How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

In this situation, we need to consider various factors. The most common primary cause is a congenital uneven development of the nasal septum, which leads to what we call congenital deviation of the nasal septum. Another cause is abnormal development or injury acquired later in life. For example, one common issue is children who snore loudly for extended periods during sleep and breathe through their mouths; they can develop enlarged adenoids, which might cause the upper jaw to protrude. This, in turn, can lead to abnormal development and deviation of the nasal septum. Additionally, injuries often occur when children are playing or accidentally during physical activities, leading to a direct impact on the nasal septum. Without immediate and proper attention, this can cause a deviation in the septum as development continues.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Can a deviated nasal septum be left untreated without surgery?

Whether or not surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum ultimately depends on the individual's specific symptoms and the extent of the deviation. This condition, which is a very common congenital developmental abnormality, can also be caused by postnatal trauma. Deviations are very common in the human body, but not everyone requires surgery. The diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum mainly considers whether the extent of the deviation affects function or appearance, that is, whether it causes pathological changes. If the nasal septum deviation does not cause functional changes or affect appearance, then surgery is not necessary. If it causes nasal congestion or leads to complications such as rhinitis or sinusitis, or affects appearance, then surgical treatment should be considered. Therefore, whether surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum should be based on the severity and the presence of related clinical symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Does a deviated septum require hospitalization?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 8sec home-news-image

How long after septoplasty under general anesthesia can one get out of bed?

After general anesthesia surgery for a deviated nasal septum, patients can freely move in bed after 6 hours, but should wait at least 24 hours before getting out of bed and moving around to avoid the effects of the anesthesia. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by congenital abnormalities in the development of the nasal septum. This condition may lead to persistent, progressive nasal congestion on both sides, along with pain in the facial area, headaches, and a deviated nasal septum. It can also trigger nasal sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. A detailed examination at the hospital with an electronic nasal endoscope and sinus CT scan can provide a diagnosis. In terms of treatment, if a mild nasal septum deviation presents no clinical symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, if the patient suffers from nasal congestion, headaches, or other related symptoms, local surgical correction may be required. Patients typically recover and are discharged about a week after the surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
59sec home-news-image

symptoms of cancerous transformation of a deviated nasal septum

A deviated nasal septum does not lead to cancerous changes in patients. It's a condition involving a bony deviation and is a common and frequent disorder in the field of otolaryngology. Generally, a deviated nasal septum occurs due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from subsequent trauma to the nasal septum or tumors in the nasal cavity, causing local pressure and deviation to one or both sides of the septum. Following a septal deviation, patients may experience persistent nasal congestion, accompanied by nasal discharge, facial pain, and headaches. A deviated nasal septum can also trigger the occurrence of nasal polyps and sinusitis, but it does not lead to local cancerous changes. If a patient's symptoms are mild, special treatment is generally unnecessary. However, if clinical symptoms appear, corrective surgery for the deviated nasal septum can completely cure the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Is a deviated septum related to wearing glasses?

Deviated nasal septum has no relation to wearing glasses. Deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in the field of otolaryngology. It is directly related to developmental abnormalities of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage, or due to trauma to the nasal septum and pressure from nasal tumors. A deviated nasal septum can lead to persistent nasal congestion and headaches. Additionally, it may also trigger sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. Minor deviations in the nasal septum do not require any clinical treatment. However, if a patient experiences severe nasal congestion, headaches, and other related symptoms, it is necessary to visit a hospital for corrective surgery for the deviated nasal septum. A prior examination using an endoscope and sinus CT scan is needed to assess the extent of the deviation. After the surgery, it is important to keep the nasal cavity dry, avoid catching colds, and exercise regularly.