovered during physical examinations or nasopharyngoscope evaluations. Additionally, it may be accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, and a decrease in the sense of smell. If these clinical symptoms occur, it is necessary to undergo nasopharyngoscopy and sinus CT scans to assess the specific degree of nasal septum deviation. Some patients may require surgical treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone structure of the nasal septum are off to one side or both sides of the nasal cavities, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Clinically, the formation of a deviated septum is commonly caused by trauma. Other factors include congenital and acquired reasons. Congenitally, it may be due to compression during childbirth, and acquired reasons may include conditions like rhinitis or enlarged adenoids, leading to nasal dysfunction. This affects the development of the nasal septum, particularly the uneven growth of the septal cartilage and bones, which results in the deviation of the septum, primarily due to these factors.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be corrected?

Deviations in the nasal septum can be corrected through endoscopic septoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope. The aim of the surgery is to remove or correct the deviated part of the nasal septum's cartilage or bone, achieving proper alignment. Some cases of nasal septum deviation may also involve the formation of spurs, so there is a possibility of damaging the mucosa of the nasal septum during the surgery. This could result in complications such as a septal perforation or a tear in the mucosa on one side of the nose. In such cases, repositioning the mucosa or repairing the perforation generally yields good results in correcting the deviation and restoring normal nasal function.